You arrive at the campsite in the twilight after an autumn stage. Fresh ingredients for dinner are in the vehicle, but it may be mild outside during the day and cool at night. Low outdoor temperatures are no substitute for planned cooling: conditions can fluctuate in the vehicle and with changing weather. A properly planned compressor cooler makes accessing food straightforward—provided its size, power supply, and installation suit your vehicle.
With the ARB ZERO series, the actual purchasing decision is not based on capacity alone. You can choose between a single cooling or freezing zone and two independently controllable zones. You also need a slide that is approved for the specific model. This guide walks you through the three sizes available in the shop and shows what you should measure and check before purchasing.
Passive cooler or ARB ZERO compressor cooler?
For a short trip with pre-frozen ice packs, a passive cooler may be a sensible option. This is exactly the solution outlined in our guide to autumn camping kitchen setups. If you plan to use actively controlled cooling on your trip, a compressor cooler is a viable option. It requires a suitable power supply; how long your specific setup can provide power depends on the battery, usage, and conditions. Plan your power supply before the trip and do not rely on a general runtime estimate for highly perishable food.
36, 44 or 69 litres: Which size suits your packing list?
36 litres: Plan for compactness
The 36-litre ARB ZERO Single Zone is the choice for deliberately keeping food and vehicle storage to a minimum. According to the manufacturer, it measures 67.5 × 42.3 × 43.6 cm. In its single zone, you can cool or freeze; this model is not designed to store chilled and frozen food separately at the same time. Use an actual packing list to check whether drinks and containers will fit alongside your meals. The rated capacity alone tells you little about this.
44 litres: More interior space with the same footprint
The 44-litre ARB ZERO Single Zone also has a footprint of 67.5 × 42.3 cm according to the manufacturer, but at 49.6 cm, it is six centimetres taller than the 36-litre version. This makes it an attractive option if the same footprint is available in the cargo area but you can use more height and cooling space. The same applies here: one zone for cooling or freezing. Especially when placed under a cover or drawer system, the clearance above the lid determines whether the larger cooler is practically usable.
69 litres: Cooling and freezing on the same trip
The 69-litre ARB ZERO Dual Zone offers two independently controllable zones. This allows you to carry chilled and frozen items at the same time, provided the power supply and settings are suitable for your food. The additional space also requires more installation room: the manufacturer’s dimensions are 75.5 × 46.9 × 56.4 cm. Choose this model if you really need both functions and the cooler, with its lid open and accessible, fits your vehicle setup. For a purely cooling or purely freezing application, one of the smaller Single Zone coolers may be the simpler choice.
The right slide: Plan access and check model compatibility
A cooler can be placed in the boot and still be difficult to reach. After arriving late, you will want to take out ingredients without having to rearrange your luggage first. ARB offers a slide for the ZERO 36 and 44 litres for this purpose. For the larger Dual Zone cooler, the slide for the ZERO 60 and 69 litres is required. This compatibility is also explicitly stated in the manufacturer’s specifications for the two ARB slides.
A suitable slide alone does not guarantee that the combination will fit in your vehicle. You should also measure the clearance when the slide is extended, the space required for the open lid, and the mounting points in the vehicle. The product pages indicate that a separate mounting kit or tie-down straps are required; the straps shown with the slides are not included. Therefore, plan the proper securing of the cooler and slide as a separate step.
Five checks before ordering
- Measure the space: Compare the external dimensions with the usable floor area and height in the vehicle. Take into account the lid’s movement, handle recesses, cables, and the fully extended slide.
- Clarify the power supply: The three models in the shop are listed with a 12/24 V connection. Check the connection, fuse, and your power plan in the stationary vehicle using the device manual. The rated capacity does not indicate how long the cooler can run.
- Leave clearance: Do not place the cooler so tightly between pieces of luggage that the ventilation is blocked. Follow the clearance and placement instructions in the manual for the specific model.
- Secure the load: Check that the slide is securely installed and the cooler is properly fastened. Heavy and wet touring gear should neither block the slide nor slide against the cooler when braking.
- Store food correctly: Pack chilled items while they are still cold, follow the temperature instructions on the packaging, and check the actual temperature. The German Federal Institute for Risk Assessment recommends quickly placing chilled food in suitable refrigeration and following the storage instructions on the packaging.
How to make your purchasing decision
Start with your packing list and the vehicle’s dimensions. If a single cooling or freezing zone is sufficient, compare the 36 and 44-litre models, focusing especially on usable volume and available height; the same smaller ZERO slide is designed for both. If you want to control chilled and frozen items separately at the same time, check the 69-litre Dual Zone cooler together with the larger 60/69-litre slide. Compare the dimensions of the cooler and slide with your vehicle and plan for mounting and power supply.
Put together the right autumn kitchen: Choose the ARB ZERO cooler for your food from the options above and combine it exclusively with the slide specified for it. You will find the details on the product pages to help you check compatibility with your vehicle.