Chest fridge for frunk

[LightningShow]

I have paid attention to the heat output on my unit. The only time I notice much is on start up and when I put items in that need to be frozen from soft. Otherwise it is pretty much stasis.

right but when it’s in a confined space it’s runaway reaction type of problem. The compressor heats up the frunk so the fridge needs to run more to stay cold.

sorry to go thermodynamics here but an adiabatic system (where heat can’t leave) can only maintain a certain temp differential between the hot and cold side. It’s definitely more likely to be an issue when it’s hot out and the frunk is heating up from solar gain from outside already.

it’s worth a try, it might be fine, but it’s something to consider. It might be as simple as pre-cooling with the frunk open to vent the initial hit of heat from the compressor.

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[Sdctcher]

right but when it’s in a confined space it’s runaway reaction type of problem. The compressor heats up the frunk so the fridge needs to run more to stay cold.

sorry to go thermodynamics here but an adiabatic system (where heat can’t leave) can only maintain a certain temp differential between the hot and cold side. It’s definitely more likely to be an issue when it’s hot out and the frunk is heating up from solar gain from outside already.

it’s worth a try, it might be fine, but it’s something to consider. It might be as simple as pre-cooling with the frunk open to vent the initial hit of heat from the compressor.

Maybe a tiny exhaust fan in the drain hole? But, anyway....

I will not know for sure until my Lightning arrives.

One good reason to carry it in the cab, if possible, for convenience, or in the bed.

My lady wants her iced tea and ice cream bars frosty while we are silently gliding down the highway on trips. She knows, from past experience, that when I drive I do not pull over for any reason for hours and hours.

Anyone shopping for a backseat Porta-Potty for their Lightning?

 

[Dolomasi]

You're thinking cold; I'm thinking hot. How about a small microwave for the frunk? Coffee maker? Tea kettle? There are a lot of possibilities.

 

[sotek2345]

You're thinking cold; I'm thinking hot. How about a small microwave for the frunk? Coffee maker? Tea kettle? There are a lot of possibilities.

Unless you are away from facilities for multiple days, I think this use of power makes much more sense. Don't forget hot plates and electric "burners" for cooking.

 

[Rob G]

Maybe a tiny exhaust fan in the drain hole? But, anyway....

I will not know for sure until my Lightning arrives.

One good reason to carry it in the cab, if possible, for convenience, or in the bed.

My lady wants her iced tea and ice cream bars frosty while we are silently gliding down the highway on trips. She knows, from past experience, that when I drive I do not pull over for any reason for hours and hours.

Anyone shopping for a backseat Porta-Potty for their Lightning?

Given that you are moving to EV you may be forced to stop more frequently and make your wife happy.

 

[hturnerfamily]

I just bought a small $98 fridge from *Mart that is just the right height for the frunk... giving it a test run for several weeks in our RV... I think it will be perfect. It holds enough and even has a small 'freezer' compartment. It actually works much better than our small RV fridge, which can use both propane or electricity, although since it's an 'absorption' fridge, it can take seemingly forever to cool down, and never really gets cold enough, certainly NOT for ice cream or anything frozen.

 

[PiMatrix]

See Thread:
https://www.f150lightningforum.com/...ooler-vs-mini-fridge.10314/page-2#post-208321

My Previous Post Before I Bought It
:
I have been researching Portable Refrigerator/Freezers for some time for my Lightning. The best are newer designed energy efficient compressor types. They are availabel in sizes from 35 - 75 Qts, $300 - $600 (and much more for the top of the line Dometics).
Each will have various exterior sizes, internal refrigerator/freezer sizes (and even some with removable partitions), prices, and energy draws (45-90 watts). Several have wheels and adjustible handles. Most can use 120/240v or 12v or solar or their own battery.

Best brands are Dometic (Expensive), Bodega and Bouge RV, and Costway (Budget).
I could not afford Dometic, reviews were not as good for Costway and Bodega, and 59 Qts was the best size for my use.

My pick is the BougeRV 12 Volt Car Refrigerator Dual Zone, Portable Freezer Fridge APP Control, 59 Quart (55L) Compressor Freezer Fridge ($519.99 at Amazon)($529.99 and 10% off with code at Bougerv.com and free shipping)

My Reasons:
External Dimensions 28"L x 18.1"W x 22.5"H
Compartment (2) Dimensions 7.9"L x 12.2"W x 11.7"H and 10.6"L x 12.2"W x 18.6"H

Dual Zone Refrigeration
Portability at about 40 lbs. and adjustable handles, and comes with Two Removable Baskets
External and Internal Sizes (Can fit nicely either in the Frunk or Fold-Down Back Seat)
It has two compartments which you can control temp independently. It can be both a refrigerator and a freezer at the same time but it also can be a fridge/fridge, fridge/freezer, freezer/freezer so you can cool drinks and chill meat, etc at the same time.
It has an App where you can control the temps, setting the mode, turn on/off this car refrigerator all from your phone, and instructions are also mounted on the exterior below the touch controls

Built In LED Lights

The Maximum Tilt Angle is about 30°~45° although after being moved you must let compressor gas settle before re-plugging in

Two Energy Modes - ECO(45W)/MAX(60W) cooling mode, LED lighting, 45dB low noise, USB for charging electronic equipment, chopping board for cutting food
If left plugged in it will use about 1 KW/Day

Two Year Warranty for the Compressor and all other accessories

This Model has been on the market for less than two years and is marketed to RV'ers

I can use this on long trips or to bring home groceries.

