Best Fridges For Off-Roading And Overlanding

When you are finally ready to upgrade from an ice cooler, you should invest in one of the best 12-volt fridges for off-roading and overlanding. These fridge are not cheap, but they are worth every penny for the convenience of never having to deal with melting ice again.

A pair of SUV's off-roading at Trona Pinnacles, Best Fridges For Off-Roading

No more soggy, waterlogged foods ruining another meal while you are out on a trip. In addition they are built with durable construction to handle the extreme vibrations and bumps off road.

With efficient compressor cooling, and loads of thoughtful features, you are sure to be pleased with one of these best fridges for off-roading and overlanding.

This post may contain affiliate links. Disclosure policy.

Dometic CFX Series Fridge Freezer

The current Dometic CFX Series of fridge freezers are the most popular lineup of fridges for off-roading. They really stand apart from the competition by offering the most energy-efficient compressor on the market, only drawing 1.43 Amps per hour. Other notable features include durable construction, bluetooth connectivity, dual-zone models, and battery protection.

Most energy-efficient compressor
AC/DC Compatible
Dual Zone Models Available
Bluetooth Connectivity
USB ports for device charging
Warranty: 2 Years

Check Price

ARB Zero Fridge Freezer

The ARB Zero Fridge Freezer is the newest addition to the ARB lineup. It improves on the success of the ARB Classic Series. It’s made with durable construction and a highly efficient compressor. It’s designed to be mounted inside your vehicle.

It’s available in 38qt, 47qt, 63qt, 73qt, and 103qt models. The larger 73qt and 101qt models now offer a dual-zone fridge and freezer. You can set individual temperatures for each compartment with your smartphone. It can be powered with either DC or AC for maximum flexibility.

Pair with an ARB slider mount to allow the fridge to easily slide in and out of the trunk or bed.

Energy-efficient compressor
AC/DC Compatible
Dual Zone Models Available
Bluetooth Connectivity
Burst Mode for rapid cooling
USB ports for device charging
Detachable Lid (Reversible on 73-103qt)
Warranty: 3 Years

Check Price

ARB Elements Weatherproof 63qt Fridge Freezer

The ARB Elements Weatherproof Fridge is the best choice for fridges that need to survive the elements. It’s designed to handle 365 days mounted on a truck bed, or deck of a boat.

It achieves this durability with a stainless steel body and hinges, anodized aluminum latches, UV resistant trim, and protected electrical connections.

The single zone chest is capable of running as a fridge or freezer but not both simultaneously.

It’s designed with special security features to give you peace of mind that your prized off-roading fridge will be protected from theft and tampering. It includes and padlock recess and optional bolt-down mounting. And the touchpad has a passcode to prevent tampering.

Fully Weatherproof
Energy-efficient compressor
AC/DC Compatible
Gas strut holds lid open
Warranty: 3 Years

Check Price

Engel 40qt Fridge Freezer

The Engel 40qt Fridge Freezer is another one of the quality fridges for off-roading. They are famous for having the most reliable compressor, with only one moving part. This is what helps Engel compressors run for years and years without issue. They are also very efficient, just barely behind the Dometic CFX series. The main issue with them is that the plastic latches seem to be a common failure point that is not covered under warranty.

Energy-efficient compressor
AC/DC Compatible
Removable handles
Warranty: 3 Years

Check Price

Conclusion | Best Fridges For off-Roading

So, with several great options to choose from, which is the best?

The bottom line is that the Dometic CFX Series edges out the competition with it’s superior energy-efficiency. This means you can run the fridge longer with less power. This can be a big factor for smaller off-road vehicles that have less space for solar panels, extra batteries, etc. So if you desire to power the fridge directly off your vehicles starter battery, then a Dometic CFX is the best.

If you need a fridge that can be outside and handle the elements, then the ARB Elements fridge is the best option. Unlike the others, it is capable of spending it’s whole life outside with getting damaged.

Or the size and shape of the fridge may inform your decision. Dometic and ARB both offer various sizes of fridges for off-roading. So depending on your needs, and if you want to have a freezer, that can become the deciding factor. And the ARB Zero fridges tend to be more tall and skinny, while the Dometic CFX fridges are longer and wider. So depending on the space that you have available, one fridge may be a better fit.

Best Budget-Friendly Fridges For a Campervan Pin

Too Expensive? There are some fridges that cost less than half as much. But they may be lacking the same ruggedness, quality construction, and warranty coverage as the best fridges for off-roading. Check out my choices for Best Budget-Friendly Fridges.