When Travoca entered the portable fridge market, it wasn’t content to simply copy what’s already out there. The Rigel 45L Dual Zone eCooler aimed to blend rugged off-grid performance with design-forward aesthetics — a rare combination in a segment dominated by utilitarian grey boxes. With its vacuum-insulated panels, dual-zone temperature control, and bamboo-accented steel body, Travoca promises premium cooling efficiency and a touch of style for overlander adventurers and van lifers alike. But does it live up to the hype, and is it worth its nearly $800 price tag? We took it on the trail to find out.
Design & Build Quality
Right out of the box, the Travoca 45L impresses with its attention to detail. The fridge feels solid and premium, with a full powder-coated steel body, smooth edges, and removable side panels accented with bamboo trim.
At 58 lbs, the Travoca is heavier than many comparable 45 L coolers, but that’s largely due to its vacuum-insulated panels (VIP) and reinforced frame. The tradeoff is likely worth it as the insulation should help maintain internal temperatures more efficiently than conventional foam construction.
It’s worth noting that the Travoca 45L is slightly wider than most 45-liter fridges we’ve tested, measuring in at 19.3 inches across. As a result, it did not fit our standard 16-inch fridge slide. For testing, we removed the slide and secured the unit directly to the Goose Gear platform in the TAP 4Runner using tie-downs. Since many adventurers rely on the convenience of a fridge slide, potential buyers should confirm compatibility or plan for a wider slide system before installation.
Cooling Performance
Under the hood, the Travoca 45L uses a Toshiba compressor which proved very quiet, efficient, and capable of reaching –20 °C (–4 °F)in roughly 20 minutes under moderate ambient conditions. During testing, both zones stabilized quickly and maintained consistent temperatures within a narrow ±1 °C range.
The dual-zone design is one of its standout features. You can independently set one compartment as a fridge and the other as a freezer — or sync both for one larger cooling chamber. The flexibility makes it ideal for longer trips when you need to store fresh food and frozen items simultaneously.
Even when running on 12 V DC power, the fridge maintained cooling performance with minimal voltage drop. Travoca claims that their VIP insulation provides up to 60% longer cold retention than standard 12 V fridges, and our real-world results were close — after being unplugged overnight, interior temps only rose about 6–7 degrees.
Usability & Features
Travoca clearly designed the Rigel with user experience in mind. The control panel is intuitive, with responsive buttons and clear LED readouts. It also connects via Bluetooth for smartphone monitoring and temperature control of each zone — a welcome feature for adjusting settings from the driver’s seat or in a RTT. On numerous occasions on trips we have forgotten to turn on a fridge, so being able to correct this error without stopping and keep an eye on it’s performance is a great feature!
TAP’s Verdict
Pros:
- Excellent cooling performance
- Dual Zone flexibility
- Impressive insulation efficiency
- Premium build with stylish design
- Quiet operation and smart app control
- Rugged construction
- Removable lid
Cons:
- Heavier than many 45L competitors
- Too wide to fit a standard fridge slide
- New brand – no long term longevity data
- Premium price as an unknown newcomer
The Travoca Rigel 45L Dual Zone eCooler is a bold entry into the portable fridge market — and an impressive one. It combines real engineering advantages (VIP insulation, dual-zone cooling, quality compressor) with thoughtful design and modern aesthetics that set it apart from its more industrial-looking rivals. During our brief testing period, it performed flawlessly, living up to both its marketing claims and premium price point.
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