​Fridges & Ventilation

Choosing an upright fridge is the best move for permanent campervan or caravan fit outs where you have dedicated cabinetry. These units provide home style access to your food and bevvies without the need for a fridge slide, which saves valuable floor space and reduces the overall weight of your build.

A portable chest fridge is often preferred for 4WD canopy builds or shorter trips where flexibility is the priority. These units are typically more efficient in high heat because the cold air remains trapped inside when the lid is opened, and they can be easily moved between vehicles. You can browse our selection of upright fridge freezers for an integrated look, or explore our portable fridge freezers for a more versatile setup.

The primary difference is the orientation of the door and how the unit retains cold air. An upright fridge features a front opening door similar to a household unit, providing clear visibility and easy organization of your items. A chest fridge uses a top loading lid, which is typically more efficient because cold air settles at the bottom and does not spill out as easily when the lid is lifted.

Chest fridges are often the preferred choice for 4WD touring where they can be mounted on a slide for access. Upright models are usually built into cabinetry in caravans or campervans, offering a more permanent and accessible storage solution. Both styles use efficient 12V compressors designed to maintain steady temperatures in high heat.

Modern 12V fridges are designed for efficiency, yet they remain the most significant constant power draw in most off grid setups. You can typically expect a medium sized chest or upright fridge to consume between 30 and 60 amp hours over a 24 hour period. This usage varies based on the outside temperature and how often the door is opened.

To manage this load effectively, you need a power source that can handle the continuous cycle and a way to track your remaining charge. Most travelers upgrade to high capacity 12V deep cycle batteries to support their cooling needs. Adding one of our battery monitors is a practical way to see exactly how your fridge impacts your system in real time.

Yes, Roam Gear sells a range of high performance 12V and 240V air conditioners designed for caravans and campervan fit outs. These units are built specifically to manage the high temperatures and humidity found in the Australian tropics. We stock leading brands such as Dometic that are engineered to handle the vibration and heat of long distance touring.

Running an air conditioner while off grid is a significant electrical task that requires careful planning of your battery capacity and inverter output. You will typically need a large lithium bank to handle the heavy current draw during the day. Browse our full selection of air conditioners to find a suitable model, or explore our 12V power systems to see the setups required to support total climate control.

Installing a roof vent is a practical way to manage the temperature and air quality inside your caravan or campervan. It allows hot air to escape through the highest point of the vehicle while drawing in fresher, cooler air from lower openings.

This constant circulation is vital for preventing the build up of condensation and mold, which often occurs during humid nights or while sleeping in enclosed spaces. A vent also helps remove lingering cooking smells and moisture from internal showers, making the cabin much more comfortable for long term travel. To see our full range of air circulation products, browse our ventilation and cooling collection or explore our high performance exhaust fans for your next build.

Standard roof vents provide passive airflow and require manual operation to open or close. A rain sensing electric fan vent uses a high volume motor to actively intake or exhaust air and includes an automated sensor that triggers the lid to close during a downpour. This automation is a major benefit for travelers who want to maintain cabin ventilation while away from their vehicle without the risk of water damage.

Active fan vents are significantly more effective at managing cabin temperature and clearing moisture compared to basic manual hatches. They often include multiple speed settings and remote controls to help you control your environment. You can browse our full range of rain sensing fans to find a model for your setup or explore our ventilation and cooling collection for more airflow solutions.