Best 12V Refrigerator for Camping: ICECO GO20 Review (Teardrop Trailer and Car Camping)

If you are looking for the best portable 12V refrigerator for teardrop camping, tent camping, or road trips, the ICECO GO20 is my top pick. I have been using it for years across multiple camping setups and it has never let me down.

I started with the smaller ICECO GO12 in my NuCamp T@G clamshell kitchen and upgraded to the GO20 for the dual zone fridge and freezer capability. I now use it for tent camping and car camping as well, powered by my Goal Zero Yeti 500 power station.

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Quick Facts: ICECO GO20

Feature	Details
Capacity	21 quart (20 liter)
Zones	Dual zone: separate fridge and freezer
Power	12V/24V DC or 110V AC
Amp draw	About 4 amps when compressor is running
App	CAR FRIDGE app (iOS and Android)
Compressor	Danfoss compressor
Temperature range	0°F to 50°F
Best for	Teardrop campers, tent camping, car camping, road tripsQuick Facts: ICECO GO20

Note: This video covers the GO 12, which has since been discontinued. My current recommendation is the ICECO GO20, same great brand, more capacity and dual zoned fridge/freezer. Many of the features work the same.

Best 12v Refrigerator for Camping

The ICECO runs on 12/24V DC or 110V AC and there are 2 modes to the refrigerator, Max mode, which you can use when first starting up to cool it down quickly, and Eco mode, which I use to conserve as much power as possible.

Why I Chose the ICECO GO20

The biggest upgrade from a standard single-compartment portable fridge is the dual zone design. With the GO20 you can run one side as a refrigerator and the other as a freezer at the same time. That means you can keep your food cold and have ice or frozen items without carrying a separate cooler.

The Danfoss compressor is quiet, efficient, and reliable. In my experience it uses about 4 amps when running, but the compressor does not run continuously, only when it needs to cool down to the set temperature. That makes it much more battery-friendly.

How I Use It: Three Different Setups

In My NuCamp T@G Clamshell Kitchen

The ICECO GO20 fits perfectly in the clamshell kitchen of the NuCamp T@G on a custom slide-out shelf. My brother-in-law built the slide-out using heavy duty 20-inch locking drawer sliders from Amazon, and a scrap piece of wood. The slide-out makes it easy to access the fridge without leaning into the kitchen.

The T@G also has built-in solar panels and a trailer battery, so I plug the ICECO into the 12V outlet in the clamshell and it runs off solar and battery with no issues. When plug into shore power at a campground, I use the 110V AC connection instead.

See the full T@G kitchen installation guide here.

This setup works well for many teardrop camper styles beyond the T@G as well. Any teardrop with a clamshell or galley kitchen that has a 12V outlet can accommodate a portable fridge like the GO20. Check your camper’s dimensions and available outlet placement before ordering.

For Tent Camping and Car Camping

When I am tent camping or car camping, I keep the ICECO GO20 in my car, plugged into my Goal Zero Yeti 500 power station. The Yeti 500 has enough capacity to run the fridge for extended periods, and I use two methods to keep the Yeti charged:

While driving: I plug the Goal Zero into my car’s 12V outlet using a car charging cable. The Yeti charges as I drive between destinations, and keeps the refrigerator running even when the car is not running.

While stationary at camp: I put my Goal Zero Nomad 50 solar panel on the roof of my car and run the cord through a window cracked slightly open to the Yeti inside. This keeps the power station charged throughout the day so the fridge keeps running overnight.

One important tip: keep both the Goal Zero and the ICECO out of direct sun so they do not overheat. Reflectix window coverings can help insulate the car and protect the gear.

Boondocking Without Shore Power

The low amp draw of the ICECO GO20 (about 4 amps when the compressor is running) makes it practical for off-grid camping when paired with a quality power station. The key settings to know:

ICECO Safety Setting – Battery saver mode: The GO20 has a battery protection setting designed to prevent your vehicle battery from draining too low. If you are running off a power station like the Goal Zero Yeti rather than directly from your car battery, set the battery saver to LOW. If it is set to medium or high, the ICECO may shut off thinking the power station battery is too low even when it is not.

The ICECO Phone App

The GO20 works with a free app called CAR FRIDGE (available on iOS and Android). Instead of opening the kitchen or going to the car every time I want to check or adjust the temperature, I just open the app. You can also monitor your power station battery level through the app, which is helpful for planning how long your setup will run.

Power and Runtime: What You Need to Know

The compressor draws about 4 amps when running, but it cycles on and off rather than running continuously. In moderate temperatures with a full fridge, expect the compressor to run roughly 30 to 50 percent of the time.

Recommended power setup for off-grid use:

The Goal Zero Yeti 500 (505 watt hours) is a solid match for the GO20. Paired with the Nomad 50 solar panel for daytime recharging, this setup keeps the fridge running comfortably for multiple days without shore power.

Related Articles

Teardrop Camper Kitchen Essentials — more ideas for setting up your teardrop galley

Adding a 12V Refrigerator to a Teardrop Kitchen — how I installed the ICECO in my T@G clamshell kitchen with a DIY slide-out shelf

Best Goal Zero Yeti Power Stations for Camping — which Yeti is right for your setup