NEED some experienced overlanding assistance

[Cautionary Tale]

This is my first truck overland rig, so I'd imagine there is going to be a learning curve.

I'm currently setting up my truck for its first big 7-day adventure in 3 weeks and was hoping to get some advice from those of you in the know. Some things to know, I've already got a Softopper and I have a trailer hitch basket for additional storage, though tongue weight is a thing (as it sticks out a fair bit).

I just bought the Bluetti AC180 with solar panels, and now I'm trying to get out of the ice game and not sure which direction to go for electric cooler/portable fridge. I plan on pre-cooling it at home, then charging it in truck bed until camp spots and then using the solar panels with AC180 to keep it chilling. I haven't a clue which brands or models are best, if the slide out would make much sense or not, with the height of our tailgates plus 21" of cooler on slider.

Trying to figure out best way to store and secure my 8 scepter 5gal mil jugs, traction boards, fire extinguisher, and all my other gear whilst still leaving room for pup in bed too. I'm considering maybe doing a molle panel side opposite the fridge and doing the whole thing with sheet of ply cut out to shape of bed to keep from drilling into actual bed.

Any advice from you seasoned pros would be greatly appreciated.

 

[tchokaeewe]

I currently have some EcoFlow batteries (2 kwh) paired up with 2 of these solar panels. With decent sun I can fully charge the batteries from 20% within about 6-8 hours. Biggest drain on the batteries for me is a heated blanket when I cold camp with the kids. I sometimes work while on campouts so I like have extra power to keep the laptop, Starlink, and camping fridge topped off.

There are lots of fridge options and if you want a solid one without going too "pro" level, the cooler-style fridge/freezers are good. I bought an inexpensive one and it's held up well for 3 years. It's important to pre-chill it before you unplug it from your home outlet. Another hack to keep it cooler, longer is to freeze a few disposable water bottles and them put them around the food. That'll keep the temperature down so the fridge doesn't start running for many more hours.

If you pack the fridge too tightly, there won't be good airflow and you'll have varying temperature pockets so also be aware of that.

 

[Steadi]

I like Built right industries for molle panels and such.

 

[RHO-DADDY]

Keep in mind most of these fridges are DC. I dont believe the bed offers DC?