Truck coolers that keep ice?

The plug might also overheat if the fan is too dirty. The increased resistance could cause it to draw more current.

 

thank you for those tips ...think il just get an inline switch and hard wire it ....i only get about 3 mos. out of a plug .

 

depends on how much you use a cooler. if its open it doesn't insulate. if you open it several times a day a yeti is no different than a cheapie. when I worked on a dirt crew tho, we had a big yeti that would keep ice for almost a week if you never opened it, but get a drink out several times a day and you have to put ice in it every day or two....

 

Here's what I use.




(please to be ignoring the fact it's a little dirty)

1.7 cu ft Black and Decker mini fridge I purchased at Walmart for $79. Real compressor with a real freezer compartment. Runs on 120 volts that I have plugged into the factory inverter. Uses 300 watts when the compressor irst kicks in and about 150 when running. I can use both my fridge and cpap with the engine off and not drain my batteries even below freezing.

They make a taller version. I think Walmart also sells them branded as Haier but it's the same fridge.

 

I have a built in fridge in my truck. I keep it as cold as it gets, which make it a freezer! I pre cook all my food at home and package it into ziplock bags in single serving sizes. I freeze them flat. They stay frozen in the fridge for weeks... I just microwave the food right in the ziplocks....
I use the Coleman cooler for water, soda and ice tea. Also salads, fresh veggies, 1/2 and 1/2 for coffee(it freezes in the fridge!) Fruit ect. I have it plugged in to the inverter, not the 12v. I unplug it and let the fan/cooler melt every few days. It gets ice buildup on it and gets noisy. Up in North Dakota this week, the drinks were freezing in the cooler. I was just using the bunk heater/apu at night and the walls and floor wojld get COLD...lol
The cooler works great. I would hate to go fhe ice route.....
Then I have a single server coffee maker from walmart.... no pot, you make the coffee right into the to go cup. $8.99 lol
You gotta be comfortable out here....

 

I've had a Koolatron for a couple years now. I expected it to crap out after 6 months, but it's still kicking.

 

Question. Even with the truck shut off for 10-12 hours (Freightliner Park Smart) that fridge won't drain the batteries?

 

I own an Engle model of the same kind of 12v fridge/freezer a 40 quart version.....about the same size as a big thermoelectric cooler. You're right it's pricey up front, but I've owned mine for about 12 years and in all that time, have had to do NOTHING to it in the way of maintainence....other than keeping it clean. I haven't even had to change the fuse. It only draws 2 amps so it won't drain your batteries. I figure in all that time it's paid for itself in terms of food savings more times than I can count. It's sturdy as hell & is probably one of the smartest purchases I've ever made. I''d be saving my pennies in earnest & getting one as soon as I could. Just my humble little opinion of course.

 

If you use one of the better ice coolers, use block ice if you can find it, and drain the melted water daily.
I have one of the '5 day' coolers I use camping and on my boat, and can go 3 or 4 days without adding ice. Draining the melted water helps a lot. I also fill up any plastic container and make my own ice blocks at home.
Those 32 ounce plastic cups for soda you get at all the convenience stores work pretty well, empty tupperware stuff, plastic margarine tubs, etc.

 

If all four batteries are in good shape it doesn't drain them. It got down to 13 last night and the truck started up fine.