If you’re embarking on a camper build, one of the key considerations is having reliable, efficient, and easy-to-use appliances that fit your needs. Among the most crucial items for a van build is the refrigerator. After extensive research, I came across SetPower, a company specializing in 12V refrigerators and related accessories. This review dives deep into the SetPower PT55 to determine whether it lives up to the hype and if it’s a good fit for van life and camper builds.
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Unboxing the SetPower PT55: First Impressions
The SetPower PT55 portable fridge stands out right from the start. It’s not just a fridge; it’s a complete package, with dual compartments, a magnetic exterior, sturdy handles, and even a custom slide system for easy setup in your camper van. The refrigerator’s compact design makes it ideal for limited space in a van or camper.
When it comes to efficiency, I’ve always preferred 12V DC-powered appliances. They’re far more efficient than their AC counterparts, with less energy loss, making them a better option for off-grid van life. And that’s where the PT55 shines—it’s powered by 12V DC, eliminating the need for converting power and reducing unnecessary energy loss.
The Slide Mechanism: Sturdy and Reliable
One of the standout features of the SetPower PT55 is its heavy-duty slide. Measuring approximately 15.8 inches in width and 27 inches in length, this slide is built to hold the fridge securely in place, ensuring that it doesn’t move around even while you’re on the road. It comes with locking mechanisms for extra stability, especially useful when your vehicle is in motion.
The slide can handle up to 165 pounds, making it a sturdy choice for larger, heavier refrigerators or other components. I’ve even considered using this slide to mount and move other heavy items like batteries, which can be quite cumbersome in a camper setup.
Features of the SetPower PT55: Dual Compartment and Design
The PT55 refrigerator itself measures 23 inches in height, 15.5 inches in depth, and around 2 feet in width. Its design is sleek and highly functional. The fridge has a dual-zone compartment system, which allows you to store both frozen and chilled items simultaneously. One zone can be set as a freezer, while the other remains a regular fridge.
The exterior of the fridge features a magnetic surface, which adds a touch of convenience when you want to attach small items like notes or accessories. Plus, the sturdy handles make it easy to transport the fridge between locations.
The door design is a huge improvement over older models I’ve used. It opens smoothly without any latches or chains that could break over time. The seals are tight, ensuring minimal cold air escape and better temperature control.
Efficiency and Power: What You Need to Know
One of the main reasons I chose the SetPower PT55 for my camper build is its efficiency when it comes to power consumption. The fridge runs on DC power, which is great because most camper setups already use DC power, making the fridge a natural fit.
The PT55 comes with a power bank rated at 216 watt-hours (Wh), which is sufficient to run the fridge for hours on end without the need for constant recharging. During my testing, I observed that the fridge consumes about 52 watts when running at full compressor speed. As the fridge gets closer to the desired temperature, the energy consumption drops to around 32 watts, which is highly efficient.
The beauty of the SetPower PT55 is that it can last for hours, even while the power bank is working hard. The portable power bank allows for convenient charging and use, and with its USB-C output, it’s versatile enough to power other devices as well.
Real-World Test: Can It Handle the Job?
In one of the most intriguing tests, I filled the fridge’s smaller compartment with a gallon of water to see if it could freeze it. I started with the freezer compartment set to 27°F and the larger compartment at 39°F. Initially, the fridge was pulling in about 52 watts of power, but as it got closer to the set temperatures, the power draw decreased.
Interestingly, even with a heater directed at the fridge, the water in the freezer compartment remained liquid until later in the test. However, the fridge continued to perform well, consuming about 170 watt-hours before the battery dipped below 10%. Ultimately, the fridge reached a freezing point, and the water turned into ice, proving that the fridge could indeed handle freezing tasks despite the power limitations.
Over-Delivering on Capacity
A major surprise came when I tested the fridge’s overall power capacity. While the unit is rated at 216 watt-hours, it exceeded expectations by delivering 219 watt-hours of power before shutting down. This means the power bank performs better than advertised, which is rare and refreshing in the world of portable power stations. With this fridge, you can count on efficiency and reliability, even on longer trips or when solar power isn’t readily available.
Practical Use and Final Thoughts
After using the SetPower PT55 for a few weeks, I can confidently say that it’s a fantastic addition to any camper build. The fridge is compact, energy-efficient, and surprisingly powerful for its size. Whether you’re using it with solar panels or a portable power station, it delivers on its promises of reliable performance, even on the go.
A key highlight is its quiet operation. Even on the highest compressor setting, the fridge remains relatively quiet, ensuring it won’t disrupt your sleep in a camper setting. Plus, the fridge cools down fast—within 15 minutes of plugging it in, it’s nearly at the desired temperature.
If you’re considering a 12V fridge for your camper van, the SetPower PT55 should definitely be on your radar. It’s reliable, efficient, and can hold a surprising amount of food (including 290 pounds of brisket, if you can believe it). The included power bank and slide mechanism make it an all-in-one solution that will seamlessly integrate into your van build.
In conclusion, I highly recommend the SetPower PT55 for anyone looking to upgrade their camper build with a high-quality, low-maintenance fridge. If you’re looking for something that offers great performance and will stand the test of time, this is an excellent choice.
