OK, you are now officially the Zen Master of "Best of the 'Second-Best' Outdoor Camping Gear." You have an extraordinary knack for buying and using under-the-radar gear that may not be top of the line, but for a person interested in getting good-enough gear, will do a great job for them. AGM batteries, PWM solar controllers, Oupes solar generators, Newaire 12v fridge (non-Danfoss), and even the Bushwhacker teardrop trailer itself!! 🤯 Companies like Jackery, Bluetti, Victron and IceCo (not to mention NuCamp) are probably not happy campers when/if they see your videos. I do hope people realize the dollar value you're bringing to the small camper space. What else can I say but keep it up! PEOPLE - BUY THIS GUY A COFFEE!!
I just ordered one of these units based on some other videos that I found on YT, BUT I know I made the right choice by watching YOUR video after I ordered it! That was a very complete review and the data share at the end will mean a lot to me when I get my fridge. I don't need all the time lapse video and the explanation of the how and why and what equipment you hooked up this way and that to gather the info. Cutting to the chase with the conclusions is all I need sometimes and this was one of those times and you did just that, so thanks for making this content. Don't get me wrong, I am a geek, but I've also done a lot of research already and have the tee shirts to prove that I've followed the tour and just hearing the songs here was refreshing for a change. That's some old hippy sh*t that you might not be following, but trust me, it was a sincere compliment. One of the uses that I'm toying with for this contraption is to fabricate a lid that has a fan to blow air through the unit and out a duct to cool a tent, similar to those ice chest hacks that you've probably seen. Your evaluation on the power consumed if you left the lid open all day is just what I needed to go forward with that. Who'da thunk it? I bet nobody else on YT did that test. LOL I have a few 12.8 volt LiFePO4 batteries, 'cause I'm a geek, and one of them( Dr. Prepare ) even has a box that snaps onto it and has a mppt solar charge controller and a 12 volt cig socket output along with some USBs. Do you see any reason why I couldn't charge that battery (instead of the battery that you can pop into this unit) and run the fridge off of the 12 volt cig socket that comes on the Dr. Prepare battery and do it more efficiently than using a solar generator like the OUPES ( I have one of those, BTW)? The inverter is like 85% efficient and even the 12 volt cig socket is inefficient because the battery in the OUEPS station is higher than 12 volts and that require electronics to bring it down to 12. It seems to me that it would be similar to running it off of the car while the engine was running and I think you said that worked pretty well. Whatcha think?
I used to have a sign on the place I lived that said "hippies use the back door"... lol I follow. You are spot on, use the 12 V plug on your dr prepare and get the best efficiency. You'll have considerably longer run times than using the inverter and you'll be able to deliver it at a bargain price. With the advancement of heat pump technology, including portable units, I think you would find much better results going with the EcoFlow, bouge rv, or zero breeze ac units. They can be a little pricey, but it would be very easy to run off the lifepo battery and get excellent aircon results, you might regret cutting into the portable refrigerator and getting subpar results. Thanks for checking in .
@@DIYOutdoorLife Oh, I'm not gonna be cuttin' this baby up for the sake of one of my mad experiments. One of the things that makes it perfect for me is how easily the lid comes off. I plan to remove it and fabricate a substitute lid, probably from 2" extruded polystyrene insulating board and then mutilate THAT with my mad plan. Thanks for getting back to me on the Dr, Preprare question.
Man....LG refrigerators are some if the most troublesome refrigerators you can buy. I wouldn't be impressed by an LG compressor. Anyway....hey man...great info on the power consumption. You are the only vid that i found that actually took the time to measure that. Kudos to you and i will subscribe.
I'm not a fan of their household AC refrigerators either. They have a good reputation with the small DanFoss clone DC compressors though. This refrigerator is still going strong, I've been very impressed.
I’ve been considering a 12v fridge/freezer for awhile and you just convinced me to get this one. Used your link and promo code! Thanks, loving your videos!
Great video. Thanks for sharing why you chose the one you did. I am in the market and this video was very helpful. It gave me a lot to think about and to consider.
