Best Power Station for Overlanding Fridges (2025)
Keep your overlanding fridge running off-grid. Tested power stations for 12V fridges, dual-zone coolers, and extended trips.
Quick Answer
A typical overlanding fridge draws 40-60 watts while cooling, but cycles on and off—averaging 30-45 watts over time. For a weekend trip, you need 500-800Wh. For a week off-grid, get 1000Wh+ or add solar.
Top Picks for Overlanding Fridges
| Model | Capacity | Days of Fridge | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| EcoFlow Delta 2 | 1024Wh | 2-3 days | $399 |
| Jackery 1000 v2 | 1070Wh | 2-3 days | $399 |
| Anker SOLIX C1000 | 1056Wh | 2-3 days | $371 |
| EcoFlow River 2 Pro | 768Wh | 1-2 days | $315 |
| EcoFlow Delta 2 Max | 2048Wh | 4-5 days | $849 |
Best Overall: EcoFlow Delta 2 — $399
The Delta 2 is the overlanding standard. Enough capacity for a weekend, expandable for longer trips, and fast charging when you get back to civilization.
Why it works for overlanding:
- 1024Wh runs a 12V fridge for 2-3 days
- 1800W output powers fridge + other gear simultaneously
- Expandable to 3kWh with extra battery
- 500W solar input for off-grid recharging
- Charges to 80% in 50 minutes at camp or home
Real-world runtime: 45W average fridge = ~22 hours continuous, 2-3 days with cycling
Best Reliability: Jackery Explorer 1000 v2 — $399
Jackery’s reputation for reliability matters when you’re miles from anywhere. The 1000 v2’s 4000-cycle battery outlasts competitors and won’t fail when you need it.
Why it works for overlanding:
- 1070Wh capacity—slightly more than EcoFlow
- 4000 cycle LiFePO4 battery (vs 3000 for most)
- UPS function protects sensitive fridge electronics
- Ultra-quiet operation at camp
- Proven track record in harsh conditions
Real-world runtime: 45W average fridge = ~24 hours continuous, 2-3 days with cycling
Best Value: Anker SOLIX C1000 — $371
The C1000 beats both EcoFlow and Jackery on specs-per-dollar. Same capacity class, higher output, lower price.
Why it works for overlanding:
- 1056Wh capacity at lowest price in class
- 2000W output—highest in this range
- Charges in 58 minutes
- Anker’s 5-year warranty
- Retractable handle for easy transport
Real-world runtime: 45W average fridge = ~23 hours continuous, 2-3 days with cycling
Best for Weekend Trips: EcoFlow River 2 Pro — $315
If you’re doing 1-2 night trips and want to save money, the River 2 Pro is enough. Lighter weight, lower price, and fast charging between trips.
Why it works for overlanding:
- 768Wh handles a weekend trip
- 17.4 lbs—lighter than 1000Wh units
- 0-100% charge in 70 minutes
- X-Boost mode for higher loads
- Good balance of price and performance
Real-world runtime: 45W average fridge = ~17 hours continuous, 1-2 days with cycling
Best for Extended Trips: EcoFlow Delta 2 Max — $849
Week-long trips off-grid need serious capacity. The Delta 2 Max’s 2048Wh keeps your fridge running for 4-5 days without solar, longer with panels.
Why it works for overlanding:
- 2048Wh capacity for extended trips
- Expandable to 6kWh for serious expeditions
- 2400W output powers fridge + everything else
- 500W solar input for indefinite runtime
- 30% lighter than competitors in its class
Real-world runtime: 45W average fridge = ~45 hours continuous, 4-5 days with cycling
Overlanding Fridge Power Math
Step 1: Find your fridge’s power consumption
- Check the specs on your fridge (rated watts vs average)
- Most 12V overlanding fridges: 40-60W while running
- They cycle on/off, averaging 30-45W over time
- Dual-zone fridges use more (50-70W average)
Step 2: Factor in ambient temperature
- Hot weather = fridge runs more often
- 90°F+ days can increase consumption by 30-50%
- Shade your fridge to reduce power draw
Step 3: Calculate your needs
| Trip Length | Wh Needed (45W avg) | Recommended |
|---|---|---|
| Weekend (2 nights) | 540-720Wh | 768Wh+ |
| 3-4 nights | 800-1200Wh | 1000Wh+ |
| Week | 1500-2000Wh | 2000Wh+ or solar |
| Extended (2+ weeks) | Solar required | 2000Wh + 200W panel |
12V vs AC: Which Output to Use?
Use the 12V DC output when possible.
- More efficient (no AC conversion loss)
- Runs cooler
- Many overlanding fridges are 12V native
Use AC output when:
- Your fridge only has an AC plug
- Running multiple devices simultaneously
- Fridge has AC-only features
Efficiency difference: 12V DC is roughly 10-15% more efficient than running through the AC inverter.
Solar Integration for Indefinite Runtime
Pair your power station with solar panels for trips longer than a few days:
| Solar Panel | Daily Generation | Fridge Coverage |
|---|---|---|
| 100W | 400-600Wh | ~50-70% of fridge needs |
| 200W | 800-1200Wh | 100%+ of fridge needs |
| 400W | 1600-2400Wh | Fridge + all other gear |
The math: A 45W average fridge uses ~1080Wh per day. A 200W panel on a sunny day generates ~800-1000Wh. That’s close to break-even, with your power station covering cloudy days and overnight.
Recommended setup for week+ trips:
- 1000Wh+ power station
- 200W portable solar panel
- Result: Indefinite fridge runtime in sunny conditions
Popular Overlanding Fridges and Power Needs
| Fridge | Capacity | Avg Power | 1000Wh Runtime |
|---|---|---|---|
| Dometic CFX3 45 | 45L | 35-45W | 2-3 days |
| ARB Zero 47 | 47L | 40-50W | 2-2.5 days |
| Iceco VL45 | 45L | 40-50W | 2-2.5 days |
| BougeRV CR45 | 45L | 35-45W | 2-3 days |
| Dometic CFX3 75DZ | 75L dual | 55-70W | 1.5-2 days |
| ARB Zero 73 | 73L dual | 50-65W | 1.5-2 days |
Mounting and Setup Tips
Secure your power station. Overlanding involves rough roads. Strap it down or use a mounting system.
Ventilate. Power stations generate heat under load. Don’t stuff them in enclosed spaces.
Protect from dust. Cover ports when not in use. Desert dust kills electronics.
Pre-cool your fridge. Plug in the night before at home. Cold fridges use less power to maintain temperature.
Use a fridge thermometer. 37°F is cold enough for food safety. Colder wastes power.
Bottom Line
| Your Trip Style | Get This |
|---|---|
| Weekend warrior | EcoFlow River 2 Pro — $315 |
| Standard overlanding | EcoFlow Delta 2 — $399 |
| Value-focused | Anker SOLIX C1000 — $371 |
| Reliability matters most | Jackery 1000 v2 — $399 |
| Extended expeditions | EcoFlow Delta 2 Max — $849 |
For trips longer than a week, add a 200W solar panel to any of these. You’ll have indefinite fridge runtime in sunny conditions.