I got this when it was on kickstarter for about half that price. It’s ridiculously good. We’re travel sport parents and always have a case of water and some gallon jugs of water in the cooler. Keeps everything nice and cool. I’ve also used it to keep growlers of beer cool as well.Only $600!
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Travel cooler/fridge
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mspohr
Well-Known Member
I have a $250 Apicool fridge. Fits in the rear Model S sub trunk. Love it.
I've got this one: BODEGAcooler 27qt/25L K25 12V Portable Car Fridge Freezer - Orange
Fits nicely in the sub-trunk of the Y. I do prop up the trunk cover a little bit for venting as the cooler can get a bit hot when it's running. But it works quite well. If you have it full, run it on Max rather than Eco mode. Overall the cooler is quite versatile. I often will take it out and use it for bbqs and such by plugging it into a wall socket.
Fits nicely in the sub-trunk of the Y. I do prop up the trunk cover a little bit for venting as the cooler can get a bit hot when it's running. But it works quite well. If you have it full, run it on Max rather than Eco mode. Overall the cooler is quite versatile. I often will take it out and use it for bbqs and such by plugging it into a wall socket.
mtndrew1
Active Member
I have this one
Setpower FC20 Portable 12v Refrigerator, -4℉-68℉ Fast Cooling Car Refrigerator, 20L/21Qt Car Fridge Portable Freezer with 12/24V DC & 110/240V AC, Electric Cooler (Black, 20L With AC Adapter) https://a.co/d/ilOrCbP
Fits in the lower trunk well and I use a doorstop wedge to keep the trunk floor lid propped up a bit for ventilation. We love it.
Setpower FC20 Portable 12v Refrigerator, -4℉-68℉ Fast Cooling Car Refrigerator, 20L/21Qt Car Fridge Portable Freezer with 12/24V DC & 110/240V AC, Electric Cooler (Black, 20L With AC Adapter) https://a.co/d/ilOrCbP
Fits in the lower trunk well and I use a doorstop wedge to keep the trunk floor lid propped up a bit for ventilation. We love it.
mspohr
Well-Known Member
Although my fridge fits in the sub trunk, I usually keep it above for easy access and use the sub trunk for luggage where I don't need ready access.
I usually take it out of the car at my destination and run it plugged into "shore power".
I also have a small "solar battery" Bluetti EB3A which I usually hook up to keep it running when the car is stopped. I plug the EB3A into the car and the fridge into the DC output of the EB3A which can run the fridge for more than a day (depending on temperature).
I usually take it out of the car at my destination and run it plugged into "shore power".
I also have a small "solar battery" Bluetti EB3A which I usually hook up to keep it running when the car is stopped. I plug the EB3A into the car and the fridge into the DC output of the EB3A which can run the fridge for more than a day (depending on temperature).
mtndrew1
Active Member
If sentry is on, the 12V outlet in the trunk remains powered indefinitely.
Sunvalleylaw
Member
Hey, do you have any follow up thoughts after using this longer? Coming from the camper world, the Dometic looks nice, but WAY more expensive. And if this works well enough, fair dinkum, I'm in.
We liked the Phantom when we had it, but in hindsight, it really doesn't match up to the Tesla specific ACOPOWER fridge. The TesFridge, being specifically designed for the subtrunk space, properly vents the heat directly out of that space. The Phantom can't do that, so in addition to being slightly lower in fridge space, the top of the fridge is actually somewhat warm compared to the bottom because the cooler is fighting with itself for cold air. It was never a deal breaker for our day trips, but definitely sub-optimal and might be an issue for some.