It's always a good idea to be well informed before you drop the bucks on a new camping accessory. Thank you again Brian! I thought the fridge freezer combos looked quite a like across brands, but the variables that you have pointed out seem to indicate NewAir would be the better choice. Lots to think about as we slide into ice cream season.
Another great vid ! Thanks, getting ready to head out for 5 days & will be using a smaller capacity fridge (one you recommended last year) ... your right, these are a game changers... no ice needed. Also using with Goal Zero Core 1000 & 100 watt solar panel.
Thanks Dave! I still have my BougeRV, this guy won’t fit in the camper. I put this one in the back of the truck to hold a full trips worth of food… and maybe some ice cream …lol
Great video Brian as always. We’ve found our 12v fridge to be a game changer as well. But we don’t have the dual zone. So we had to find a different way to keep ice cubes for our adult beverages. Our solution: we bring a small yeti style cooler filled with ice cubes. Last us 3-4 days. But I could see a dual zone like yours being a better long term approach but there was no way to justify the cost of a brand names. Love that you found such a good option at such a reasonable cost. Nice work!!
@@DIYOutdoorLife your link took me directly to their page. Make sure you get credit for it. Message me if you need more info to get credit for the sale.
I have this. Its nice and i like it very much. Only downside is that the freezer setting struggles to get cold enough even when set to -4 and left over night
Try turning the temperature down on the refrigerator. I had a couple issues early on, and I realized that the temperatures want to be as close as possible. For the food to be solidly frozen in the freezer, the refrigerator wants to be around 35°.
We bought a Dometic CFX3 75DZ last year and love it. Such a game changer. No more ice. Regardless of what model selected, a 12v fridge is a fantastic upgrade!
Thank you, I appreciate you watching. When I went to the Teardrop Rally, I got to meet a few people that purchased this refrigerator after watching the video. It was really nice to hear how positive everyone’s experience was.
I made a cover for my ICECO out of reflectex. I've not tested to see how effective it is, but it seems to improve efficiency. I love it but I wish I had the dual zone. Bourbon with a nice big ice cube by a fire is a very excellent way to live.
I do that too, it works very well if the cooler is out in the sun. If it's in the shade or inside it makes a tiny difference. Definitely need nice clean ice for bourbon by the fire!
Helpful and informative video as always, Brian. Thank you! I am wondering if you have an opinion on the GoSun? I am very intrigued by the on board battery concept.
This one has the same onboard battery system, it seems like all the companies really overcharge for the battery though. I have not seen a gosun in person, I’ve heard good things though.
If newair still had the 115 available, i might have bought that, but i could not find it anywhere. With that in mind, i went with a 100quart one by bodega. I got it for just a few over 600. I hope it all works out as i have a spot picked out and it should fit just right.
Super Nerd time @10:50 yay! I identify as an "Engineer" however (kidding). Dang I wish the Newair 48 would fit in the galley without rebuilding the camper lol. I think you talked me into one though. Another great video brother. I'm a Solar super nerd so this is easily doable.
Greg, great videos! What portable power unit do you recommend, and what size for basically weekend outings? I believe your youtube channel is one of the best for teardrop campers.
Thank you! It really depends on what other things you need to do with the power station. If you are just running the fridge, there’s some nice inexpensive (relative) options on the market. I still have some promo codes for Oupes I believe. I would get the 1200 (1000wh). That would give you options.
@@DIYOutdoorLife Thanks for the info. I'm not running a fever. A roof fan, a couple of bulkhead fans, some LED lights, and a couple of USB charger outlets. Might add 15amp AC. later. Thanks again for the great videos. James
@@jameshubbard7965 check out my video on the Oupes 600… smaller version but same pros and cons. The promo code in my description will work on the bigger one as well
Thanks for watching! Things have gone so batty with pricing this year, it's really hard to keep up with. Please check out the other videos on the channel. I did one on BW pricing and just did a video on the 2022 BW, where I included a lot on price. Thanks again for swinging by!
