A battery-powered 12V fridge holds a set temperature for as long as it has power. The six fridges in the Explorer Bear UR series differ mainly in how much goes inside and how long they run away from a socket. The line starts at 10.5 quarts and ends at 58 quarts. This guide covers capacity, off-grid power, and how the six models compare on runtime and daily energy use.
12V Fridge Capacity and Zones
Start with capacity, and count cans rather than liters. The UR45W takes 64 standard 12 oz cans or 55 bottles, which is usually enough for a weekend of drinks for a group. Next, decide whether you need two temperature zones: the UR55W is the one dual-zone model in the line.
How to Power a 12V Fridge Off-Grid
Capacity decides what you can carry; battery count decides how long it stays cold. The UR23W runs on one 170Wh battery. The UR25W, UR35W, UR45W and UR55W each run on two, sold separately, and all five run up to 48 hours at a 40°F setting. Set any of them to -4°F and the runtime comes down to 16 hours, though.
The UR10W cools from 79°F to 0°F in 40 minutes on battery. The UR10W takes AC 110-240V. The other five take AC 100-240V. All six take DC 12V/24V and accept battery or solar input.
The Explorer Bear UR Fridge Line Compared
| Model | Capacity | 170Wh battery support | Runtime | Energy use | Notable features |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| UR10W | 10.5 qt / 10 L | Up to 48 hours as a fridge; up to 8 hours at 0°F | Compressor-powered; battery or solar input | ||
| UR23W | 24.3 qt / 23 L | One 170Wh battery | Up to 48 hours at 40°F, 16 hours at -4°F | Less than 0.5 kWh/day, even in MAX mode | Holds up to 18 12 oz. cans |
| UR25W | 26.4 qt / 25 L | Up to two 170Wh batteries | Up to 48 hours at 40°F, dropping to 16 hours at -4°F | Less than 0.5 kWh/day in MAX mode | Single-zone; 45 dB operating noise |
| UR35W | 37 qt / 35 L | Two 170 Wh batteries (sold separately) | Up to 48 hours at 40°F or 16 hours at -4°F | Under 0.5 kWh/day (MAX mode) | LG compressor; 50 cans or 40 bottles |
| UR45W | 48 qt / 45 L | Two 170Wh batteries (sold separately) | Up to 48 hours at 40°F, or 16 hours at -4°F | Less than 0.5 kWh/day (MAX mode) | LG compressor; low-noise operation |
| UR55W | 58 qt / 55 L | Two 170Wh batteries, sold separately | Up to 48 hours at 40°F and 16 hours at -4°F | Less than 0.5 kWh per day, even in MAX mode | Dual zone; LG compressor |
Which UR Fridge Fits Your Setup
UR10W: Day Outings and City Use
The UR10W fits day outings, weekend errands, and city use where space and weight are at a premium. It holds 10.5 quarts, enough for a short outing rather than an extended expedition.
UR23W: One Battery, Weekend Essentials
The UR23W fits two people packing drinks and a day or two of food, since 23 liters covers essentials rather than large group packing. A single 170Wh battery drives it.
UR25W: A Single-Zone Vehicle Fit
The UR25W fits a vehicle bay with room for a compact single-zone box. It measures 23.43 by 13.2 by 15.55 inches. Its temperature range runs from -4°F to 50°F, with 1.8-inch insulation.
UR35W: Weekend Camping and Overlanding
The UR35W fits camping, overlanding, tailgating, and keeping provisions cold in a truck cab or boat. Its LG compressor cools from 77°F to 32°F in 15 minutes, and one owner reports it sitting between the two front seats of a Sprinter van.
UR45W: Tailgates and Group Trips
The UR45W fits tailgates, overland setups, and weekend trips where the whole cooler load goes in at once. Two 170Wh batteries make it cordless, and the plug-in variant covers vehicle or shore power on its own.
UR55W: Cold and Frozen at the Same Time
The UR55W fits longer weekends and group outings that need cold and frozen storage together. Two 170Wh batteries carry it away from vehicle power.
The 170Wh Battery Across the UR Line
One battery serves the whole UR series, so the pack you buy for one fridge fits the next one. Each 170Wh battery gives up to 25 hours at a 40°F set temperature or up to 8 hours at -4°F, and each doubles as a power bank with Type-C and USB ports.
You charge the battery in the fridge. A battery installed in a UR series refrigerator charges while the fridge runs on 110V AC or 12/24V DC, and it charges the same way while the fridge runs from a solar panel. Either way it takes up no extra car space. We recommend a 90 to 120W panel. Panel output cannot exceed 30V, and the charging input has to be higher than the refrigerator's 38 to 40W working power.
Final Thoughts on Choosing a Battery-Powered 12V Fridge
Start with how much goes in the box, and how many days you spend away from mains power. If you run mostly from vehicle power and need cold overnight, the smaller models generally cover it. For two or three days parked up, the two-battery models plus a panel are the safer plan. Five of the six take the same 170Wh battery, so buying a different capacity later still uses the batteries you already have.
Explore the UR35W's specs and the rest of the UR line to see which capacity matches your trips.
