BEST FRIDGE FOR VAN LIFE | fridges for van living

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Wondering what fridge to get to live in a van? We’ve got you covered with the best fridge for van life.
After building out 10 van conversion, we’ve dealt with the two main types of 12 volt fridges for a van:
1.Upright Style
2. Cooler Style
We'll discuss some of the pros and cons of these fridges for van life and how we typically build a fridge into the kitchen cabinet.
You can read more about the best fridge for van life here: saraandalexjames.com/vanlife-...
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100ah Battle Born Batteries: amzn.to/2Gt8GM0
3000 watt Victron Inverter Charger: amzn.to/2GhrufQ
Farmhouse Sink: amzn.to/2DhEUYC
Faucet: amzn.to/2Nj2NX7
Separett Urine Diverting Toilet: amzn.to/2Is0rC1
30 gallons of Fresh Water storage: amzn.to/2InYMNB
2.5 gallon Electric Water Heater: amzn.to/2V5oQmE
Aeropress: amzn.to/2KC93qh
Electric Kettle: amzn.to/2zau9Yu
Hand Vacuum: amzn.to/2z42OXT
Tech Towels: amzn.to/2KDQq24
Sun Shade: amzn.to/2Ni8iBf
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Sony A6300: amzn.to/2PpmWI1
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Drone: amzn.to/2NcPJ5k
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➳ WHO ARE WE?
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[@SaraandAlexJames]

Read more pros and cons of each style of fridge here: bit.ly/3cPvyCq

[@robinrutschman]

Your video talks about Isotherm(sp?) but your link only shows Domedic. Where is a link to an Isotherm Regrigerator????

[@007nadineL]

Thx. So much

[@leanavine]

I like your reasoning about the fridges - but so many of them are at floor level, and then you have to get on your knees to see everything... raising it up seems much better to me, too

[@dvfreelancer]

There's a clever alternative to those expensive Dometics. Van dwellers take a 5 cu foot chest freezer and add a thermostat that cuts off the power at refrigerator temps. Yes, the inverter runs all the time, but the draw is extremely low because freezers are insulated much better. The total cost is around $300 and you can find a replacement, literally, anywhere on the road.

[@Majaandola]

The difference with tests done between isotherm upright fridges vs dometic. Is that the compressor seems to run almost constantly on the Isotherm. Meanwhile on the dometic it runs 30% of the time. (This is tests done during nighttime when the fridge is not in use). I would not go for Isotherm😅

[@jameswebber-salmon7105]

This is the video I wanted to see; how a fridge looks inside a van, and actually looking inside the fridge. So many video demonstrations on Amazon just show the outside with specs. Thank you for this video. Plus, your links to essential van life stuff are just what I need, as I'm investing into building a tiny home on wheels and want all the essentials + some homey comforts. Thank you!

[@cajun221]

Thanks for being so generous & sharing... Not sure if I'll ever build one.. But I love watching van build & small homes..

[@CallumTash]

Very timely as we’re looking at fridges for our build right now!

[@SaraandAlexJames]

Awesome! Glad it helped!

[@tumbleweed1976]

Exactly the content, data and perspective I was looking for. Thank you.

[@dizzyadventure4661]

We love the Isotherm fridge you guys installed in our van. So sleek and functional and works great! Definitely nice to have a fridge that doesn't require the inverter!

[@yo5366]

Is there a freezer in it? Can it fit ice cream?

[@dizzyadventure4661]

@@yo5366 It has a small freezer. You could probably fit a small container of ice cream if it were the only thing in there. We can fit 2 frozen meals and wedge something small on the side. Or lots of frozen cookies ;)

[@ericlawrence9729]

Awsome info, thanks for posting, best channel for van life. Keep up the great work.

[@findingcaroline2032]

THANK YOU!!!! I have been sitting on my fridge choice for 3 weeks now. Isotherm was in the running. I needed this video. Thank you again!