We were looking for something like this, so thank you for recommending one. I haven't checked the dimensions, but this won't fit in the galley of the Bushwacker will it? Space is at a premium in the bed of the truck.
No fit for galley. Check out my video on the BougeRV 23 for galley fridge. This one unfortunately, will have to go in the tow vehicle. It’s worth it for me on long trips for sure.
Thats a huge fridge. I guess its handy for 2 and a dog. Where do you carry it? After 5 years I am still using the Dometic CFX35. Its EXTREMELY energy efficient. =Cosmo
Those Dometics are real gems! The freezer adds a nice element, ice cream in the woods..haha Having the Tacoma with the truck cap is definitely a game changer. I can play Tetris with gear back there and Ripple can still sprawl out in the backseat 😆🐾
@@DIYOutdoorLife Its been great yes, and has survived all types of weather from direct sun to heavy snow/rain..just wish there was a dual zone version and i didnt have to have 2, they live on the flatbed of my tow vehicle
Hello Brian, After watching lots of videos I have decided on your suggestion; Newair 48 quart or 37 quart fridge freezer in blue for my RV friend. Please share the promo code with me before cyber Monday sales are over.
There’s a part in the video where I actually show the BougeRV. It’s an identical match with a different compressor. Since this Newair has a name brand compressor w a warranty, it won me over. There’s still promo codes and discounts in the video description, I have some for the BougeRV too, let me know if you want a coupon.
Hey Herman, I went outside and made some measurements for you. As you can see from the vid, the fridge consists of two compartments, one large and one small. The smaller compartment, typically used as a freezer, sits on top of the compressor compartment and is more shallow. The internal measurements of the larger compartment are ~15” deep, 10.5” wide, and 11” front to back. A compartment isn’t perfectly rectangular so these are middle of the road numbers. The smaller compartment is 8” deep, 8” wide, and 11” front to back. Hope this helps!
Thanks so much Brian for the follow through. I was hoping to fit a couple dozen egg cartons in that small section, but at 11 inches it might be a smidgen too small. Oh well, I think I’m still going to go for it. Great review. I watched a dozen reviews on this and you gave me the most valuable and practical info.
OK, you are now officially the Zen Master of "Best of the 'Second-Best' Outdoor Camping Gear." You have an extraordinary knack for buying and using under-the-radar gear that may not be top of the line, but for a person interested in getting good-enough gear, will do a great job for them. AGM batteries, PWM solar controllers, Oupes solar generators, Newaire 12v fridge (non-Danfoss), and even the Bushwhacker teardrop trailer itself!! 🤯 Companies like Jackery, Bluetti, Victron and IceCo (not to mention NuCamp) are probably not happy campers when/if they see your videos. I do hope people realize the dollar value you're bringing to the small camper space. What else can I say but keep it up! PEOPLE - BUY THIS GUY A COFFEE!!
Haha… best comment ever! Overall, I do strive for second best…lol. Thank you for the coffee 😀
I just ordered one of these units based on some other videos that I found on YT, BUT I know I made the right choice by watching YOUR video after I ordered it! That was a very complete review and the data share at the end will mean a lot to me when I get my fridge. I don't need all the time lapse video and the explanation of the how and why and what equipment you hooked up this way and that to gather the info. Cutting to the chase with the conclusions is all I need sometimes and this was one of those times and you did just that, so thanks for making this content.
Don't get me wrong, I am a geek, but I've also done a lot of research already and have the tee shirts to prove that I've followed the tour and just hearing the songs here was refreshing for a change. That's some old hippy sh*t that you might not be following, but trust me, it was a sincere compliment.
