There’s nothing quite like hitting the road for an adventure, whether it’s camping under the stars, tailgating with friends, or just a long-haul road trip. But anyone who’s done it knows the constant struggle: keeping food and drinks properly chilled. Warm drinks are disappointing, and spoiled food is an expensive, frustrating problem that can ruin a trip. I’ve been there, relying on melting ice chests and constantly having to drain water and replenish ice, wishing there was a better way to ensure everything stayed perfectly cold.
For anyone who spends significant time on the road, camping, boating, or working in a vehicle, the need for reliable mobile refrigeration becomes obvious. You’re looking for a way to keep perishables at safe temperatures without the hassle and mess of traditional ice chests. The ideal customer for a portable electric cooler is someone who values convenience, wants to save money on buying ice, aims to avoid food spoilage, and needs flexible temperature control (fridge or freezer). This isn’t really for someone who just needs to keep a few cans cold for a short commute; they’d likely be better off with a small passive cooler. Before investing in a product like the BougeRV portable car fridge, you need to think about capacity (how much food/drink do you need?), the temperature range required (do you need freezing?), power options (what sources will you use – 12V, 24V, AC?), energy efficiency (how much power does it draw?), size and portability (will it fit in your vehicle?), noise level (is it running while you sleep?), and importantly, battery protection to avoid draining your vehicle’s battery.
- Certification: With CE and FCC certification, the Refrigerator encloses 2-year tech support for the compressor and other accessories. If you have any questions, please get in touch with BougeRV FIRST,...
- Large Capacity: This 12v Portable Refrigerator has a 42QT large capacity to serve you and your family enough food for one-week trips. With a temp range of -4 ℉ to 50 ℉, it can be used as a freezer...
- Fast Cooling Down to -4℉: With Compressor refrigeration technology, this 12 v car freezer could achieve 15 minutes of fast cooling from 77℉ to 32℉ and 60 min from 77℉ to -4℉, keeping your...
Presenting the BougeRV 42 Quart Refrigerator
The BougeRV 12V Refrigerator Fridge Freezer Portable Car Fridge 42 Quart Electric Cooler is designed to be your reliable companion for keeping things cold or even frozen on the go. It promises rapid cooling and efficient operation, freeing you from the constant need for ice. When you purchase it, you typically receive the 42-quart unit itself, along with both DC (12V/24V) and AC (110-240V) power cords, and a user manual. This particular electric cooler is perfect for families on longer trips, truck drivers, RVers, campers, and anyone needing a significant amount of refrigerated or frozen storage away from home. It might be more capacity than a solo traveler needs unless they require freezer space for extended periods.
Here are some key pros and cons based on my experience and available information:
Pros:
* Offers a wide temperature range (-4°F to 50°F), functioning as both a car freezer and a fridge.
* Compressor technology allows for genuinely fast cooling.
* Dual power options (AC/DC) make it versatile for use in vehicles or plugged in at home/hotel.
* Includes a 3-level battery protection system.
* Relatively low noise level during operation.
Cons:
* The internal temperature display might not be perfectly accurate, requiring manual checks with a thermometer.
* Insulation could be better; performance is significantly enhanced with an optional insulated cover.
* Requires manual defrosting, and melted ice/condensation pools need to be absorbed periodically.
* Its height might make it challenging to fit in some vehicle trunks or under certain seats.
- What You Get: The CR22 12V refrigerator comes with a 2-year Tech Support. If you have any questions about the product, please REACH OUT TO BougeRV, as we provide friendly Tech Support. Package...
- Package Inclusions & 2 Year Tech Support; EUHOMY electric cooler is equipped with 110/240V AC and 12/24V DC adapters and can be used at home or in the car for a variety of use scenarios. The portable...
- Package Inclusions & 2 Year Tech Support; EUHOMY electric cooler is equipped with 100/240V AC and 12/24V DC adapters and can be used at home or in the car for a variety of use scenarios. The car...
Features & Benefits Explained
Having used the BougeRV 42 Quart Electric Cooler for a substantial period across numerous trips, I’ve gotten a real feel for its capabilities and limitations. Let’s dive into the specifics.
Generous 42 Quart Capacity
The 42-quart capacity is a game-changer. It translates to roughly 40 liters or 1.41 cubic feet. This isn’t a massive chest freezer, but it’s certainly enough space for a weekend camping trip for a family, or a week’s worth of food for one or two people. I can easily fit groceries like milk cartons, produce, sandwich meats, and still have room for drinks. When using it as a car freezer, it holds a decent amount of frozen meals, meats, or even multiple bags of ice cream. The benefit here is clear: fewer trips to the grocery store or convenience store, more time enjoying your activity, and the ability to bring healthier, home-prepared meals. It eliminates the space taken up by bulky ice bags in a traditional cooler, maximizing usable storage volume.
Versatile Temperature Range and Rapid Cooling
One of the most impressive features is the wide temperature range, from -4°F (-20°C) up to 50°F (10°C). This flexibility is crucial. I can set it to refrigerator temperatures (say, 35-40°F) for drinks and fresh food, or drop it down to freezing (-4°F) for items I need to keep solid for much longer trips. The speed at which it reaches the target temperature is genuinely fast, thanks to its compressor. Plugging it into AC power at home before a trip, it can get from room temperature down to 32°F in about 15-20 minutes, and reach freezing temperatures around 0°F in about an hour. This means less waiting around and more efficient packing. The benefit is that your food and drinks are kept at the *exact* temperature you need, maintaining freshness and safety, without any soggy, ice-melt issues. No ice also means no more fishing around in freezing water for your items.