No mention of thermoelectric coolers. No fluids or compressor, just a small solid state pelteir. Very little volume used by the pelteir (about the size of a candy bar), so more room for food and drinks. Low cost too. I purchased years ago for my camping truck setup and did not want to go with a refrigerator because 4 wheeling might jostle the compressor too much, also lighter and smaller for the same storage volume. This is the one I have, but they make smaller ones; Koolatron 12V Electric Cooler/Warmer, 49L (52qt) XL Thermoelectric Car Fridge, Two-Way Design, 12 Volt DC Connection, Plug In Iceless Portable Refrigerator, For Work Travel Vehicle Truck RV, Gray
I added extra rails and a second tray to mine. And don't buy from Amazon, got 2 defective ones there, finally got a perfect one at Walmart of all places.
Works great in my MY, plug into the back low voltage port. Mine is the 16v Tesla and no problems with the voltage. Would never put in subtrunk as it operates by moving heat to the exterior, just like compressor refrigerator, and the hotter it gets outside the more work it has to do. Also hard to access subtrunk when loaded for road trip. Camp mode keeps power ports active when car is sitting.
Downsides are;
-no temp control, it's on or off (although does cold or hot), but it always has nice cold beer.
-not as energy efficient as compressor refrigerator. Mine draws 60 watts (but it's 52 quarts) Keeps everything cold and only occasionally have noticed a little ice forming.
Upsides
-more storage and lighter due to smaller electronics
-solid state electronics, no fluids or moving parts, so rugged
-does hot or cold, just plug in opposite direction.
-more cost effective
I added extra rails and a second tray to mine. And don't buy from Amazon, got 2 defective ones there, finally got a perfect one at Walmart of all places.
Works great in my MY, plug into the back low voltage port. Mine is the 16v Tesla and no problems with the voltage. Would never put in subtrunk as it operates by moving heat to the exterior, just like compressor refrigerator, and the hotter it gets outside the more work it has to do. Also hard to access subtrunk when loaded for road trip. Camp mode keeps power ports active when car is sitting.
Downsides are;
-no temp control, it's on or off (although does cold or hot), but it always has nice cold beer.
-not as energy efficient as compressor refrigerator. Mine draws 60 watts (but it's 52 quarts) Keeps everything cold and only occasionally have noticed a little ice forming.
Upsides
-more storage and lighter due to smaller electronics
-solid state electronics, no fluids or moving parts, so rugged
-does hot or cold, just plug in opposite direction.
-more cost effective
The big downside is it can only do 40F below ambient, which makes it more of a drinks fridge.
To use as a normal fridge, you have to plan around ambient temps, inconsistent performance, lack of long term freezing temps (and certainly nowhere near 0F), etc. Compressor based fridges definitely have their advantages as well.
israndy
Supercharger Hunter
I have a thermostatic, runs off USB, cools my next Starbucks can or Coke can and keeps my other food cool for later. I also have one that is a cup holder that fits in the closable center space of the old S/X. Runs on the cigarette lighter socket. I use it to keep coffee warm but if I put it in cool mode and close the space it gets super hot so I can keep other food warm in there. So warm even the cup insides that are supposed to be cooling are warm. Probably takes a lotta power.
childcarepro
Member
I just got my MX version of the ACOpower Tesla Fridge, and I LOVE it. I honestly didn't think it would fit, but it does. Not perfect, but it is exactly as promised except the hand-in-glove fit of the Model Y version. It's a little crooked/tilted down in front, sticks up 1/4" in back, but I LOVE it for all its functionality.
The Model X version is actually a rectangle and not "molded" to the subtrunk's irregular shape, which I think helps with air circulation/heat buildup AND looks less weird when you take it out to use it out of the sub trunk at a camp site or at a beach/party venue. Highly recommend.
The Model X version is actually a rectangle and not "molded" to the subtrunk's irregular shape, which I think helps with air circulation/heat buildup AND looks less weird when you take it out to use it out of the sub trunk at a camp site or at a beach/party venue. Highly recommend.