One of the uses that I'm toying with for this contraption is to fabricate a lid that has a fan to blow air through the unit and out a duct to cool a tent, similar to those ice chest hacks that you've probably seen. Your evaluation on the power consumed if you left the lid open all day is just what I needed to go forward with that. Who'da thunk it? I bet nobody else on YT did that test. LOL
I have a few 12.8 volt LiFePO4 batteries, 'cause I'm a geek, and one of them( Dr. Prepare ) even has a box that snaps onto it and has a mppt solar charge controller and a 12 volt cig socket output along with some USBs. Do you see any reason why I couldn't charge that battery (instead of the battery that you can pop into this unit) and run the fridge off of the 12 volt cig socket that comes on the Dr. Prepare battery and do it more efficiently than using a solar generator like the OUPES ( I have one of those, BTW)? The inverter is like 85% efficient and even the 12 volt cig socket is inefficient because the battery in the OUEPS station is higher than 12 volts and that require electronics to bring it down to 12. It seems to me that it would be similar to running it off of the car while the engine was running and I think you said that worked pretty well. Whatcha think?
I used to have a sign on the place I lived that said "hippies use the back door"... lol I follow.
You are spot on, use the 12 V plug on your dr prepare and get the best efficiency. You'll have considerably longer run times than using the inverter and you'll be able to deliver it at a bargain price.
With the advancement of heat pump technology, including portable units, I think you would find much better results going with the EcoFlow, bouge rv, or zero breeze ac units. They can be a little pricey, but it would be very easy to run off the lifepo battery and get excellent aircon results, you might regret cutting into the portable refrigerator and getting subpar results.
Thanks for checking in .
@@DIYOutdoorLife Oh, I'm not gonna be cuttin' this baby up for the sake of one of my mad experiments. One of the things that makes it perfect for me is how easily the lid comes off. I plan to remove it and fabricate a substitute lid, probably from 2" extruded polystyrene insulating board and then mutilate THAT with my mad plan. Thanks for getting back to me on the Dr, Preprare question.
@@mrhalfstep i love the experiments, the mrs, not so much... lol I've "modified" a lot of gear
Your info on the watt hours really helped me out. Thank you.
Thank you for watching!
Man....LG refrigerators are some if the most troublesome refrigerators you can buy. I wouldn't be impressed by an LG compressor.
Anyway....hey man...great info on the power consumption. You are the only vid that i found that actually took the time to measure that. Kudos to you and i will subscribe.
I'm not a fan of their household AC refrigerators either. They have a good reputation with the small DanFoss clone DC compressors though. This refrigerator is still going strong, I've been very impressed.
Excellent video! Thanks!
Thank you, the fridge is still running great, I love it.
Great video with a lot of good information, thank you!!
Thank you, I’m glad it helped.
Great video! Thank you.
Thank you, hope it was helpful
Great and very informative content, keep up the great videos. 😎👍
Thank you, I appreciate you watching and commenting 😀
I’ve been considering a 12v fridge/freezer for awhile and you just convinced me to get this one. Used your link and promo code! Thanks, loving your videos!
thank you, I hope you enjoy it as much as we do!
Great video. Thanks for sharing why you chose the one you did. I am in the market and this video was very helpful. It gave me a lot to think about and to consider.
Thank you for watching, I’m really glad it was helpful!
You're my hero!
What a coincidence, you’re my hero!
It's always a good idea to be well informed before you drop the bucks on a new camping accessory. Thank you again Brian! I thought the fridge freezer combos looked quite a like across brands, but the variables that you have pointed out seem to indicate NewAir would be the better choice. Lots to think about as we slide into ice cream season.
Ice cream while camping!!
Another great vid ! Thanks, getting ready to head out for 5 days & will be using a smaller capacity fridge (one you recommended last year) ... your right, these are a game changers... no ice needed. Also using with Goal Zero Core 1000 & 100 watt solar panel.
Thanks Dave! I still have my BougeRV, this guy won’t fit in the camper. I put this one in the back of the truck to hold a full trips worth of food… and maybe some ice cream …lol
Great video Brian as always. We’ve found our 12v fridge to be a game changer as well. But we don’t have the dual zone. So we had to find a different way to keep ice cubes for our adult beverages. Our solution: we bring a small yeti style cooler filled with ice cubes. Last us 3-4 days. But I could see a dual zone like yours being a better long term approach but there was no way to justify the cost of a brand names. Love that you found such a good option at such a reasonable cost. Nice work!!
