Car fridges for road trips, camping and tailgating
Valuhub's car fridges collection offers 12 volt portable refrigerators and electric coolers for the road. Each model keeps food and drinks cold and runs on vehicle DC power or a household outlet. Sizes range from 12 to 48 quarts, and four models add app control.
These fridges suit road trippers, campers, tailgaters and anyone who hauls groceries in a truck or SUV. For ice-based storage, compare our cooler boxes. Add gear from camping supplies to complete the trip kit.
Car fridges at a glance
Types of car fridges in this collection
Mid-size car fridges (32 to 42 QT)
Mid-size models are the largest group in this range. They hold 32 to 42 QT (30 to 40 L), enough food and drinks for a weekend for two. The group includes app-controlled models and plain electric coolers, mostly in black with one orange option. Each portable car fridge here suits a truck, an SUV or a camping trip.
Compact car coolers (12 to 26 QT)
Compact car coolers hold 12, 17 or 26 QT (11 to 25 L). They fit a back seat or a small cargo area. They keep lunch and drinks cold on a commute or day trip. The 26 QT model has app control. The 17 QT model reaches 50°F (10°C) at its warmest setting, while the others reach 68°F (20°C).
Large dual zone car fridge (48 QT)
The 48 QT dual zone car fridge (45 L) is the largest model in the range. Dual zone means two compartments that can hold different temperatures. Drinks and frozen food can sit side by side. It has app control and runs on 12/24V DC or 100-240V AC.
Models with app control
Four models add app control, so you can check and change the temperature from your phone. This helps when the fridge sits in a trunk or under camp gear. The app models cover 26, 32, 42 and 48 QT. Check each product page for how the app connects.
Check each product page for exact outside dimensions, weight and what is included.
How do you choose a car fridge?
Match the car refrigerator size to the trip
Pick 12 to 17 QT (11 to 16 L) for lunch and drinks. Pick 26 to 32 QT (25 to 30 L) for a weekend for two. Pick 42 to 48 QT (40 to 45 L) for groups or longer trips.
Check the power inputs
Look for 12/24V DC for vehicles and 100-240V AC for home. Every fridge in this range accepts both. Pre-cool the fridge at home on AC before loading food, which reduces battery use in the vehicle.
Protect the vehicle battery
A fridge draws power while the engine is off. Check for battery protection on the product page. Avoid running it for days on a starter battery. A separate portable power station can help.
Plan the temperature range
Most models reach -4°F (-20°C), so they work as a car fridge freezer for frozen items. Use adjustable temperature settings. Set a warmer level for drinks to save power.
Measure your cargo space
Measure the trunk or seat area in centimetres and inches. Leave room for airflow around the vents. Confirm the outside dimensions on the product page before you order.
Where do car fridges work best?
Road trips are the core use for a 12V car fridge. It keeps groceries, lunches and drinks cold without bagged ice, so food stays dry. Models with 12/24V DC input plug into a truck or SUV. The AC input handles hotel rooms and home.
Camping and tailgating are the next best fits. A mid-size fridge holds food for a weekend, and app control lets you check the temperature from your seat. Browse camping supplies for stoves, chairs and more.
A car fridge also works in a garage, a workshop or a spare room. For a permanent kitchen or basement unit, see refrigerators, freezers and ice makers.
How do you set up and care for a car fridge?
Place the fridge on a flat, secured spot and leave space around the vents. Pre-cool it at home, then load cold food. Wipe the inside with a damp cloth and mild soap. Dry it and store it with the lid open. Keep it out of direct sun when the vehicle is parked.
Shipping and returns at Valuhub Canada: orders over $150 ship free across Canada. Delivery details show on each product page. Returns are accepted within 14 days of delivery under our refund policy.
Car fridge FAQs
Does a car fridge drain the car battery?
A car fridge can drain a car battery if it runs for many hours with the engine off. Check for battery protection on the product page, pre-cool the fridge at home, and avoid long parked runs. A portable power station can supply the fridge instead of the starter battery.
Is a 12V fridge worth it?
A 12V fridge is worth it if you travel often, camp or tailgate and want cold food without ice. It avoids soggy packaging and bagged ice. It also lets you set an exact temperature. For one-day trips with drinks only, a simple cooler box may be enough.
How long will a 12V fridge run on a car battery?
Run time depends on the fridge, the battery size, the temperature setting and the weather. A fridge in a hot vehicle works harder. Check the power use and battery protection on the product page, and avoid relying on the starter battery overnight.
Can I leave my 12V fridge plugged in all the time?
Yes, you can leave a fridge on household power at home, because the models here accept 100-240V AC. In a vehicle, plug it in only while the engine runs, or use a power station. Leaving it on a starter battery for days risks a flat battery.
What is the best size for a car fridge?
The best size depends on trip length and group size. A 12 to 17 QT (11 to 16 L) fridge suits lunch and drinks. A 26 to 32 QT (25 to 30 L) fridge suits a weekend for two. A 42 to 48 QT (40 to 45 L) fridge suits groups and longer trips.
What is the difference between a car fridge and a car cooler?
A car cooler is a broad term for any cooling box used in a vehicle, including ice-based coolers. A car fridge usually holds a set temperature on vehicle power. The models in this range are electric. They run on 12/24V DC or 100-240V AC and list temperature ranges down to -4°F (-20°C).