[@dizzyadventure4661]

We love th Isotherm that Sara and Alex put in our van. We've been using it for about 6 mos now and it works great. We thought the 65 size was gonna be too small but it's surprising how much it fits, we've really put it to the test during the quarantine and trying to avoid stores as much as we can. We stuff it!

[@Scrambler85]

Always informative and always a thumbs up 👍

[@mylibertyvan5650]

Another awesome video … you forgot to say that sail boats have been using these refrigerators for years. I saw a video where a personal trainer, who lives in a van, recommended taking all food out of the packaging and dividing it up for meals before putting it into the refrigerator. Getting chicken out of that yucky chicken juice and packaging saves space too. So cool to see Liberty for a second time. Just a few more days....

[@thedefectiveturtle8329]

I unpack everything from it's original packaging. Whether that's meats, vegetables, dry goods and snacks . My son and I divide everything up into usable meal portions and put them into freezer bags / snack or sandwich bags. We suck the air out and definitely label /date everything. We hold at least double what we'd normally hold, if not more. I've also noticed that since we've been doing this, my son snacks less frequently and in reasonable amounts. My fridge looks empty now even though we buy the same things lol

[@Trishpage312]

Great video! Thank you. I love learning about new and cool projects! I thought I would always get the cooler style. Not anymore! You sold me on the Isotherm. Thank you!

[@kathleenreyes4345]

Thank you for this! There is a lot of confusion out there about the RV fridges!!

[@RebootLife]

Thanks !! we are having to make these decisions soon in our HOUSE BUS !!!!!

[@sophieparker4734]

Amazing! Love you!!❤️

[@SaraandAlexJames]

Thanks Sophie!

[@GrummanIsComin]

I love ❤️ watching your videos! Thanks for all your hard work. I wish I could have a van built and do some traveling. Since I can not, I shall keep watching your videos. 😉

[@jjv8169]

I’ve read lots of reviews about the Isotherm saying it has lots of road noise/rattling. Have you experienced that? I’m leaning toward getting a NovaKool.

[@NinaThoren]

I thought I would always want a cooler style because I was worried stuff would slide around and fall out when opening an upright fridge but that doesn't seem to be a problem so you might have sold me on having an upright one!

[@kiefferkeepinon828]

You can also use plastic storage containers on the shelves in an upright to "hold in" the most likely to fall out and spill stuff. Makes it easy to pull out a grouping of foods as well. 😊

[@VANESSASVANLIFEJOURNEY]

*nice set up*

[@matterhorn1975]

Absolutely love my cruise elegance 49L best thing in my camapervan

[@2sherrymoore]

Thanks for the informative video! Isotherm is definitely on my list along with vitrifrigo. I’ve only just begun my research on fridges so this video is very timely. Based on so many reviews I was pretty much sold on Isotherm until I saw a Vitrifrigo. The thing that I like about the Vitrifrigo is the Freezer space. (I have young grandkids, Ice cream & frozen yogurts push ups are a must!) Bit idk anything about a Vitrifrigo and the external compressor??? Sara or Alex have you had any experience or do you have any thoughts on the Vitrifrigo? Anyone else? Thanks!!

[@fayestrudler8258]

I was thinking about potentially going with a drawer fridge/freezer. The thought of loosing food even in a small fridge due to bending down and missing it in the back, made me think that might be a good option. I know both dometic and isotherm have versions. Do you have an opinion or do you think the overall interior size is too small?

[@familypottyusa438]

Ty

[@duanepowell9848]

Great Video! Have you installed Cruise 65 on countertop? Could we?

[@amandasims3711]

Hello Sara and Alex, I see that you decided to live the van life full time about 11 or so months ago and I was wondering how your refrigerator choice was working out for you? Please let the you tubers know if you still have the same opinion regarding your fridge choice or has it changed now that you have had the time to see just how efficient it works full time? Thanks so much..love your videos and keep up the good work! God bless Sincerely Amanda Sims

[@mclaughlin9786]

I am wondering if a biogas can be used for a fridge that runs on propane, and I am trying to modernize the trash solutions for a van. By throwing all your food scraps into a biodigester it could be converted to a biogas to run a few appliances and then create food for any of your indoor hydroponics. And the waist can be sold for profit. It’s eco friendly and is a recycleable option.