Good to know. I currently own a Y and have the Acopower but am getting an X soon and want to get a new fridge as well. Love this thing for travel sports and bringing food with on trips. It’s absolutely paid for itself in saved $ from meals.
yes it does heat up......I tried the ACO power cooler and put in my model y sub-truck.....set temp to 0F......started at 65F...4 hrs later was only down to 37F......we put 4-16 oz bottles of water, 6-12oz sodas, 4-chicken breasts sliced for sandwiches, 4-slices of ham, cheese, and 6oz of pimento cheese spread......all food items in zip-lock bags.....AC on in car set to 73F with fan set to 5......when we stooped to charge, I got a soda.....it was cool, not cold.....the compartment surrounding the cooler was hot all the way around......we continued to drive reached our destination and the unit was at 32F (2 hrs later)......During the ride back home, I got an error code signifying compressor over-heat....temp was 53F....turned off via the app....waited 10 min and turned back on.....temp went to 40F and no lower......the cooler only had 3 cans of soda and 3 waters......very disappointing.....ACO makes good products but I must have gotten the lemon......never reached -8F and other lower than 17F......I am taking back for a new unit and will try again.....
No, it doesn't heat up. It specifically vents out the rear gap that exists under the subtrunk cover. I'm not sure what's different about your setup, but you should check to make sure you aren't blocking that gap somehow or test the fridge in open air before you waste time with exchanging it.
I am taking the unit out of the car and placing it in my family room....I will empty, clean out, dry everything....once it reaches ambient temp, I will set the unit to 0F.......will place 24 cans of soda, water and some packaged cheese and meat slices......then will turn on, close and time the progress.....we will then see what happens......what is the lowest temp you have seen on your unit?
israndy
Supercharger Hunter
Is Zero the normal fridge target temp? Might be a bit cold for cheese surely. In the kitchen right now our LG is showing 1°F for the freezer and 37° for the fridge. Water freezes at 32°F, perhaps you were trying to say Zero Centigrade?
no....ZERO IS NOT THE NORMAL fridge temp......I keep my fridge at 35F and freezer at 0F....
This is a new product and I want to insure it will reach the published temperatures.....with this is mind and the fridge at ambient temp, I set it at Zero to see if it could get there and cool faster the items in the fridge......Published temp rating I believe is from 50F to -8F in approximately 30-45 min......My unit has never reached 0; let alone -8F.........It has been running for 10 hrs and never gotten colder than 17F, while set to 0F.....
So, what I have done is take it out of the car and placed in my family room.....I removed all the items and wiped out condensation.....I let the unit sit until there was no evidence of "cool or cold" inside......Once I was satisfied, I turn on the unit and set Temp at 35F......it took 2hrs and 43min to reach 35F indicated but kept running until indicated temp on unit showed 31F......this is normal but took longer than spec.......it shut off and stayed there until indicated temp got back to 35F......then it repeated the same routine......I have a number of 12v fridges and this seem to be the normal operating procedure......
Once it shut down, I placed 6 cans of soda, 6-16 oz bottle of water, 6 oranges, 2 mangos, butter, new package of ham, cheese, mayonnaise, mustard, chicken salad, pimento cheese spread and pudding cups..... indicated temp was 35F and verified with an RF temp gauge.......the temp began to increase up to and the unit turned back at 35F and went to to 53F....... ran for approximately 1hr 45 min and reached 31F and shutdown......this is normal and acceptable......I checked temp inside and it was 32F on RF gauge.....so the temp difference is 3-4 degrees F and is proper for maintaining 35F set. temp.......this is the same for my other units.......now I can pre-plan when to start up unit prior to taking trips.....
Botton line here is that I dont think it will get to lower than 0F but I I want ice cream or any other frozen product, I will need to insure it is below 32F before I place anything inside the unit......
sorry for long read but I wanted you to understand what I did and why......regards
mtndrew1
Active Member
I bought two rubber doorstop wedges at Home Depot and placed them under the edge of the sub-trunk lid to prop it up a bit and let more air circulate. Works perfectly that way.
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