Custom fit Tesla fridge test and review – does it cool and warm?
Tesla Model 3 Trunk Fridge Review & Full Installation! Perfect for keeping beers cold, baby milk warm, and snacks fresh on road trips. In this video, I unbox, install, and test the TlYard side trunk refrigerator in my Tesla Model 3 Performance. It fits seamlessly in the luggage compartment pocket, runs quietly on 12V, has cooling AND warming modes, and includes smart features like under-voltage protection.
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What are the benefits of the Tlyard Tesla Model 3 trunk fridge?
The Tlyard trunk refrigerator for the Tesla Model 3 (including the Highland refresh) is a popular accessory that essentially converts dead storage space into a functional appliance. Here is a breakdown of the benefits, keeping in mind the technical and practical aspects of the installation:
1. Seamless Design & Integration
- Hidden Storage: The primary benefit is that it utilizes the “dead” or under-utilized side-trunk storage compartments. It doesn’t clutter your cabin or main cargo area, maintaining the minimalist Tesla aesthetic.
- OEM-like Fit: Because it is designed specifically for the Model 3’s trunk architecture, it fits snugly without requiring permanent modifications or drilling, making it an ideal “reversible” mod.
2. Performance & Cooling Capabilities
- Compressor-Based Cooling: Unlike cheaper “thermoelectric” coolers (which only maintain a temperature difference from the ambient air), these units use a high-efficiency mini-compressor. This allows them to actually freeze items (often down to -10°C to -20°C) regardless of how hot it is in the car.
- Temperature Control: Most units feature an integrated digital display or app-based control (e.g., TEMAI or similar interfaces), allowing you to precisely set the temperature for drinks, baby milk, or groceries.
3. Practicality for Road Trips & Daily Use
- Camp Mode Compatibility: Since these units run on 12V/16V, they can draw power from the car’s auxiliary battery. If you use “Camp Mode,” you can keep the fridge running even while the car is parked and you are away (or camping inside the vehicle).
- Smart Power Management: They typically include intelligent voltage protection. This is crucial for a Tesla; the unit will auto-shutoff if it detects the low-voltage battery dropping below a safe threshold, preventing you from ever having a “dead car” situation.
- Warming & Cooling: Some variants include a heating mode (in addition to cooling), which is useful if you are transporting meals or baby food that needs to be kept warm.
4. Energy Efficiency
- Low Draw: With a power rating usually around 45W, the impact on your overall range is negligible. Even running it overnight (e.g., while Sentry Mode is active), the energy draw is significantly lower than the power usage of the vehicle’s computer systems themselves.
Feedback
What do you like to take on Tesla road trips and which products would you pack if you had this fridge in your car? Write me in the comments and feel free to ask me any questions. Please help grow my YouTube channel by subscribing or becoming a premium channel member, so I can test, review and compare new products. Please support my channel and use my Tesla promo code for a big discount on your new car or free supercharger Miles.