How Big of a Camping Fridge Do You Need?

A camping fridge is one of the most essential pieces of gear for any outdoor adventure, but choosing the right size can be tricky. After all, the size of your camping fridge can make or break your trip. Too small, and you’ll struggle to fit all your food and drinks. Too large, and you might end up using more power than necessary while taking up valuable space in your vehicle.

So, how do you determine the right camping fridge size for your needs?

Let’s break down the key factors to consider, compare different fridge sizes, and highlight two excellent options that we absolutely love—the National Luna 50L Legacy Smart Fridge/Freezer and the National Luna 125L Legacy Smart QC Fridge/Freezer. Let’s dive in!

Factors to Consider When Choosing a Camping Fridge Size

Photo by Rawpixel.com via Shutterstock

The length of your trip plays an important role in determining the size of your camping fridge. If you’re only going out for a night or two, a smaller fridge may suffice. However, for week-long or extended adventures, you’ll need something larger. Here’s a simple guide to help you decide what size camping fridge you need:

• Weekend trips (1-3 days): A compact fridge, around 30-50 liters, is usually enough.
• Moderate trips (4-7 days): A mid-sized fridge, around 50-80 liters, offers better storage.
• Long expeditions (8+ days): A larger fridge, 80-125 liters, ensures you won’t run out of fresh food and drinks.

The National Luna 50L is a great choice for weekend and moderate trips, as it provides enough space for essential food and drinks without being too bulky or power-hungry. Meanwhile, the National Luna 125L is better suited for longer excursions because it offers a great deal of storage for food supplies. When sizing your fridge, ensuring it meets—not exceeds—your needs ensures you have the space required without taking up more room in your rig than necessary.

The number of people on your trip is also an important factor when choosing the right-sized camping fridge. If you’re on a solo trip, for example, a small 20-30L fridge will certainly do the trick. A 50L fridge like the one shown above is a good option for extended solo trips, too.

But, as the number of people in your group expands, the size of your fridge might need to expand, too. If you’re camping with one or two other people for a weekend or longer, a 50-75L fridge should be sufficient. But camping with a small family necessitates something in the 100L area, while a big group of five or more people likely requires you to have a 125L fridge so you have enough room for food and drinks.

Of course, you must also consider what you plan to store in your camping fridge. A smaller fridge will work if you mainly need to keep drinks cold. However, a larger fridge with separate compartments is a great option if you need to store fresh food, meat, dairy, and vegetables for multiple days. The National Luna 50L fridge/freezer, for example, features a separate 38L fridge and an 11L freezer, making it perfect for keeping essential perishables fresh for short trips with your significant other.

Every trip is different, and your specific needs for a fridge/freezer might vary depending on where you go and who you’re with. However, using the basic guidelines above will help you get a fridge that’s sized right for the vast majority of your adventures.

Comparing the National Luna 50L and 125L Camping Fridges

As Brody discusses in the video above, National Luna is one of our favorite fridge brands, and for good reason. These fridge/freezers are well-made, extremely durable, and function well in all sorts of overlanding situations. 

As discussed earlier, the 50L version is a versatile fridge/freezer combination that’s ideal for solo travelers, couples, or small families heading out for an overnight or weekend trip. It has all sorts of excellent features, not the least of which are the following: 

• Bluetooth Connectivity: Monitor and control temperatures via the NL Connect App.
• Dual Compartments: Separate fridge (38L) and freezer (11L) sections.
• Efficient Off-Road Compressor: Uses less power while maintaining cold temperatures—a perfect combination!
• Rugged Construction: Stainless steel exterior and aluminum interior for durability.
• Compact Size: At 28" L x 15" W x 20" H, it fits easily in most vehicles.

This model is an excellent choice if you need a balance between size and efficiency without taking up too much space in the back of your vehicle. But, if you need maximum food storage, the National Luna 125L is a top-tier option…

With all that space, this fridge/freezer is purpose-built for serious overlanders and large families. In addition to an enormous amount of storage, you also get the following features:

• Quick Change (QC) Faceplate: Allows for faceplate relocation from the side to the end for your convenience.
• USB Charging Ports: Two USB ports are located on the end of the fridge for charging devices.
• High-Density Insulation: Keeps contents colder for longer with minimal power use.
• Superior Compressor Efficiency: Runs on less energy, making it perfect for extended trips where power supplies are at a premium.
• Massive Capacity: Perfect for large groups or long-term camping expeditions.

No matter which of these fridge/freezers you choose, you’ll get a high-quality product that gives you reliable service for years to come. And since National Luna is one of the best in the business, you can rest assured that your investment in a smart fridge is one that will pay for itself over and over again as the years go by!

Power Consumption and Efficiency

Camping fridges run on 12V DC power, which means they will draw power from your vehicle’s battery or a portable power station. The size of your fridge directly impacts the power consumption:

• Smaller fridges (30-50L): Typically consume 1.0 - 1.5 Ah per hour.
• Mid-sized fridges (50-80L): Use around 1.5 - 2.5 Ah per hour.
• Larger fridges (100-125L): Can consume 2.5 - 4.0 Ah per hour, depending on usage.

Both the National Luna 50L and 125L models feature energy-efficient compressors and insulated designs to reduce power consumption. The NL Connect App allows you to monitor power usage, helping to optimize efficiency as well.

In other words, National Luna has done the hard work of making its fridges and freezers perform at their best. The last thing you want is lukewarm food or a fridge that drains your vehicle’s battery. With a 50L or 125L fridge from National Luna, those worries are null and void. Instead, the biggest decision you have to make is which size of fridge you need!

A Better Food Storage Situation

So, how big of a camping fridge do you need? As we discussed above, the answer lies in your unique camping style—but with National Luna’s innovative and efficient designs, you’re sure to find the perfect fit!

We can help, too! Our experts know a thing or two about overlanding, camping, and all things outdoors. If you have questions about fridges and freezers, how they work, how to install them in your vehicle, or just want a few more insights into what these units have to offer, contact us or call us at 888-323-5902. You can also drop by our facility just off I-20 in Abilene to get a hands-on tour of National Luna’s fridges and freezers.

With a National Luna fridge/freezer in your rig, you’re sure to have a better overlanding experience. And that’s exactly what we want to help you achieve! That’s why BTR (pronounced Better) is in our name!