BougeRV 12volt Compressor Refrigerator Test and Review

BougeRV sent us their 53qt refrigerator for review and testing and we did just that. These 12volt compressor refrigerators made ice chests totally obsolete for many of us RV enthusiasts. These are perfect for full time nomads, overlanders, weekend camping, fishing and all other kinds of outdoor fun.
Bouge Rv 53qt refrigerator:
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Rick Herzog
P.O. Box 6932
Great Falls, MT 59406
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Getting out on the road is what Linda and I love to do with our converted cargo trailer camper. We're part time nomads and the nomadic lifestyle suits us to a Tee. Whether your RV is a camper van, camp trailer, travel trailer, motorhome or just a car and a tent, there's going to be something interesting for you in the videos we produce. Back roads and overlanding are part of what we do while exploring the western states for beautiful, peaceful and sometimes remote places to camp on BLM and National Forest land (public land). Taking care of ourselves as much as possible and doing our own repairs is a must because we travel on a fixed income and a limited budget. If your into being off-grid and boondocking, or doing dispersed camping whenever possible then you'll appreciate the discussions on batteries, solar panels and solar chargers or power stations and 12v refrigeration. Come on along, we're happy to have your company!
#cargotrailercampers #convertedcargotrailer #gonagain #desert #solarcharger #12voltrefrigerator

[@tm8747]

on the handle you place a roll of toilet paper?????haha as far as the out side area for the fan , dont laugh buttttt, you buy a queen size panty hoses and place it on the bottom area ( both legs) over the fan area bottom up remember outside? to block hair from dogs, cats,. etc. that way makes it easier to clean the fan, ! also i use the panty hose over my air cleaner in the truck as well. its old military way to protect the filter in dusty road, sandstorms, all windy conditions. remember sand and dust is sand paper to your cylinders??? great job on the video!

[@philmickey7247]

Great idea! Pre filter.👍

[@mauricebattle978]

Life is good! Stay safe and happy! You had another fridge in the past and I thought I was ready then. So I wake up today and you're showing a fridge again. Plan on buying my truck next week and ready for the road. Thanks for information!!!

[@patricklondon6006]

Your reviews are always top notch.

[@gonagain]

Thank you, Patrick!

[@herbertbell9438]

Excellent video. Just bought one of these, taking it camping this weekend.

[@borandell9915]

Great tip on cleaning the fan blades.

[@arnoldreiter435]

I bought one of these last fall for my camper and used it during my hunting trips. this spring i have taken the original two way fridge out of my camper and put this unit in its place because it works so much better and holds more than the original did! Now i have a reliable refrigerator for my overnight fishing trips around the state.

[@jlrilea3083]

You always answer all my questions during your reviews; before I even ask them. Thanks 👍

[@gonagain]

You're welcome!

[@AdventuringArthur]

Terrific review as always! I bought the Alpicool T50 after watching one of your reviews and still use it to this day. It sits in my office keeping my drinks nice and cold and frozen meals. I appreciate your thoroughness and detailed reviews!

[@waleedabdulrab8779]

I just purchased the Alpicool LGT60 with the LG compressor for $466 out the door. It hasn’t came in the mail yet. However, I will permanently be keeping it inside the passenger area of my car (I removed the seat) as I deliver with DoorDash and need a Fridge/Freezer. How is your T50 doing? Still running great?

[@mikestone9129]

@@waleedabdulrab8779 I had the LGT55 for 2 years and it was awesome. But like a dummy I sold it and now need another, but smaller. You will love your Alpicool.

[@wendykraus477]

Hi Rick and Linda - we enjoy your channel. Those extra “bumpers” go under the handles to give your fingers room to get between the fridge and the handle to make it easier to lift. We have had the same fridge for about a year and it has performed well for us. Take care and safe travels.

[@gonagain]

Wow, I wouldn't have thought of that! Thanks Wendy.

[@chrislonsberry1974]

Thanks for a good solid review and a discount coupon! I will look seriously at buying one of these.

[@CharlesButler]

What a great review! Thank you for sharing!

[@Jixton]

Thanks for the review guys!

[@mylaschorsch7516]

I just got mine off Amazon and can't wait to try it out this summer.

[@gonagain]

You're going to like it very much, no more ice!

