If you love camping or need a reliable power source for off-grid adventures, knowing how long a 12V fridge freezer can run on a 100Ah battery is crucial. I recently conducted a test using my Bodega fridge freezer 48qt and a 12V, 100Ah lithium battery with Bluetooth BMS monitoring. This experiment was designed to see how long the system could sustain itself without needing a recharge. Let’s break down the results!
Setting Up the Test
I connected my Bodega fridge freezer 48qt directly to a 100Ah lithium battery using a 12V DC plug. The refrigerator was set to 38°F, while the freezer side was at 8°F. I also pre-chilled the unit, just as I would before a camping trip, and placed a few bottles of water inside.
At the start of the test, the battery was at 100% charge. My goal was to monitor its performance over time and determine how long it could keep both the fridge and freezer running under stable indoor conditions (room temperature was around 68°F).
Battery Performance Over Time
Here’s a breakdown of how the battery percentage dropped over time:
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Start (Friday, 6:00 PM): Battery at 100%
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Overnight (Saturday, 8:00 AM): 84% remaining
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Saturday evening (6:00 PM): 75% remaining
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Sunday evening (6:00 PM): 50% remaining (48 hours in)
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Monday evening (6:45 PM): 25% remaining
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Tuesday morning (6:00 AM): Battery depleted (fridge shut off)
Key Observations
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The fridge compressor cycled on and off periodically, helping to conserve energy.
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At the 48-hour mark, the battery was at 50%, meaning it was consuming about 25% per day.
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By the end of the test, the fridge and freezer ran for approximately 84 hours (3.5 days) before the battery was fully drained.
What This Means for Campers
If you’re a weekend camper, a 100Ah lithium battery is more than enough to power your 12V fridge freezer without needing a recharge. However, if you’re planning a longer trip, you’ll either need a solar panel setup or a backup charging method.
Factors That Affect Battery Life
Several variables can impact the runtime of a 12V fridge freezer, including:
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Outdoor temperature – Warmer environments may cause the fridge to run more frequently.
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Opening frequency – The more you open the fridge, the more energy it uses.
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Fridge settings – Lower temperature settings will consume more power.
Final Thoughts
This test provided valuable insights into how long a 12V fridge freezer can run on a 100Ah battery. For short trips, this setup is a great off-grid refrigeration solution. If you're planning longer adventures, consider adding a solar charging system to extend battery life.
I hope this test helps you plan your next camping trip! If you found this information useful, give it a like and subscribe for more off-grid gear tests.
You might also like: How Much Power Does a 12 Volt Refrigerator Use?
