Truck coolers that keep ice?

Discussion in 'Experienced Truckers' Advice' started by JoeyBowman, Jan 10, 2015.

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  1. JoeyBowman

    JoeyBowman Medium Load Member

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    Before any one says it. I have tried searching. Most recent hits for "cooler" are in regards to EGR coolers. Not what I'm looking for.


    Im in need of a new cooler for my truck. I've had a couple of the electric colemans in the past. Not a huge fan of it or the other plug in coolers. In general I've found that they're hit and miss quality control wise and my last one almost caught on Fire but thankfully the melting plug smell woke me up. I also had a fridge at my previous company but it's not an option at my current job.
    Ive been looking into yeti and engle coolers (as well as other similar modes) that claim to keep ice for a week. Does anyone have experience with any of these? Does anyone keep a cooler with ice in their truck and have experience with a model that keeps ice for days and days.
     
    JoeyBowman, Jan 10, 2015
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  2. kemosabi49

    kemosabi49 Trucker Forum STAFF Staff Member

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    I have a 40qt igloo cooler that has been going for years. Extra fans and parts are usually available for these at the truckstops. However you are right on about the plus getting hot and melting. So I just hard wired the cord into the same line it had previously plugged into(bypass the outlet) and I haven't had anymore problems. I know your company might not like this. I never told mine about it.
     
    kemosabi49, Jan 10, 2015
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  3. bobtrucks2204

    bobtrucks2204 Light Load Member

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    I've been using the Coleman 12V in the truck but I'm on my second in six months. This one is the updated model with large heat sink visible through the grill. I'll see how it goes.

    My fishing experience with coolers: Yeti is probably the best at keeping ice even in hot temps in the open. A little more expensive but as always, you get what you pay for.
     
    bobtrucks2204, Jan 10, 2015
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  4. bzinger

    bzinger Road Train Member

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    wonder why they cant make a plug that doesent melt ?
     
    bzinger, Jan 10, 2015
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  5. TruckDuo

    TruckDuo Road Train Member

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    When you buy the Coleman cooler it comes with an A/C adapter that you can plug into your invertor. That will prevent the cord from melting. We have the Igloo too in our truck.....we unplug both coolers when we're gone from the truck for a long period. Coleman we use for our food and the Igloo for our drinks. Buy them through Wal-Mart with the warranty. That way you can get a new one if they break. Wal-Mart makes it easy to exchange your old one for a new one.
     
    TruckDuo, Jan 10, 2015
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    Dinomite and wore out Thank this.
  6. windsmith

    windsmith Road Train Member

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    windsmith, Jan 10, 2015
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  7. bobtrucks2204

    bobtrucks2204 Light Load Member

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    mmm sorry gotta disagree there... Got my cooler at Wal-Mart and when it stopped, Wally said I had to contact Coleman for the warranty. They were no help at all for me.

    Bought the next one at Pilot, used points for discount, kept all paperwork and box and found that there was a $20 mail-in rebate on the receipt. Hope I don't need to use the warranty.
     
    bobtrucks2204, Jan 10, 2015
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  8. JoeyBowman

    JoeyBowman Medium Load Member

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    Nice. But $700 or more for the 37qt is way out of my price range.
     
    JoeyBowman, Jan 10, 2015
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  9. TruckDuo

    TruckDuo Road Train Member

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    BobTrucks, sorry I should have made it clear. When I said warranty I meant the warranty Wal-Mart sells at the register. It costs like $3. If the cooler stops working then just call the number Wal-Mart gives you and then they'll email you a shipping label. Visit your nearest UPS and ship it back to them then Wal-Mart will email you a E-Card that you can use to buy a new cooler. I highly recommend everyone use the A/C adapter that comes with the cooler, it will prevent all this hassle.
     
    TruckDuo, Jan 10, 2015
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    bobtrucks2204 and wore out Thank this.
  10. 25(2)+2

    25(2)+2 Trucker Forum STAFF Staff Member

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    The plugs melt because they work their way out from movement and vibration, and drop the voltage as the connection worsens and the current increases to keep the same power going to the device.

    Direct wire or to a plug other than a lighter plug in an outlet socket will stop that. The outlet sockets don't resist working loose, the old lighter sockets worked much better, but in an old truck, they would be worn out.


    I use a 5 day marine cooler, Igloo Ultra is the model, and the hinging and latching will not wear out. I freeze bottles of water at home to cool and drink them if needed as they melt. It keeps cold for 4 to 5 days if you have about a third of the cooler contents frozen when you start out. Maybe 10 lbs if ice.
     
    25(2)+2, Jan 10, 2015
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