[@jaymarcus4930]

EXCELLENT REVIEW VERY INFORMATIVE. GLAD TO SEE THE WIFE SO INTRESTED IN THIS PRODUCT. IF I WAS A TRAVELER I WOULD PURCHASE ONE.

[@wrbruce6100]

Excellent job on the review, looks like a good refrigerator, I can’t wait for a video out on the road, take care my friend.

[@gonagain]

They're coming! Stayed tuned!

[@galardmills5306]

Thanks for measuring the power consumption over a 12 hour period. Of course consumption depends upon the ambient temperature and upon the number of times you remove and replace items in the refrigerator. Glad you chose jugs of water as thermal mass. Your reviews are thorough, but still easy to understand.

[@gonagain]

Thanks, Galard!

[@Ellifiknow]

Thank you for showing us the compressor

[@gonagain]

No problem 👍

[@TOTALLYRELAXED]

Hey yall! I’ve never heard of that brand before, but, it appears to be as good or better as any of them on the market in that class! Great review! Thanks for sharing! ~Jim~

[@lauratibbles6598]

Get demo information thank you for sharing you always share great and useful information and I for one really appreciate it

[@gonagain]

Laura, glad you found it useful, we like being able to help others. Thanks for watching.

[@lauratibbles6598]

@@gonagain I can tell you I don’t want to deal with black water gray water is one thing but black water is a totally different issue I’m all about composting

[@Tony-um2el]

Great video as always, Thanks Rick and Linda. I wonder if you put a small fan inside of the refrigerator if it would even out some of the fluctuation to the temperature ?

[@gonagain]

Probably would.

[@stephenwilder3525]

Great in depth explanation… thanks!

[@gonagain]

You're welcome!

[@tedfisk1211]

very good information. thanks.

[@jamesjackson7752]

Thanks for the video . I will be on the road one day. My mother is 89 still going strong cause she takes 6000 mg. a day of Moringa plus 5000 iu. Vitamins D3.😎👍

[@drillsergeant5338]

It looks exactly like my ICECO 53 which I love.

[@cotter9751]

Useful and thorough review. Thanks! (I didn't see any coffee, not even iced 😆)

[@gonagain]

Oops...

[@practicalman45]

I got a 55 liter one. Different brand name. Same color plastic case and controls work the same, carry handles slightly different. The ebay vendor had it on sale for $230. Tested and it seems to work fine. It even went down to -10F% overnight. I've run it on the AC adapter and haven't tried it on battery yet. It should do fine. Amazingly affordable for what it does. Can't wait to go camping!

[@barxracerful]

I cant make mine function with ciggy plug. plug gets hot, has massive voltage drop, like 4 volts between socket and fridge

[@gonagain]

Make sure the wiring to your 12 volt outlet is of adequate size. Also, I shortened the factory supplied cable that came with my refrigerator to only what I needed and no more.

[@williambingham2459]

Looks like my Iceco JP50, except Iceco does not need a brick and it has full cover. Iceco has Danforth compressor, too. Got my Iceco for $475 shipped.

[@Hiker_Mike]

I love my new Iceco JP50, awesome quality.

[@SoonerGirlTravels]

Nice review.

[@gonagain]

Thank you Sooner Girl. We're currently in the Nevada desert and I get to enjoy refrigerated goods without buying ice. These are nice.

[@SoonerGirlTravels]

@@gonagain sounds awesome. I’m making a trip to Sedona and Williams AZ next month.

[@badgerpa9]

The watts used on AC should be more than the watts used on 12 volt since the AC is converted and would have lose. good review.

[@gonagain]

Thanks, Badger Pa!

[@jimb5113]

Again they put the control panel at the rear of the unit. I consider the opening side to be the front and that forces the controls and air flow where they will be blocked when unit is shoved back for floor space once lid is closed.

[@herniedog4641]

They sell small fridge fans that run on batteries,we used one in our rv fridge it made all the difference.

[@gonagain]

Good information, thanks.

[@Hiker_Mike]

Hi Rick, I recently bought the Iceco JP50 based on your past review, it's an awesome quality product, thank you. Do you recall the compressor db-level for the Iceco JP50 while in eco mode?

[@gonagain]

I didn't have a DB meter when I did that review but I can tell you that they are close to the same. At least I can't hear a difference.

