Best Portable Fridge Setup for the Rivian R1S

[Mars Adventure Gear]

I personally think it's hands-down the best portable fridge setup for the Rivian R1S, perfect for anyone who camps inside the vehicle. For months, I had the fridge sitting in the trunk, which worked well. But I always thought—how great would it be if I could hide it away? So last week, I decided to try placing it in the subtrunk—and oh my gosh, it fits perfectly. I regret not doing it earlier. The subtrunk is honestly one of my favorite features of EVs

You can learn more about my Rivian R1S car camping setup HERE. I’ve included just about everything I’ve purchased, used, and personally recommend.

And right...Mars Adventure Gear doesn’t sell fridges or interior accessories (yet). This is just me, Ivan (co-founder of Mars), sharing what I personally use for my car camping setup. Our focus at Mars is on industry-leading rooftop tents and rack systems for both the Rivian R1T and R1S.

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[wjhdrew]

I read up on your setup yesterday and likely will be taking your fridge setup with the lifted cargo lid situation. Great space optimized setup, especially since I take a hitched full spare with me on trips.

Looking through Iceco fridges, that fridge does seem to be the best option for that sub cargo space, though I didn't methodically check every single option.

Appreciate the write up.

 

[wjhdrew]

@Mars Adventure Gear Were you able to use the cable that the fridge comes with to connect it to the Rivian's outlets while it's sitting in there? Are you using the dc or ac cable?

Edit: Looked closer at your pictures, and it looks like you're using the stock DC cable.

 

[Mars Adventure Gear]

@Mars Adventure Gear Were you able to use the cable that the fridge comes with to connect it to the Rivian's outlets while it's sitting in there? Are you using the dc or ac cable?

Edit: Looked closer at your pictures, and it looks like you're using the stock DC cable.

Yes I use the stock 12V cigarette lighter plug.

 

[natcc99]

What a great idea! Thanks for sharing.

Now feel silly because I also have a fridge and never thought of putting it under the floor. My fridge has wheels, so I'm not sure if it will fit. (might have to remove the wheels) I will try and report back.

 

[smunro622]

Thank you for sharing I am on the hunt for one to go in the frunk on a Gen 1 R1S. There does not seem to be a lot of options.

 

[wjhdrew]

I got the fridge in!

So it fits for sure. It unfortunately doesn't sit in their centered and I didn't want to take off the felt covers (there's wires and such that is hidden behind it). The good thing about it not being centered is that it forces you to have a bit of space on the left that you could store some stuff and creates a tighter fit in the space.
- This doesn't seem to be an issue in the photos for the guide. Did you cut the bump in the floor so the fridge could be centered? @Mars Adventure Gear Or maybe your vehicle's felt panel cover doesn't bump up on the left side like mine does.

One actual bummer is that the lid doesn't fully open while in there. It opens a decent amount so you could probably take a few things out at a time if they're not massive. Or you'd just need to lift out the fridge temporarily onto the tailgate to take some stuff out.

But still overall I am excited to use this setup next week. Not having a fridge take up trunk space is amazing.

 

[mrpoo]

I got the fridge in!

So it fits for sure. It unfortunately doesn't sit in their centered and I didn't want to take off the felt covers (there's wires and such that is hidden behind it). The good thing about it not being centered is that it forces you to have a bit of space on the left that you could store some stuff and creates a tighter fit in the space.
- This doesn't seem to be an issue in the photos for the guide. Did you cut the bump in the floor so the fridge could be centered? @Mars Adventure Gear Or maybe your vehicle's felt panel cover doesn't bump up on the left side like mine does.

One actual bummer is that the lid doesn't fully open while in there. It opens a decent amount so you could probably take a few things out at a time if they're not massive. Or you'd just need to lift out the fridge temporarily onto the tailgate to take some stuff out.

But still overall I am excited to use this setup next week. Not having a fridge take up trunk space is amazing.

do you have a picture of how far the lid can open when the iceco apl35 is sitting in the R1S subtrunk?

 

[KBabione]

I have a thread going here that shows another option: R1S Subtrunk Fridge

I looked at the Iceco 35QT but, for me, there were two things that didn't work:

• I wanted something that would be "invisible" and fit completely in the subtrunk. I'll be using it just occasionally (i.e. buying ice cream at a creamery an hour or more from home) so the $700 or so price of the Iceco unit just didn't make sense.
• For camping and/or tailgating, I wanted something bigger than the 35QT so I bought a dual-zone 45 qt that's perfect for me

Depending on your needs, spending $160 on the BougeRV 23QT may make more sense...

 

[mrpoo]

do you have a picture of how far the lid can open when the iceco apl35 is sitting in the R1S subtrunk?

So I took the plunge. For me, the fridge cannot open at all once it is in the subtrunk. Needs to sit a bit higher for the hinge to have clearance, but then that means you can’t have it flush even with risers.

One thing I did wish the APL35 had is a removable divider to have the option of making it into one larger compartment. Other than that it is a very nice unit.

 

[KBabione]

So I took the plunge. For me, the fridge cannot open at all once it is in the subtrunk. Needs to sit a bit higher for the hinge to have clearance, but then that means you can’t have it flush even with risers.

One thing I did wish the APL35 had is a removable divider to have the option of making it into one larger compartment. Other than that it is a very nice unit.

I just loaded my fridge (and replaced all of the college dorm crap on top of it) so it's ready for our drive home tomorrow. Bummer that you can't open it while it's in the subtrunk. What happens if you put risers under it and then don't use the subtrunk-cover? Just a thought.

BougeRV just released their Rocky V3 series - Their 41QT is a little bigger than the APL35 so I don't think it would fit in the subtrunk, but it does have dual zones with a removable divider for those who are looking for that feature.

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