[@christieoneil9665]

What about freezer space? Or small ice maker? I am new at this but have heard having 2 separate doors is more efficient. And I like the Dometic fridges that can open in either direction but are they problematic in real life?

[@teresasigmon9512]

I'm working on my first van. I considered an upright fridge mounted on the counter top, which seemed great since it was at eye level. Then I realized it was going to be next to my head in bed while I was sleeping. How loud, or noisy, are van fridges?

[@amymaclean5119]

How about venting for this and do you need a water hose to drip somewhere for the condensation? TIA!

[@simonefire]

How does the Isotherm compare to Truckfrdge? I know they are the same company but I have seen the freezer compartments that really frost up. Is that true for both?

[@majesticmixturewhitty]

We all wanna see more van builds n can we get a house tour when your both not so busy with building vans keep up the good work on your channel everyone go subscribe 👍🏻

[@jodymooney255]

Majesticmixture Whitty they did a house tour when they first purchased. You could probably look it up. Hope this helps.

[@findingnimo4707]

Is it feasible to put two 12 volt fridges in an rv/skoolie??

[@norihashimoto4505]

can you tell me the pros and cons of compressor vs absorption fridges?

[@katekaos]

How much are they and where to order? That info would be helpful in comparing and those converting themselves. Thx

[@craigsmithx]

Do you think the Isotherm Smart Energy Controller is worth it?

[@live.life.adventures9382]

That fridge doesn’t look like 65 liter . When I look up the one you said it looks way smaller . Can you link this specific one ? I don’t see a link in your blog post for any isotherm fridges only dometic.

[@Maceromi]

Would the 85 Litre Cruise Elegance Isotherm fridge fit fine in a van?

[@thedandoty1273]

Would have been helpful if you put a like in the bio on where to buy it

[@koolasvan]

Do you need to vent the space where the fridge is?

[@gadamwoll]

What about a 110 refrigerator plugged into a power station? Wouldn't that be better than using an inverter? I have an Ecoflow

[@nwlady1844]

Can you stand up a 1/2 gal of milk in the isotherm 85? thank you

[@joanmarshall6653]

I don't see a mention of the drawer type refrigerator that pulls straight out. No top "ice chest" lid.

[@wandafanning7283]

From beer to baby food! LOL!

[@thewestpost]

What is a wood size for base frames in a 3/4 plywood, just like the one here, anyone can reply please

[@MrDaveB123]

Do Isotherm make any with freezers bigger than a Childs shoe box

[@myplaylists6310]

Can you use a smeg fridge in a van??

[@cirwo85]

Hey plz answer!? I got a 12v freezer and a 300wh powerpack. The return window has passed for the powerpack so I'm stick w it now... My question is, is it really dangerous what I'm doing health wise? .. I'm at work 12 hrs and powerpack seems to work for only about 5 hrs and when I get back the temperature of freezer is around 21 degrees. I turn generator back on and freezer gets back to temp... Tho it seems to stay at 10 degrees for several hrs before climbing back to 0. Weird ... Is this fine as long as the food still taste good or am I eating poison cuz of all the degree changes the food undergoes??? I don't care if it's poison as long as isnt killing me without me knowing basically. Thank you, sorry for long explanation

[@loganmartel4233]

U guys should do a how to build cabinets video!

[@seamist4myrv848]

Dc only isn’t any good you need propane at least. My trailer is now 14 years old that Dometic fridge still works on propane/120/dc I only use dc when I’m traveling. Propane when boon docking and electric in the camp grounds. I’m currently building a van for retirement and I’m going with a dometic

[@travelinmyblood]

I'm a bit confused because your link to 'read more pros and cons' only references Dometic fridges, but you are recommending another brand...and there is no link to the brand you are recommending?