[@untetherednomad6393]

How do you know that BougeRV fridge is same as Joytutus brand? Also, thanks for tip on battery protection. I plug my BougeRV 30 into a 12v connected to my trailer deep cycle Batts and also into my Goal Zero lithium yeti ..I did have battery protection set at low, but changed to M based on your review info. Also, my fridge uses about 30w when compressor is on (avg 10-15w/hr over 24 hrs) and it is also about 5-8 deg warmer than the fridge panel notes. Thanks for a great review!

[@gonagain]

I first did a review and they asked me to cover their other brand. They're the same for sure.

[@chriscopeland1318]

Genius

[@becausehelivesministryintl6841]

Just ordered one I hope it works as advertised. Lol first time with doing this and first time solar user. Shouldn't be to difficult to use without destroying it? Lol

[@gonagain]

You're going to really like it.

[@zfontain1975]

Which fridge you like the best?

[@stevejeffrey11]

love my bougerv 23 quart it only uses 30-36 watts when the compressor is on in 'eco' mode & runs off a jackery 1000

[@HumbeTX]

how long can you run it on the jackery 1000? thanks

[@michaelmcmurray6170]

Hi again, Have a Bougerv 53 on the way. Is the 12v plugin standard or with prongs? Want to hard wire it. Guess I’ll have to cut the cord as I want it short as possible and if the plug is different. Tried to link the purchase with Amazon but no luck. Thx Mike

[@gonagain]

Hi Mike, I just always cut the cord. Once in awhile you can find a spare cord on Amazon, but not often. The cords are all the same with these refrigerators so you might be able to get one somewhere.

[@fredcrouch313]

Great review. I just received my 53L. I've been testing settings but it never seems to turn off even when hitting desired temp. Also noticed some water underneath it and frost on the bottom. Have you or anyone noticed these issues? I've just been testing inside my house so far before putting it in my van. Thanks.

[@gonagain]

No,I haven't had this problem, even in hot ambient temperatures. I suggest you get hold of Bouge about it. If you bought it through Amazon then that's where you go to request warranty service.

[@fredcrouch313]

@@gonagain Ok...thanks for the reply. It's a little better now but the issue I'm concerned with now is the fridge not being able to keep up with the hot Texas sun in the afternoon/evening. It won't hold and just continues to rise until sun goes down. Any advice on that one? Thanks again.

[@cargone6428]

Seriously thinking about a purchase...quick question..hypothetically, if boondocking and deplete battery source, can you use it as traditional cooler and dump ice in it...didnt know with internal components if this was possible....

[@gonagain]

I don't have that Bouge refrigerator on hand at the moment, but some of them you can, as long as the compartment doesn't have seams or screws running through it. The Bodega TWW55 has a drain for that exact purpose: www.bodegacooler.com/?ref=hbjxqma3sd

[@cargone6428]

@@gonagain appreciate the quick reply..

[@FirstSuiGeneris]

_Man, that's nice! You can run it at 24v or 12v; wondering if you ran that at 24v would it run easy/ better?_

[@gonagain]

I don't know, but that's a good question.

[@jamesmason7124]

Hello Rick , what happened to the Alpicool t-50

[@gonagain]

I passed that one on, but I think it's still going strong.

[@mikestone9129]

Hey Rick, Would you still recommend the 53 qt? I've been looking at this and the 30 qt and there's only about $40 difference in price as of now. I'm only running 1 100ah battery but I don't think there's a big difference in power usage. Thanks for your honest review and opinion.

[@gonagain]

Hey Mike, there's not much difference in power usage between the two. It's just about negligible.

[@mikestone9129]

@@gonagain Thanks

[@dalegigstead8337]

Do you know what size wire you need to run a 12 outlit for the refer?

[@gonagain]

Bigger is better, of course, and it depends on the length of the run, but #12 would be ok for a few feet and #10 if it's further. To give you an idea of the effect: If I plug one of these refrigerators into the rear cigarette lighter plug of my car, I have to set the refrigerator 'automatic off" selector switch to it's middle position because on the high position it thinks my battery is low and turns the refrigerator off. That's because of the long run back to that accessory plug.

[@kevinrenn9123]

Are you still using it? If so, could we get a 6 month update?

[@gonagain]

Hi Kevin. My daughter has it in regular use and so far it's going strong.

[@banxious4nothing]

how was it compared to JoyTutus? I sent my JT back because it didn’t work

[@gonagain]

Its the same refrigerator, hope the warranty service was good.

