I’ve reviewed similar portable refrigerators, but the BougeRV CRD2 V2.0 delivers in ways that some others just don’t. For starters, it has two rugged wheels and a telescoping handle, plus cordless battery power and two cooling compartments with individual temperature control.

The CRD2 is an upgraded version of the previous model with the same name, and adds the option to purchase the cooler with a 240-watt-hour rechargeable lithium-ion battery. This allows you to run it cordlessly for up to 20 hours on its own power. That can be a real game changer when you’re on a road trip or don’t have access to alternating current (AC) power at a campsite, especially when paired with other features that focus on prime portability.

When it comes to the job of refrigeration, the BougeRV CRD2 offers two compartments, one large and one small. The smaller one is intended to function as a freezer, but since they can be individually temperature-regulated between minus 4 degrees Fahrenheit and 68 degrees Fahrenheit, there’s no reason you couldn’t turn the entire unit into one giant freezer, or keep both sides at a non-freezing temperature (e.g., 40 degrees Fahrenheit).

During my test, both sides maintained their temperatures well and achieved those temperatures quickly, even in the slower “Eco” mode (a “Max” setting will reach them faster but drain the battery more quickly if you’re relying on cordless power).

Controlling the temperature is easy and intuitive. I figured out how to set my desired levels (40 degrees Fahrenheit) for the main compartment and 0 degrees F for the smaller one without looking at the manual. You can also use the mobile app to do it, as well as to access a few extra features, such as independently turning off either section, something you cannot do on the main control panel.

The app also alerts you to problems and suggests how to fix them. Unfortunately, I learned this the hard way. Not even a day into use, I ran into an error where the compressor wouldn’t start correctly. I know this because an alert appeared on the control panel, as well as the app. It indicated the problem and advised me to shut it down for five minutes and restart it. This did not work on the first or even the second time, but a third time was the charm, and it resumed working. I must admit that gave me pause regarding the compressor’s quality, but I did appreciate the in-app instructions on how to resolve the problem. I have not seen that in apps from other brands.

Whether you use the term portable fridge or electric cooler, there’s one thing they all have in common: weight. Because they need a compressor to lower the temperature, they often weigh 40 pounds or more—and that’s before you put any food, drinks, or ice into them. The CRD2 is no exception, and adding the battery brings it up to nearly 46 pounds. But this isn’t really an issue, as two wheels on the base and a telescoping handle help you move it around very easily. I really wish I had these elements on a lighter portable fridge I reviewed previously.

Construction is also a highlight. The outer shell is durable, designed to withstand the constant bumps it will inevitably experience on the go, plus it’s IPX4 water-resistant. There are eight tie-down holes around the midsection to secure it to a truck bed, the back of an SUV, or the deck of a boat, and each cooling compartment has a latching lid to keep it from flying open. Oh, and it has a built-in bottle opener, too—a feature I always appreciate. Honestly, when it comes to portability, this electric cooler gets an A+ in my book.

When I go camping, I bring a lot of food—some premade, some for grilling. But it’s nearly a two-hour drive to my favorite campground, so keeping things cold is important. My Ninja cooler does a great job, but it needs ice, and that sometimes gets messy or makes things soggy. Having a portable fridge that runs on battery power is made for this type of situation. I can keep things at the perfect temperature for the entire drive, plus the time it takes to unpack and set everything up.

The CRD2’s battery is removable and offers several recharging options. You can recharge in its compartment while the fridge is plugged in or outside of the compartment using either a USB-C connection, a 12-volt charging cable (included), or even a portable solar panel (up to 150 watts). There are also 12-volt and USB-A outputs for powering or recharging external devices.

The downside to the battery is the weight and the space it takes up. The weight’s not so bad (it only adds about five pounds), but the space is significant. At about the size of a brick, the battery compartment that needs to house it takes up a good amount of space and cuts into the size of the freezer section, leaving it at only 7.6 by 12.2 inches around by 3.6 inches deep (about eight quarts). That’s not even large enough for a standard ice cube tray. If you need more space, there are larger sizes available, including 52-quart and 61-quart models, with 12- and 14-quart freezer sections, respectively.

I think if you’ve been seriously considering a portable fridge for your next outdoor getaway, the BougeRV CRD2 will set you up for success. Plus, at a list price of $500 (and often on sale for even lower), it’s less expensive than several comparable models from competing brands. Time will tell if it holds up as well, but I’m optimistic given the performance so far. With a great set of features that help you lug it around a lot more easily and a flexible range of options to power it, there’s almost no setting this portable fridge can’t fit into.

Buy the BougeRV CRD2 V2.0 43-Quart Portable Refrigerator