When I first unboxed the Bodega 64Qt Dual-Zone Fridge/Freezer, my first thought was: "There is no way this is fitting in my car." It’s monstrous. It’s deep. It looks like it belongs in a massive RV, not a Hyundai Santa Fe.
But as any minivan camper knows, we are the masters of Tetris. If you’ve read my new book, Car Camp the USA, you know I’m all about skipping hotels and seeing the country on a budget—and that requires a solid food setup. After taking this "Monster" on a few trips, I’ve found that it might just be the "one-unit" solution I’ve been looking for.
Credit: @minivancampergal1554
The "Moment of Truth": Will It Fit?
Space is the most valuable currency in a minivan build. My previous setup involved two separate coolers (one fridge, one freezer), which was a nightmare for power management and floor space.
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The Fit Test: Surprisingly, the 64Qt fits in the passenger front seat of my Santa Fe.
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Orientation: I found it fits best with the wheels facing forward. While it opens toward the driver, it’s still accessible.
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Visibility: Despite its height, I can still see out the window clearly, making it a viable option for solo travelers who need to maximize their interior living space.
Why a Dual-Zone "Monster" is a Game Changer
Before this, I was doing a "power dance" every night: making the freezer extra cold and moving ice into the fridge so I could turn everything off to save my solar battery.
With the Bodega 64Qt, that dance is over.
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Massive Depth: The fridge compartment is deep enough to store a week of groceries easily. It even comes with a removable basket, so you can pull all your food out at once when you reach camp.
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Efficiency: Running one large dual-zone unit actually uses less power than my previous two-cooler setup.
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Insulation Power: I tested its "coasting" ability by leaving it off for 14 hours. Even in a warm car, the freezer side stayed frozen and the fridge side only just hit the "danger zone" (above 40℉). If you turn it back on as soon as the sun hits your solar panels, it’s incredibly efficient.
The Good, the Bad, and the "Frozen Hummus"
I believe in being honest with my "Minivan Camper Gals." Here is the reality of living with this unit:
The Pros:
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The Quietest Cooler Yet: Bodega has clearly upgraded their compressors. Unlike my older units that "raise the dead" at night, this one is a whisper-quiet hum.
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Simple App: The app allows you to adjust temps and monitor the unit without digging through your front seat.
App Control
Manual Control
The Cons:
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The "Deep Dive": Because it’s so tall, getting to items at the very bottom can be a struggle if you're reaching over from the driver's seat.
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The Screen Lock Issue: Warning! You cannot lock the physical buttons on the unit itself; you have to use the app to lock the screen. I inadvertently brushed against the buttons during a trip, lowered the temp, and accidentally froze all my food. Always use the app lock!
Is the 64Qt Right for You?
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For One Person: It’s a bit of overkill unless you’re staying in the "boonies" for weeks. Bodega makes a 53Qt version that is slightly shorter and might be easier to reach into.
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For Two People: This is the perfect size. You’ll never run out of room for fresh greens or frozen treats.
Learn more: Bodega Portable Refrigerator T50 Review: Spacious & Convenient
FAQs
1. Does it come with both car and home plugs?
Yes! It includes a standard 12V cigarette lighter plug and a 110V wall plug.
2. Is the 64Qt too heavy to move alone?
It’s a large unit. While it has wheels and a handle, lifting it into a front seat while full is a two-person job or requires some serious muscle.
3. Can I use both sides as a fridge?
Yes. Both zones are independent. You can set them both to 34℉, both to -4℉, or mix and match.
4. Will it drain my car battery overnight?
The unit has built-in battery protection, but I recommend turning it off at night if you aren't plugged into a portable power station to be safe.
1 comment
Said
Bonjour, j’ai une question : combien de grammes peut contenir ce réfrigérateur bodega de 50 litres ?