Hi, thank you for the info on the BougeRV CR55 (59qt). Would you happend to have a picture of it in the Frunk. Just trying to imagine the placement. I assume the arm can come off if they are in way? Also, will it fit in the bed? Do you have a picture there as well? I will be in installing a BAK Revolver X4s Tonneau Cover. It seems to sit a bit above the truck bed. I assume we could take off the legs/wheel of fridge if we wanted to keep it there, still deciding best place. I guess I could go down one size to the one that is 20" but bigger is better for supplies.

For anyone who is interested I found a coupon to get 18% off. It's also free ship. The Labor Day sale is 12% off so this is nice. Oh, the coupon is AFF18

Here is link, but I'll decide after Mike weighs in. Mike overall now that you've had the frig for a while are you happy with it? Guess in December there will be a available battery backup slot in it so if you lose power for some reason your food will not spoil.

https://www.bougerv.com/search?options[unavailable_products]=show&options[prefix]=last&q=cr55

There are two models, one with tray and cupholder. Note that the one on amazon does not have the baskets supplied so the manuf website is better with coupon.

 

[Sdctcher]

Hi, thank you for the info on the BougeRV CR55 (59qt). Would you happend to have a picture of it in the Frunk. Just trying to imagine the placement. I assume the arm can come off if they are in way? Also, will it fit in the bed? Do you have a picture there as well? I will be in installing a BAK Revolver X4s Tonneau Cover. It seems to sit a bit above the truck bed. I assume we could take off the legs/wheel of fridge if we wanted to keep it there, still deciding best place. I guess I could go down one size to the one that is 20" but bigger is better for supplies.

For anyone who is interested I found a coupon to get 18% off. It's also free ship. The Labor Day sale is 12% off so this is nice. Oh, the coupon is AFF18

Here is link, but I'll decide after Mike weighs in. Mike overall now that you've had the frig for a while are you happy with it? Guess in December there will be a available battery backup slot in it so if you lose power for some reason your food will not spoil.

https://www.bougerv.com/search?options[unavailable_products]=show&options[prefix]=last&q=cr55

There are two models, one with tray and cupholder. Note that the one on amazon does not have the baskets supplied so the manuf website is better with coupon.

The 55 qt is too tall. Have not measured the smaller model. But I think it is just about right for the bed.

 

[broncoaz]

I run the ARB 37 quart in my Bronco and plan on using it in my Lightning. They are well worth the money.

 

[Sdctcher]

Hi, thank you for the info on the BougeRV CR55 (59qt). Would you happend to have a picture of it in the Frunk. Just trying to imagine the placement. I assume the arm can come off if they are in way? Also, will it fit in the bed? Do you have a picture there as well? I will be in installing a BAK Revolver X4s Tonneau Cover. It seems to sit a bit above the truck bed. I assume we could take off the legs/wheel of fridge if we wanted to keep it there, still deciding best place. I guess I could go down one size to the one that is 20" but bigger is better for supplies.

For anyone who is interested I found a coupon to get 18% off. It's also free ship. The Labor Day sale is 12% off so this is nice. Oh, the coupon is AFF18

Here is link, but I'll decide after Mike weighs in. Mike overall now that you've had the frig for a while are you happy with it? Guess in December there will be a available battery backup slot in it so if you lose power for some reason your food will not spoil.

https://www.bougerv.com/search?options[unavailable_products]=show&options[prefix]=last&q=cr55

There are two models, one with tray and cupholder. Note that the one on amazon does not have the baskets supplied so the manuf website is better with coupon.

I am super happy with it overall. It gets down to the right temps quickly and I use it weekly to buy groceries and ice cream. I will be using it for a road trip to Dearborn in about a week. It is too tall for the frunk - perhaps the lesser quart model will work there. I carry it in the back seat and had to bungy it down because it slid around. It is just tall enough we can get stuff out of it when driving from the front seat. I especially like the baskets you can pull out. I normally use the smaller side for frozen but on the road we will probably switch it to all fridge mode. You can monitor and control temps from the app.

I am disappointed that I can only keep it running for 30 minutes after shutting off my Lightning since that kills all outlets. Even in my old Escape at least the 12v cig lighter stayed hot all the time (are you listening @Ford?). In order to keep all outlets hot the truck has to be "running". That might be a place the battery pack will come in handy if I want to nap at a rest area and not have the truck auto turn off my power. Unfortunately, the battery is really expensive. Whether it will fit under your tonneau?? depends how far below the lip your cover extends.

When I carry passengers I bungy my fridge in the bed (no tonneau - only a $50 Tractor Supply 3/4 inch rubber barn mat). I think you would be just fine buy a model smaller than mine so it would fit either your frunk or the bed.

In a couple of weeks I will be demonstrating my Lightning at a couple of local events by showing off tailgating. Along with the fridge/freezer I have a tailgate portable 1800 watt oven (Emeril Lagasse French Door Airfryer 360) to bake pizzas, etc. I am filling the fridge with bottled waters and in the freezer will have ice pops for the kiddies and pizza bits to air fry as hand out appetizers. I also will have set up my Ford mobile charger plugged in to the 30 amp with a dongle (to charge any stray EVs in the crowd). There are just a couple other Lightnings-In-The-Wild within about a 100 mile radius of here.

Hope this helps.

 

[yed19]

Tailgating post a few weeks back. This was my winner. Issue is height more than anything else. Good luck

 

[PiMatrix]

Tailgating post a few weeks back. This was my winner. Issue is height more than anything else. Good luck

 

[IH905]

Tailgating post a few weeks back. This was my winner. Issue is height more than anything else. Good luck

What model is this? Looks perfect.

 

[yed19]

What model is this? Looks perfect.

Its CR02-30Quart by BougeRV. It's not too spendy either.

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