When you're preparing for an overland adventure in your Ford Bronco, one of the most essential upgrades is a vehicle refrigerator. n this guide, we'll focus on how to power an overland vehicle fridge, specifically the BODEGA Cooler T36 — a high-performing 36L dual-zone car fridge that’s perfect for off-grid travel. While this article centers around the Ford Bronco, the same techniques can easily apply to other vehicles.
Why Choose a Portable Vehicle Fridge Like the BODEGA T36?
Traditional coolers are bulky, messy, and require constant refills of ice. The BODEGA T36 eliminates all of that. Here’s why it’s a game-changer:
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No more ice required – Forget the daily ice runs and water-logged food.
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Dual-zone control – Use one side as a freezer and the other as a fridge.
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Compact and powerful – The 36L size fits perfectly in the back of a Bronco without removing the rear seats.
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Energy-efficient – Runs quietly and keeps consistent temperatures, even overnight.
3 Practical Ways to Power the BODEGA T36 in Your Overland Rig
Here are the top three methods to keep your BODEGA T36 cooler running while on the road or parked at your campsite.
1. Powering Through the Vehicle’s 12V Outlet (Quickest Setup)
The easiest way to power your BODEGA fridge is by using the 12V DC plug that comes in the box. Just connect it to the outlet located in the rear cargo area of your Bronco.
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Advantages: Simple, no additional gear needed.
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Disadvantages: This only powers the cooler when the vehicle is on. However, the Ford Bronco provides power to the outlet for about an hour after the engine shuts off, helping the cooler stay cold longer.
Pro Tip: Before bed, quickly switch your ignition on and off to restart the one-hour power cycle. Combined with the cooler’s excellent insulation, your food stays fresh even through the night.
2. Using a Portable Power Station (Best for Overnight Use)
For longer trips or when you plan to camp without running your engine, a portable power station is the perfect companion for your BODEGA T36.
How it works:
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Connect the fridge to the power station.
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The power station charges via your car's 12V plug while driving.
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Once parked, the fridge runs off the battery pack.
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Advantages: Keeps your cooler running when the vehicle is off, charges while you drive, and powers other devices (USB ports included).
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Disadvantages: Higher upfront cost, but excellent long-term value.
Tip: Avoid relying solely on the standard cigarette lighter port—it may disconnect during rough rides. Instead, use a locking two-prong plug or secure port for a more reliable connection.
3. Using an AC Charger (Best for At-Home or Campsite Use)
When you're near a power source—whether at home, a campsite with hookups, or a powered garage—an AC charger is the easiest and most efficient way to run your BODEGA Cooler T36.
How it works:
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Plug the cooler into a standard wall outlet using the included AC power adapter.
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The unit draws steady power to cool or freeze with no drain on your vehicle battery or power station.
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Pros: Simple setup, reliable power, and ideal for pre-cooling or extended stays at powered locations.
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Cons: Only works when grid power is available; not useful for off-grid setups without an inverter.
Pro Tip: Always pre-cool your T36 at home using AC power the night before a trip. This reduces the load on your 12V system or power station while on the road.
You might also like: Practical Guide to Saving Your Car Fridge Power Consumption
Bonus Overlanding Tips for the BODEGA Cooler T36
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Pre-cool your fridge at home: Plug into a wall outlet the night before and chill your food in advance.
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Charge your power station fully before heading out.
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Secure extra fuses to the back of the unit with tape, just in case.
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Monitor power usage: The BODEGA T36 is energy-efficient, and some power stations can run it (and even a heated blanket) for up to 11 hours on a single charge.
Final Thoughts
Choosing the BODEGA Cooler T36 for your Ford Bronco overland setup brings both comfort and convenience. Whether you're powering it through your vehicle’s 12V outlet, using a power station, or wiring it directly to your battery, the key is to match your power source with your travel needs.
A dual-zone fridge like the T36 makes it easy to keep your food cold and your drinks icy without ever needing ice again. And with proper planning, you’ll never worry about spoiled meals in the middle of nowhere.
Don’t forget: Pre-cool your fridge and charge your power source before hitting the road for maximum efficiency.
You might also like: How to Install a Car Refrigerator - 5 Methods for Installation
