After years of stuffing coolers into the back of my truck, I’ve learned one thing the hard way: traditional coolers are great… until they aren’t. Ice melts, food gets soggy, and you’re constantly playing a game of cooler Tetris just to find the mustard. That’s exactly why I’ve been curious about testing one of the best 12V cooler models—and why the Bodega 36-liter Dual Zone Portable Car Fridge caught my attention.
So, is Bodega the best 12V cooler for RVers, overlanders, and road trippers? After weeks of testing—both plugged in and unplugged—I’ve got some clear answers.
Article Overview
Bodega 36L Dual Zone Cooler: Specs at a Glance
Before diving into real-world use, here’s a quick breakdown of this Bodega 36L cooler:
Capacity: 36 liters (roomy enough for multi-day trips)
Zones: Dual-zone design (independent fridge + freezer) | 19 Quarts Each
Power Options: 12V/24V DC (vehicle) and AC (shore power)
Temperature Range: -4℉ up to 68℉.
Weight: 30.1 pounds. Manageable for one person, sturdy but not overbuilt
Dimensions: 28.5” x 14.1” x 14.4”. Compact enough for truck beds, cargo areas, and RV pass-through storage
Extras: Digital display, internal baskets, tight-sealing lid
On paper, it checks a lot of boxes—especially the dual-zone feature, which is something many traditional coolers don’t offer.
First Impressions: Is Bodega the Best 12V Cooler?
Out of the box, the Bodega cooler feels solid without being unnecessarily bulky. It’s not a featherweight, but that’s expected for a powered cooler with insulation, a compressor, and dual compartments.
The handles are well-placed, and one features a slightly longer handle for easier rolling—yes, it has wheels. Would I have liked that elongated handle to be slightly…well…longer? Yes, and that might be a bigger concern for someone much taller than my 5’9” frame.
That said, the setup was refreshingly simple. I plugged it directly into my truck’s 12V outlet using its roughly 6-foot power cord, set the temperatures for each zone, and let it do its thing. No ice runs, no pre-freezing gel packs, and no guessing.
That alone already felt like cheating.
Real-World Testing: On the Road With My Truck
Most of my testing revolved around transporting refrigerated and frozen items for RV trips—things like leftovers, condiments, and drinks that I didn’t want to get warm.
With the Bodega cooler plugged in, it performed exactly how you want a powered cooler to perform: it cooled down quickly and stayed there. Even during longer drives, temperature stability wasn’t an issue. The digital display made it easy to glance back and confirm everything was still dialed in.
The dual-zone setup quickly became my favorite feature. I ran one side as a freezer for frozen meats (AKA fish bought or caught on the coast) while keeping the other side at fridge temps for drinks and produce. That kind of flexibility just isn’t possible with standard coolers unless you’re willing to sacrifice a lot of space—or deal with half-frozen lettuce.
Heck, I could even keep my speciality round ice cubes in there—making immediate cocktails possible once I reach camp.
Insulation Test: Unplugged Performance
I also wanted to know how the 36-liter Bodega 12V fridge stacked up when it wasn’t plugged in.
To test insulation, I placed two frozen gel packs inside the Bodega 12-volt cooler, unplugged it completely, and left it closed. I ran the exact same test using two similar-sized traditional coolers from RTIC and Canyon Coolers.
The results surprised me—in a good way.
All three coolers took roughly 72 hours for the gel packs to fully melt.
That tells me two important things:
1. The Bodega’s insulation is legitimately solid.
2. You’re not sacrificing passive cooling performance by choosing a powered option.
In other words, if you lose power or decide to run it unplugged for a stretch, the Bodega still performs on par with respected roto-molded coolers.
Where Bodega Coolers Clearly Pull Ahead
While insulation performance was similar across all three coolers, the Bodega has one massive advantage:
It plugs in and actively cools.
No ice, no gel packs, and no guessing how long things will stay cold. Plus, there’s no need to drain water—although it does have a drain plug if used with ice.
You can load it warm, plug it in, and let the compressor do the work. That’s a game-changer for RV travel, road trips, and anyone who hates dealing with soggy food.
And again, the dual-zone freezer capability puts it in a completely different category than my RTIC and Canyon coolers. Being able to keep ice cubes or fish frozen is truly a game-changer.
Compare those other coolers:
Final Verdict: Is Bodega the Best 12V Cooler?
After real-world testing, comparison runs, and multiple trips plugged into my truck, I can confidently say this:
Yes—Bodega’s 36L Dual Zone Cooler is absolutely worth the investment, making it one of the best 12V cooler options I’ve seen.
It delivers:
1. Strong insulation comparable to premium traditional coolers
2. The massive convenience of powered cooling
3. Dual-zone flexibility that standard coolers simply can’t offer
While my RTIC and Canyon coolers still have a place, the Bodega is a new favorite for RV trips and longer drives. The ability to run a true freezer and fridge at the same time is a luxury that pays off every single trip.
If you’re ready to move beyond ice and want a cooler that works as hard as you do on the road, the Bodega Cooler isn’t just good—it’s a smart upgrade and one of the best 12V cooler options out there right now.
