When people take a look at the Bilt-Tuff 12V Freezer, there’s no shortage of questions because people haven’t seen such a critter. The majority, of course, wonder what the downsides are. Is it really worth while for camping and adventure road trips? Doesn’t it kill your battery? What’s wrong with my traditional cooler and ice? Can it really keep popsicles frozen?
Unquestionably, a quality Bilt-Tuff 12V Freezer is going to cost you close to $1000, maybe less, maybe more. I know, I know. It’s as painful as a root canal or punch from Mike Tyson. Very few people are prepared to spend that much on keeping food cold when the alternative is $5.00 worth of bagged ice that’ll do the job. So, yes, there’s a chance that fridge ownership makes you the equivalent of a hipster scrambling to keep up with the cool kids. But that’s on the surface. If you love fishing, camping, any adventurous outdoor activity, or just want to be prepared for the zombie apocalypse then our Bilt-Tuff is just what you need.
So, let’s get to what you came for:
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Bilt-Tuff 12V Freezer Needs Less Power Than You Think and They Don’t Kill Your Battery
Taking from the results of a test performed by Graham Jackson of Overland Journal (Summer 2010 issue), most portable fridges consume between .83 amps and 3.33 amps. Keep in mind that a fridge doesn’t run all the time, either. That means, for example, your 55 amp hour Optima yellow top battery will power the worst performer for about 16 hours with your engine off if the fridge ran non-stop, and it won’t run non-stop. Some will stay alive for over 60 hours, same conditions. Sure, that’s not the whole story, but why bore you with windy blather about amps and wire gauge and all that jazz?
Additionally, our fridges won’t just keep things cool. No way, you paid dearly for one and it’ll hold up its end of the bargain. You can keep popsicles frozen so solid they’ll stick to your tongue on the first lick, even on a beach in Mexico in July (believe me, we’ve tried it). You won’t be saying that about an $80 electric cooler.
About Battery Connection and Battery Protection
Simple. They connect through a standard cigarette lighter style plug. Relieved? They’re easy. And smart: don’t worry about killing your battery. Bilt-Tuff just shut off when they sense the battery is getting too low, and you can adjust that setting yourself if you want. They also come with a cord that lets you plug into a 110v socket in your home. Having a little bash at the house? Pack the Bilt-Tuff with Capri Suns for the kids, or Coke for your buds. Or popsicles. Or whatever.
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Yes,You Can Remove the Bilt-Tuff 12V Freezer and Put It Back In with Ease
And it doesn’t take a whole lot of tools to do so. Since the electrical connection is through a standard automotive power outlet, which most modern cars, SUVs and minivans have in the rear cargo area, it’s a piece of cake. Fridges weigh over 40 lbs, though. While some people built a custom cabinet in the bed of their truck for a fridge, putting a fridge in your car doesn’t need to be a weekend project; just put it in the back and plug it in.
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12V Freezers Are Far Better Today Than They Were 5 Years Ago
Times have changed. Bilt-Tuff 12V Freezers crank up the competition with simple features like:
- Digital temperature setting
- Integrated thermometer readings
- And internal covered LED lights.
Some old models use a 5-point dial for setting the temperature, which is just a scale of cold, not an actual temperature setting. As in, if you have a nice new Bilt-Tuff 12V Freezer, you tell the unit you want it maintain a temperature of 30 degrees, or 45 degrees, or whatever makes you happy. Some old models, you have to choose a setting between one and five. Five being the coldest. Get it? The insulation has improved. the Bilt-Tuff 12V Freezer holds in the cold the most efficiently during the shut down test.
- Fridges are useful for everyday life
- Picture yourself going to the grocery store to buy ice cream. Oh, and then you want to go see a movie after. Go ahead, it won’t melt in your Bilt-Tuff 12V Freezer.
- Birthday bash at the house: use the Bilt-Tuff 12V Freezer and ice for Cokes and juices, but use your 110v power cord on your snazzy fridge to keep a bunch of popsicles on the back patio.
- Anyone still pumping breast milk? Here’s a solution to keeping it chilled if you pump away from home, or need to bring some along.
- You know how you usually throw away food that’s been soaked in your cooler-o-ice at the end of a trip? Those days are long gone. Food stays cleaner and fresher in a fridge.
- What’s the difference between a Bilt-Tuff 12V Freezer and a (much cheaper) Coleman PowerChill?
A whole lot. Bilt-Tuff 12V Freezer units are refrigerators and freezers that operate independently of the ambient temperature. The PowerChill is a powered chiller that will only handle 40 degrees cooler than the ambient temperature – on a 100 degree day, the best you can hope for is 60 degrees for your lunch meat, cheese, juice. No chance for those precious popsicles.
HAPPY TRAILS!