I’m playing around with the idea of a small icemaker that runs on solar…lol the fun never ends
Thanks for this video, you are really good explaining every single detail.. I love it !!
Bryan, I have some questions about solar panel.. do you have an email, where I can ask those questions? Thanks
Thank you, I appreciate that. You can email me at diyoutdoorcontent@gmail.com
@@DIYOutdoorLife I will do that.. thanks again.
Nice video man, I’ve definitely been curious about something like this for running off 12v when not on shore power. Thanks for the info! 👍
Ice cream in the woods kept cold from the sun! LoL… what a world
@@DIYOutdoorLife Peak camping right there brotha 🤣
Brian, I value your channel. I just bought the 48qt via your link. Thanks for providing value to the masses.
Thank you, I really appreciate that. Did you go direct or with Amazon, I'm having a little trouble with the links, glad yours worked.
@@DIYOutdoorLife your link took me directly to their page. Make sure you get credit for it. Message me if you need more info to get credit for the sale.
@@Rambl-n_Man yours showed up…thank you!
I have this. Its nice and i like it very much. Only downside is that the freezer setting struggles to get cold enough even when set to -4 and left over night
Try turning the temperature down on the refrigerator. I had a couple issues early on, and I realized that the temperatures want to be as close as possible. For the food to be solidly frozen in the freezer, the refrigerator wants to be around 35°.
We bought a Dometic CFX3 75DZ last year and love it. Such a game changer. No more ice. Regardless of what model selected, a 12v fridge is a fantastic upgrade!
That is a very nice fridge! It really is a game changer for sure.
Is that a better fridge than new air?
I have looked into the Newmare line....I totally agree. will buy the 48 qt thru your link dude... maybe get a blk fdy deal
Thank you, I appreciate you watching. When I went to the Teardrop Rally, I got to meet a few people that purchased this refrigerator after watching the video. It was really nice to hear how positive everyone’s experience was.
I made a cover for my ICECO out of reflectex. I've not tested to see how effective it is, but it seems to improve efficiency. I love it but I wish I had the dual zone. Bourbon with a nice big ice cube by a fire is a very excellent way to live.
I do that too, it works very well if the cooler is out in the sun. If it's in the shade or inside it makes a tiny difference. Definitely need nice clean ice for bourbon by the fire!
Helpful and informative video as always, Brian. Thank you! I am wondering if you have an opinion on the GoSun? I am very intrigued by the on board battery concept.
This one has the same onboard battery system, it seems like all the companies really overcharge for the battery though.
I have not seen a gosun in person, I’ve heard good things though.
If newair still had the 115 available, i might have bought that, but i could not find it anywhere. With that in mind, i went with a 100quart one by bodega. I got it for just a few over 600. I hope it all works out as i have a spot picked out and it should fit just right.
It's great to have so many low-cost refrigerators that work so well these days. Keep me in the loop with how you make out.
Super Nerd time @10:50 yay! I identify as an "Engineer" however (kidding). Dang I wish the Newair 48 would fit in the galley without rebuilding the camper lol. I think you talked me into one though. Another great video brother. I'm a Solar super nerd so this is easily doable.
Nice! Your set up must be growing fast, you’ll have to send pics
Awesome info! #439.00 now via your link
That’s a great price!
Greg, great videos! What portable power unit do you recommend, and what size for basically weekend outings? I believe your youtube channel is one of the best for teardrop campers.
Thank you! It really depends on what other things you need to do with the power station. If you are just running the fridge, there’s some nice inexpensive (relative) options on the market. I still have some promo codes for Oupes I believe. I would get the 1200 (1000wh). That would give you options.
@@DIYOutdoorLife Thanks for the info. I'm not running a fever. A roof fan, a couple of bulkhead fans, some LED lights, and a couple of USB charger outlets. Might add 15amp AC. later. Thanks again for the great videos. James
@@jameshubbard7965 check out my video on the Oupes 600… smaller version but same pros and cons. The promo code in my description will work on the bigger one as well
Great video, how do I get your db on the pricing for the bushwhacker?