[@campervanmark3410]

I would like to buy a large preferably large dual zone refrigerator/ freezer with Dan f. Compresser. If will stay in R. V. AND WEIGHT IM NOT THAT CONCERNED ABOUT. WHAT IS THE BEST BANG FOR THE BUCK ? THE COMPRESSER. IS the most important part to these. What is your opinion ? I am going to buy something just don't know what or where , it could be here if discounted

[@gonagain]

Dan Foss is owned by SECOP. There are 2 companies that we have experience with that uses SECOP compressor and that is ICECO and SetPower.

[@mikesmallarz2072]

What brand trailer do you own.

[@gonagain]

Ours is a "Stealth" and was manufactured in Bonner, MT. They're manufactured other places as well.

[@Mybored001]

I have this exact fridge and it is awesome. I run it off solar (with a 10A MPPT controller and a 150 watt panel) just to keep ice while we are camping. It was not much more than a good RV ice maker and as an added bonus it keeps my "cold dad snacks" cold if I manage to outdrink the fridge in the outdoor kitchen. Highly recommend.

[@sojourn1544]

Looks like the control pad is at the wrong end....hard to get to...if you were to have it against the wall....

[@rjs8044]

Got the 30 qt. Total dude. No temp control. Had to return it.

[@gonagain]

The main thing is whether or not the return service was fast and easy. I wouldn't let the first one having a problem stop me from getting another one though, because they're usually a very reliable product.

[@rjs8044]

No, unfortunately the return process was a problem. They kept telling me to 'be patient '. I followed all of their instructions to remedy the situation but they kept putting me off about the return. Finally I had to pay for return shipping & it took 6 weeks to get reimbursed.

[@rjs8044]

@@gonagain I purchased it directly from BougeRV. On a positive note, I really enjoy your KZbin channel!

[@gonagain]

Ok, that's not good. Thanks for telling me.

[@gonagain]

Thank you Ruth! You just put a smile on my face!

[@pjf7943]

LG = Life Is Good..!! LOL!

[@vroor32]

My BougeRV fridge is overcooling and freezing my food, even when the temp setting is at 55⁰. It literally died just 1 months outside of the warranty 😡

[@gonagain]

The problem is usually the control panel, which should just pop out and can be replaced. Try contacting BougeRV through Amazon and ask if that might be the problem.

[@vroor32]

@@gonagain I already did all that.. there was no resolution coz I was 30days outside of warranty period

[@ramonahumada4]

What’s the average life on those coolers?

[@gonagain]

With hard daily use, we're hearing 3 years.

[@ramonahumada4]

@@gonagain thank u! I learned a lot from you’re vid.

[@vincenzodemarco7983]

Good Morning Rick and Linda. I'm guessing you guys are 'on the road' somewhere??? Rick, I'm texting about this New Fridge.(having trouble pronouncing that Funky Name. Ha) My phone Dropped Out yesterday and I DON'T know how to fix it at All. Therefore I'm Hoping this gets through to you. Question is, how does this New Product stack up to the Alpicool Fridge??? It's time I get one, Something, as I've yet to do so. So That's my question. I'm Thinking 'This Unit' is a Tad Bigger with What it will hold??? Please Advise. And Thank You for the help. If you believe this is a Solid Fridge I will order one Now. THX AGAIN.👌

[@gonagain]

Hello Vincenzo! I think the Bouge (booge) has the edge. Linda likes the Alpicool because the compartment is wider and not as deep and I like the build of the Bouge or Joy Tutus. They're the same fridge so find the best price.

[@vincenzodemarco7983]

@@gonagain Cool, Pun Intended. And of course Thanks for the info. I Appreciate your 'reviews' as they are so informative and without specific knowledge of these Necessary-Gizmos, Many of us would be Lost as to which-way-to-turn. Rick, Thank You Again.👏👏👏 BOOGE😄

[@marvinpenick3859]

@@gonagain Do either of them freeze/ make ice? the Bouge looks cleaner in the compressor area. thanks

[@gregpeterman1102]

Fill a metal bread pan with water and make a loaf of ice.

[@gonagain]

Hi Greg, these things freeze, no problem, but we usually only use them as a refrigerator.

[@barxracerful]

the battery protection is a joke. off at 11.3v? that kills lead acid batteries. all of them.

[@gonagain]

The battery protection switch has three positions, high, medium and low. 11.3volts is the medium setting for deep cycle batteries. It can be set at 12.2 if you prefer.