Flexible Power Options and Energy Efficiency
The ability to run on 12V or 24V DC power from a vehicle’s outlet, as well as standard 110-240V AC power, makes the BougeRV 12V Refrigerator incredibly versatile. I can plug it into the car cigarette lighter socket while driving, switch to AC power at a campsite with hookups or in a hotel room, or even connect it to a portable power station or solar setup when truly off-grid. The intelligent cycle work of the compressor means it doesn’t run constantly once it hits the set temperature, cycling on and off to maintain it efficiently. It offers both ECO and MAX power modes. While MAX cools faster, ECO mode is remarkably efficient, drawing less than 45W. Even running as a freezer around 0°F in warm ambient temperatures, the average power consumption over 24 hours is quite low, often less than 1 kWh per day depending on how often it’s opened and the ambient temperature. This efficiency is key, especially when relying on battery power, extending your runtime significantly compared to less efficient units.
Reliable Battery Protection System
This is a critical feature, especially for vehicle-based users. The 3-level battery monitor ensures that the BougeRV car fridge won’t completely drain your vehicle’s starting battery. You can set the protection level (High, Medium, Low) based on your battery type and how cautious you want to be. Once the vehicle’s battery voltage drops below the selected threshold, the cooler automatically shuts off. This provides peace of mind, guaranteeing you can still start your car or truck after leaving the cooler plugged in for extended periods while the engine is off. For those using it with a separate leisure battery or portable power station, this feature is also valuable for managing discharge.
Quiet Operation
Nobody wants a noisy appliance running constantly, especially in a vehicle or tent where space is confined. The BougeRV electric cooler is designed to operate at a low noise level, rated around 45dB. In practice, I’ve found it to be very quiet. You can definitely hear the compressor when it kicks on, but it’s more of a low hum than a disruptive noise. In a moving vehicle, you won’t notice it at all. Even when parked in a quiet campground, it’s unobtrusive enough that it doesn’t disturb sleep. This is a significant benefit for overnight trips, allowing you to rest comfortably while your food stays cold.
Portability and Design Considerations
Measuring 25.8″ D x 13.6″ W x 17.4″ H and weighing around 36 pounds when empty, the 42 quart capacity portable refrigerator is indeed portable, though perhaps more easily moved by two people when full. Its chest-style design with a single top-opening lid is efficient for keeping cold air in, as cold air sinks. The dimensions mean it can fit in the back of an SUV, truck bed, or RV. However, its height (17.4 inches) is something to consider. It won’t fit under low truck tonneau covers and, as some users have noted, might be too tall to fit in the trunk of some sedans or even sit upright in certain spots in a van without careful placement. It’s crucial to ensure adequate ventilation space around the cooling vents, as restricting airflow will significantly hamper performance and efficiency. The included wire basket is a nice touch, helping to organize contents and keep items from direct contact with the coldest walls, which can sometimes lead to freezing even if the main compartment is set to fridge temperatures. This brings us to a couple of points noted by users.
Points to Be Aware Of
While overall performance is strong, there are minor drawbacks. The built-in temperature gauge, while functional, might not provide pinpoint accuracy. Many users, myself included, recommend using a separate thermometer inside to verify the actual internal temperature, especially when setting it near freezing or for sensitive items. You might need to set the control a few degrees lower or higher than desired to achieve the perfect internal temp, learning its quirks over time.
Another area where improvement could be made is insulation. While the unit itself is insulated, its efficiency, particularly in high ambient temperatures or when frequently opened, is noticeably boosted by adding an insulating cover (often sold separately). This cover helps the compressor run less often, saving power and maintaining more stable internal temperatures. Consider factoring the cost of a cover into your budget if you anticipate using the BougeRV electric cooler in challenging conditions.
Lastly, like many compressor-based fridges, it requires manual defrosting over time as frost builds up, especially in humid environments or when used as a freezer. Condensation and melted frost collect in two small wells at the bottom. These don’t have a drain plug, so you need to absorb the water with a cloth periodically. While not a major issue for shorter trips, it’s something to factor in for extended travel or living in a vehicle.
User Experiences Shared
Based on feedback from other long-term users, the sentiment around the BougeRV 42 Quart Electric Cooler is largely positive, echoing my own findings. People appreciate its ability to maintain consistently cold temperatures, even in very hot weather, eliminating the need for ice entirely. Many highlight the quiet operation, mentioning they can barely hear it running, even indoors. The dual power inputs are frequently praised for their convenience. Some users have successfully integrated it into complex off-grid power setups using solar panels and portable power stations, reporting efficient power draw that allows for extended runtimes. While some confirm the temperature gauge might be slightly off and recommend an external thermometer, this is seen as a minor calibration issue rather than a critical flaw. The importance of adequate ventilation and the benefit of the insulated cover are also commonly mentioned points. Notably, one user shared a challenging experience with a faulty unit but reported excellent customer service from BougeRV, who replaced the cooler promptly, restoring confidence in the product and brand support. The overall consensus is that it’s a reliable, effective portable refrigerator freezer that significantly upgrades the mobile food/drink storage experience.
Concluding Thoughts
Reliably keeping food and drinks cold or frozen while traveling can be a significant challenge, leading to spoiled groceries, wasted money, and frustrating messes from melting ice. The BougeRV 12V Refrigerator Fridge Freezer 42 Quart Electric Cooler offers a powerful solution to this problem. It’s a great fit because of its versatile temperature range, allowing it to function as both a fridge and a freezer, its convenient dual power options for use anywhere, and its built-in battery protection to safeguard your vehicle. If you’re tired of dealing with ice chests and want the convenience of proper refrigeration on the go, this unit is definitely worth considering. To learn more or make a purchase, click here to check it out!
Last update on 2025-09-10 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API