Thanks for watching! Things have gone so batty with pricing this year, it's really hard to keep up with. Please check out the other videos on the channel. I did one on BW pricing and just did a video on the 2022 BW, where I included a lot on price.
Thanks again for swinging by!
We were looking for something like this, so thank you for recommending one. I haven't checked the dimensions, but this won't fit in the galley of the Bushwacker will it? Space is at a premium in the bed of the truck.
No fit for galley. Check out my video on the BougeRV 23 for galley fridge. This one unfortunately, will have to go in the tow vehicle. It’s worth it for me on long trips for sure.
Thats a huge fridge. I guess its handy for 2 and a dog. Where do you carry it? After 5 years I am still using the Dometic CFX35. Its EXTREMELY energy efficient. =Cosmo
Those Dometics are real gems! The freezer adds a nice element, ice cream in the woods..haha
Having the Tacoma with the truck cap is definitely a game changer. I can play Tetris with gear back there and Ripple can still sprawl out in the backseat 😆🐾
Does this have any sort of insulated cover available for it?
Yea, I know of a dr pro brand cover that fits these.
Hey Brian. Are there any fridges you could recommend that would fit the bushwhacker where the old cooler would have went? Cheers
th-cam.com/video/ffkX9TkZv5g/w-d-xo.html
@@DIYOutdoorLife Thank you!!! Been loving your videos I just bought a bushwhacker this week and hoping to get it soon!
@@liamagordon congratulations! Tons of fun awaits!
Hello, a year later are you still happy with this unit? Thanks for the information.
Yes, I love it. Considering how much cheaper it is than some of the top of the line units, I couldn’t be any happier.
Does this one fit in the Bushwhacker ? Cutting out space needed?
Unfortunately no, this is definitely one for the tow vehicle.
I need an all weather fridge thats dual zone, currently running 2 of the ARBs but they're single zone..
Which model all weather ARB are you running?
@@DIYOutdoorLife The ARB elements fridge
@@JackWorkz very nice!
@@DIYOutdoorLife Its been great yes, and has survived all types of weather from direct sun to heavy snow/rain..just wish there was a dual zone version and i didnt have to have 2, they live on the flatbed of my tow vehicle
Hello Brian, After watching lots of videos I have decided on your suggestion; Newair 48 quart or 37 quart fridge freezer in blue for my RV friend. Please share the promo code with me before cyber Monday sales are over.
The promo code was factory direct which sadly appears to be out of stock. This is the 48 qt currently running 29% off on Amazon: amzn.to/3MCWOWG
How do you think this compares to the BougeRv version that looks similar?
There’s a part in the video where I actually show the BougeRV. It’s an identical match with a different compressor. Since this Newair has a name brand compressor w a warranty, it won me over.
There’s still promo codes and discounts in the video description, I have some for the BougeRV too, let me know if you want a coupon.
@@DIYOutdoorLife My bad, missed the BougeRV photo. Unfortunately, Newair doesn't ship to Canada :(
@@Fingerprintguy no worries… I popped it in fast. Let me know which one you end up going with, love to hear the real feedback on these products.
Any chance you or someone following can give the interior dimensions?
Hey Herman, I went outside and made some measurements for you.
As you can see from the vid, the fridge consists of two compartments, one large and one small. The smaller compartment, typically used as a freezer, sits on top of the compressor compartment and is more shallow.
The internal measurements of the larger compartment are ~15” deep, 10.5” wide, and 11” front to back. A compartment isn’t perfectly rectangular so these are middle of the road numbers.
The smaller compartment is 8” deep, 8” wide, and 11” front to back.
Hope this helps!
Thanks so much Brian for the follow through. I was hoping to fit a couple dozen egg cartons in that small section, but at 11 inches it might be a smidgen too small. Oh well, I think I’m still going to go for it. Great review. I watched a dozen reviews on this and you gave me the most valuable and practical info.
@@hermanharris5329 thank you, Im really glad it helped. The unit is still running strong A+
Will this thing let me enjoy ice cream sandwiches in the woods and not ice cream soup?
Yes sir, you can definitely bring ice cream in the woods!