[@SaraandAlexJames]

We talk about the Isotherm in the blog post and say where we buy it - not sure where the confusion is... they aren’t sold on amazon which is why you don’t see the same links like the dometic ones. Check out the blog post again 😊👍🏻

[@cocojones3479]

I thought exactly the same thing. Watch a video, no link for the suggested item. Have to go to another site and read their blog to then search for this: www.westmarine.com/isotherm?Ns=Product.topSeller%2C0%2C%2CProduct.clearanceFlag%2C0

[@chrissubleski200]

Lame. No links. Just another ad pusher.

[@flyonthewall7026]

I'm thinking of getting a separate inverter for a AC Fridge... 1) they are Much cheaper 2) 12v uses much more power What do you think ? I'm having a nightmare with this choice.

[@greydogmusic]

FLY ON THE WALL . Are you still having nightmares? It’s been a month have you made any decisions? I would love to know if you have and what kind of experience you have so far. I’m trying to put a 110 in. Right now I’m trying to figure out what size of an inverter I need to get the run The refrigerator and charge the battery while I’m driving. The battery will power it at night. And I’m planning on having enough battery power to take me 50 to 55 hours if I’m not moving. I’m not living in my van, it’s just for camping and travel. Any input you could throw my way would be appreciated.

[@flyonthewall7026]

@@greydogmusic I got 1 400w house panel, 3000w inverter, 2x 200ah AGM, 40amp controller... I got 2 way fridge 50L off Ebay... Have a look on my videos I'm just about to put them all in in next few days 👍

[@rollinwiththeflow2174]

It’s really a shame that this fridge is most recommended when the reviews continually point out the flaws with the main door and freezer doors breaking and malfunctioning. What say you?

[@rollinwiththeflow2174]

The 130 is bigger than the 65 and about the same price so why not go with it?

[@nicholj2002]

My question to these vans builders that are build with all of this wood ... or construction methods for homes and not for a vehicle that is in a constant earthquake... what happens with time ? Does it come loose ? Starts to rattle everywhere ? What about the suspension of these vans with a constant load on them ? Do they sag with time ? Sure they are nice for a picture session and Instagram but what do they look like after a year ? I don’t think people stop to ask and pay out thousands of dollars to have these vans build to find out that they come undone and require constant attention

[@31samq]

Hi Sara&Alex great clip .i like your friendliness and care that come from both of you for people do you get order to make a van I like this one I just wonder is it possible to make a same with moving bed up and down and even if is possible I saw that people made like what I sed also can come out of van feel like you sleep at balkiny also wiling big boys at the top of Viking half size of the ceiling with solo panel on it I have some picture that people make this I want but is on 2 different van and grow much vill cost me to order it to you with a strong 2 x150 battery also bigger water capicity of 70 gallon to gether I look forward to your replay wsj you all the best .ps would you give me your email or you rather I write here have a good day.

[@edroms1963]

defender.com usually cheaper for marine equipment.

[@evypr0ductions]

Best Fridge for Van Life and you don't even mention power consumption when comparing cooler vs stand up? (Cooler style fridge don't use nearly as much power)

[@cjam3660]

worst fridge install desighn , puting a hinge swing door dorm types fridge on the floor of a inside stand up van is horrible, it will keep you on your knees to clean it and use it. espiecieally if there dorm size , bending over to get something baisically off the floor is what it is, its hard to see in the fridge, your back will take a beating with all that bending over and over and over and over, I think you get my point.

[@Frezcodelavita]

sara is looking really good lol maybe a baby isnt bad on the body lol

[@mylibertyvan5650]

Wow, freaking out that this video came up with my van in it after 9 months. I only buy groceries once a week. I am living the dream and love my refrigerator and van. ❤️ 💕 mylibertyvan on Instagram

[@kasundena]

I'm sorry but I have this fridge in my van and... To be honest... It's crap...