Planning a setup that includes a 12V fridge?
Whether you’re building out your touring canopy, fitting out a tradie rig, or just want cold drinks at camp — having a properly mounted and powered fridge is one of the best upgrades you can make.
Here’s a straightforward guide to getting it right — from choosing your fridge and slide, to wiring it up with gear from Elevate Automotive. No fluff, no tech talk overload — just what actually works.
Start with the Right Fridge
First thing: pick the right size. Most setups we see use something between 40L and 75L. For weekenders or solo camping, a 45L–55L single zone is usually plenty. Going longer or travelling with the fam? A dual-zone 60L or bigger is the way to go — gives you a proper freezer for meat or ice.
You’ll find brands like Evakool, Dometic, and Engel are built to last and handle corrugations.
Get It Sliding (The Easy Way)
Access is everything. A drop slide like the MSA DS60 makes life way easier, especially on lifted utes or in high canopy setups. It lowers the fridge down to you — no stretching, no awkward angles, just cold beers within reach.
If you don’t need the drop, a fixed fridge slide keeps things simple and secure.
Powering It Right 🔋
This is where people trip up. Your fridge needs a reliable power source that’ll handle daily use. On average, a 12V fridge pulls around 30–50Ah per day, depending on ambient temp and how often it’s opened.
To run it properly, you’ll need:
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A lithium battery (we recommend Amptron 100–150Ah)
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A DC-DC charger like the Redarc BCDC1225D to charge while driving
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A fuse or circuit breaker near the battery (always fuse at the source)
Add solar if you’re staying put for more than a day or two — 200W of fixed or portable solar panels is plenty for most fridges.
Cabling Matters
Don’t skimp here. Run at least 6mm² cable to the fridge and use proper connectors like an Anderson plug or heavy-duty 12V socket. Long cable runs or thin wiring = voltage drop = warm food.
Also make sure your slide has cable relief or a loom that doesn’t pinch or stretch every time you pull it out.
Smart Monitoring = Peace of Mind
If you’re running lithium or solar, having a battery monitor is gold. The Victron SmartShunt or BMV-712 gives you real-time voltage, amps, and usage — right to your phone via Bluetooth. Know how much juice you’ve got left without guessing.
Example Setup for a Touring Canopy
Let’s say you’ve got a dual-cab ute with a canopy, and you’re setting it up for weekend trips and the odd longer tour. Your gear list might look like:
✔️ 60L dual-zone fridge (Evakool or Dometic)
✔️ MSA DS60 drop slide
✔️ Amptron 150Ah lithium battery
✔️ Redarc BCDC1225D charger
✔️ Victron SmartShunt
✔️ Anderson outlet wired directly to fridge slide
✔️ KT 200W solar panel on canopy or roof rack
That’ll run a fridge and charge devices for days with no dramas.
Final Tips Before You Hit the Road
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Pre-cool the fridge at home on 240V before your trip — it’ll draw less power on day one
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Tie it down properly — ratchet straps or slide tie-downs, not bungee cords
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Watch ventilation — leave space around the compressor so it doesn’t overheat
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Keep it out of the sun — install shade or insulation if it’s mounted up high
Wrap-Up: Cold Drinks, Sorted
Installing a fridge in your 4x4 or canopy build doesn’t need to be complicated. Use the right cable, quality components, and don’t cut corners on battery or charging gear. Whether you DIY it or want a full install — we’ve got you covered.
Check out the full range of fridge slides, lithium batteries, solar gear, and install parts at ElevateAuto.com.au, or hit us up for a custom 12V fit-out.
