Honestly, I didn’t know that an electric cooler existed. The idea of not having to refill ice multiple times during a camping trip or having the plug leak all over the trunk of my car was very appealing to me.
The CR35 37 Quart Portable Refrigerator Freezer solves all those problems (plus more) AND you have the thermostat at the touch of your figure tips on their handy-dandy app.
BougeRV CR35 37 Quart Portable Refrigerator Freezer
The BougeRV CR35 37 Quart Portable Refrigerator Freezer is a dual-compartment cooling unit that allows you to refrigerate and freeze at the same time. You can also monitor and control the temperature of each compartment using the BougeRV app for your Android or iPhone.
It may sound intimidating, but it is surprisingly easy to use and saves you a lot of hassle.
*use code BougeRV for 16%OFF sitewide
Pros and Cons of the BougeRV CR35 37 Quart Portable Refrigerator Freezer
There are a lot of bells and whistles to this portable refrigerator freezer that enhance the BougeRV experience, but each refrigerator freezer has unique pros and cons.
Pros
- Temperature regulation on the go with an app that is super easy to use, even for the person who is not tech-savvy.
- Dual cooling compartments so that you can keep your meat frozen and your drinks cold.
- Rapid cooling time – 71 degrees to 32 degrees in about 15 minutes.
- Telescoping handle which is great for hauling from one area to another.
- 12v car adapter plug so you don’t need to worry about bringing a generator.
Cons
- Does not include a portable battery which makes it difficult if you have a vehicle that needs to stay in accessory mode to keep power running through the charging plug.
- Heavy – when empty it is 38.5 pounds.
- You must handle it delicately or you run the risk of damaging the refrigeration system.
- Not rainproof.
- Needs to be placed on a level surface so that the refrigeration system works properly.
My Experience Using the BougeRV CR35 Portable Refrigerator Freezer
When I plugged in the unit for the first time, the control panel read a temperature of 71 degrees. The user manual was easy to read. I changed the temperature settings so that each compartment was set to 32 degrees on the MAX setting. The MAX setting cools the compartments faster than the regular setting. I set a timer and timed the cooling period for each compartment.
The smaller compartment took 13 minutes to cool to 32 degrees, the large compartment took 16 minutes.
Packing the BougeRV CR35 Portable Refrigerator Freezer was easy because I didn’t have to pack everything down into the ice.
The unit itself is pretty heavy – 38.5 pounds empty – so I couldn’t load it into the truck myself after filling it up and my husband had to do that. I am on the shorter end for height and there was no way I could lift it above the tailgate.
Luckily, BougeRV added a telescoping handle with wheels to this model, which made it much easier to move from one area to another.
I have two vehicles that I use for myself, a sedan as well as an SUV, and the 37-quart size fits perfectly in the trunk of my sedan.
While it is heavy, it is still light enough to slide out of my hatchback without a struggle (insert grunting noise).
What was a downside of the BougeRV CR35 37 Quart Refrigerator Freezer was that it always had to be plugged into a power source.
I read the questions on the Amazon listing and BougeRV commented that the CR35 37 Quart Refrigerator Freezer takes about 6 hours and 40 minutes to go from 32 degrees to 77 degrees when unplugged and they recommend that it always be plugged in.
I recommend buying the BougeRV Detachable Battery for the Portable Refrigerator. (insert link)
The refrigeration system in this Refrigerator Freezer adds a ton of weight to the unit and it has to be handled delicately for that reason.
Slamming the BougeRV CR35 37 Quart Refrigerator Freezer down too hard on the ground or tipping it sideways can damage the system – so I couldn’t bring myself to let my kids help with transporting it.
Since it runs on electricity, it is not waterproof. This caused some anxiety when some clouds rolled in.
The power cord for the 12v adapter is long enough to reach out the window and to the ground but would not be able to reach the bed of the truck, and the unit itself would not fit in the truck and still maintain a less than 5-degree angle.
Downloading the BougeRV app using the instructions in the user’s manual for an android phone was easy.
This feature was super convenient for me. I could chase the kids around and still be able to pull my phone out of my back pocket to make sure the temperatures were holding steady – which they always did.
Features
The BougeRV CR35 37 Quart Refrigerator Freezer is loaded with top-of-the-line features that help take the hassle out of handling a traditional cooler.
My Favorite Features of the BrougeRV CR35 37 Quart Refrigerator Freezer
Dual-compartments for cooling and freezing
Like I said before, BougeRV designed an awesome, easy-to-use app that allows you to control and monitor the temperature of each compartment from the tip of your fingers.
Telescoping handle and wheels for easy transport
You will find a conveniently store cutting board under the lid and a removable basket inside the large compartment., plus a bottle opener on the outside.
The compartments are lit with built-in LED lighting so that you don’t have to pull your phone flashlight out at night.
Final Thoughts
The BougeRV CR35 37 Quart Refrigerator Freezer is not the lightest portable refrigerator freezer, but the convenience and top-of-the-line features enhance your camping trip or event and will far exceed your expectations.
Check price on both Amazon and BougeRV (use code BougeRV for 16%OFF sitewide on BougeRV.)
BougeRV Cooler FAQs
Q: How long does it take for the 37 Quart BougeRV 12 Volt Car Refrigerator to reach the set temperature?
A: The BougeRV 12 Volt Car Refrigerator typically takes around 30-45 minutes to reach the desired temperature, depending on the initial temperature of the items placed inside and the ambient temperature. However, for optimal cooling, it is recommended to pre-cool the items before placing them in the fridge.
Q: Can the BougeRV 12 Volt Car Refrigerator run on a solar panel setup?
A: Yes, the BougeRV 12 Volt Car Refrigerator can run on solar power if you have a suitable solar panel setup with the necessary power output and a compatible charge controller. It is important to ensure your solar system can provide enough power to meet the refrigerator’s power requirements, which typically range between 45W-60W.
Q: Is it possible to use the BougeRV 12 Volt Car Refrigerator as a freezer and a refrigerator at the same time?
A: Yes, the 37 Quart BougeRV 12 Volt Car Refrigerator features a dual-zone design, allowing you to use one compartment as a refrigerator and the other as a freezer simultaneously. Each zone has its own independent temperature control, allowing you to customize the temperature settings according to your needs.
Q: What is the lowest temperature the BougeRV 12 Volt Car Refrigerator can reach?
A: The BougeRV 12 Volt Car Refrigerator can reach temperatures as low as -4°F (-20°C) in the freezer compartment, while the refrigerator compartment can be set to maintain temperatures between 35°F (2°C) and 50°F (10°C).Q: How do I power the 37 Quart BougeRV 12 Volt Car Refrigerator when my vehicle is not running?
A: The BougeRV 12 Volt Car Refrigerator comes with a 12V DC power cord that can be plugged into your vehicle’s cigarette lighter socket or a 12V power outlet. If you want to use the refrigerator when your vehicle is not running, you can either connect it to an external power source, such as a portable power station or a deep-cycle auxiliary battery with an appropriate inverter. Make sure to check the power requirements of the refrigerator and the capacity of the external power source before connecting them.
- About the Author
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Hey there, I’m Ryan, the face behind Beyond The Tent.
With decades of camping experiences, my journey into the wilderness began on the rustic trails of a farm in southern Minnesota, where my childhood was filled with explorations and camping by a picturesque river.
My family’s adventures across the United States, from the majestic Colorado mountains to the serene national parks and the pristine Boundary Waters Canoe Area of Northern Minnesota have given me a broad perspective. With each journey, whether in state parks or private encampments, and through the homely comfort of our camping trailers, we’ve amassed a trove of stories, experiences, and invaluable camping wisdom.