Cooler or Refrigerator? Want to eat healthy on the road.

I've run an Igloo 12v cooler for over a year now, zero issues. My Cascadia also has the fridge, so I use that to precool drinks.

 

I have an ice/gel pack thingy I stick in the Freezer on my off time and put it in the Koolatron when I plug it in a few hours before going out to help quick cool it.

 

Ok Sam I understand but as I said before there are some corners on this problem.
First I will talk about the inverter. I have a 3000 watt modified sinewave unit marketed by Whistler. It was $246 including shipping.
Why this unit?
The price was really good but the second reason is that it has a 10 second hold on. All inverters claim to be able to spike to often double their rated working wattage. True but they often cut out in the process. 10 seconds gives time for the compressor to fire up from cold without cutting out. Same for the microwave. This is a little unusual unless you buy a much more expensive model. Cables are doubled up 6 gauge jumper cables from Walmart with Walmart battery connectors - the good brass ones not the cheaper lead type.
You are going to want to use the inverter for lots of different things and if you are driving a company truck and they allow you an inverter you can take it with you if you leave. Having a man size inverter will solve a ton of problems. I have switched mine from truck to truck several times.
Next the fridge.
By taking out the passenger seat you can fit a 4.4 cubic foot full on fridge with freezer for $149. I am talking fruit / vegetable drawer, soda can rack etc. If you check the size of the 12v models they are much smaller and cost a ton more money. They have to be plumbed in and are made for a particular make and model. Not so easy to switch to another truck.
My fridge has paid for itself so many times in the last 5 years I have lost count. Not to mention convenience. Very easy to reach over and get a cold drink while driving. It helps to make me a little bit more self contained.
In 9 years I have gone through 2 fridges. This one has lasted 5 so far and is going strong.
Only 2 negatives.
Firstly the fridge is intended for house use. So the compressor isn't designed for the road. The result is a rattling sometimes and when I hit the sympathetic frequency of the bugger it will drive me bonkers. I have the rattling between 58 to 62 mph. Smooth roads that doesn't matter.
The second thing is that it is always on so it draws current. I pay close attention to what my batteries and APU are doing. On occasion I idle for a bit to help the batteries come up.
I keep a Koolatron for back up. The Coleman is very unreliable.
Sorry for the lecture, just an old electrical engineering tech trying to help.

 

Flying J has diet corn dogs.

 

I bought a Coleman 12 volt cooler at an auction for 9 bucks .
The first thing I did was to remove the cig plug and install Anderson connectors .
I have it ran direct to the Batteries.
No more burnt plugs this way .

The next thing I did was to glue 11/2 thick rigid insulation to the bottom and then a 1/2 thick piece of MDF to the insulation .
I sit it in front of an A/C vent with it blowing right on the fan for the cooler.
I also replaced all the fans with computer fans that move more air than the Coleman fans did .

I froze a gallon of water before I left home and it had ice in it for 12 days .
Keeps it right at about 28 at night to a high of 35 during the day.
I keep it where the jump seat used to be easy to get to as I ride down the road .

For around 35 bucks total I can't complain if it ever dies I will probably get a Engel but until then it works for me

 

Good thread.

• Are companies OK with drivers having Freigs, and hotplates in the Rig "for newby's?"
• Seems like a lot of work to setup...and a new driver is not guaranteed a continuous job without some experience under his belt?

???

 

One advantage coolers have is when moving between trucks. Far easier to drag a cooler full of groceries to a replacement truck than a fridge. The downside to electric coolers is they can blow fuses a few times a year, can melt their power cords, are not built in.

 

What model fridge do you have if you dont mind sharing? Do you leave it on 24/7 while out? How long has it lasted?

 

Hi Chris.
If I can help another trucker I never mind.
The fridge is a Magic Chef which seems to be an in house brand for Home Depot which is where I bought it.
I bought one with a sleight dent in it and saved a bunch.
Yes, I leave it on 24/7. I have an APU and it keeps the batteries topped up. This fridge I have had for 5 years and it shows no sign of dying.
The one I had before was bought at Walmart in Aug 2008. It was slightly smaller. It was fine until I took it out of the truck for a couple of months and then went to install it into another truck. I have no idea why it died but it did.
They are so cheap that I would throw away the one I have in a heartbeat. All standard sizes so replacing is easy.