mkenyon2
PA
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Joined: 06/08/2009
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Have you used one? We're looking to offset our popup's little fridge with a little more room. Last trip we took, we brought two standard coolers, and had to buy ice a couple of times, of course, with water collecting at the bottom.
We borrowed an electric one from a family member, and liked it a while back. I'm looking for 40 to 50 quarts, but under $100 if possible.
Thoughts? Comments? Suggestions?
MK out of PA, My Wifey, and the queen Chloe, our little Shih Tzu
TV: 2002 Hyundai Santa Fe V6
Trailer: 2000 Coleman Santa Fe
(How about that, 2 Santa Fe's!!!) 
Only 2 states? Quick, pack the trailer we have to CAMP!
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TubaPete
Comstock Park, MI
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Joined: 03/05/2005
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Two problems with them. Neithet is necessarily a show stopper if you compensate for them.
1. They usually only cool about 20 - 30 degrees below ambient. If it is really hot outside, it may only get down to 50 - 60 degrees inside.
2. Some draw a fair amount of current. They can drain a battery in a day or two if that is your source.
But yes, I have one and use it when the refrig gets too full. Within their limits these are nice to have.
Tuba Pete
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rebapuck
Chapel Hill NC
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Joined: 08/18/2006
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The lack of a set temp is my complaint. Depending on ambient, food seemed to be too warm or would freeze overnight with cooler nightime temps. When I redo the interior of my camper, I'm putting in a small dorm size frige with freezer.
If I have no electric(rarely) I'll use a cooler.
1967 VW Singlecab "Khady"
1975 Eriba Puck "Reba"
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Chefd
Arizona
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Joined: 12/31/2007
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I have a Coleman. 40 degrees down with no control, that is the down side. I use it for water and soda maybe some fruit. I am sure nobody would put beer or wine in it. Takes a lot of energy but good for overflow. About $90 at Walmart.
Chefd
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Super_Dave
Sacramento, CA
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Joined: 01/19/2007
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The small 2 cubic ft refrigs are about $60 if you planned on having 110v power. Just an idea.
Truck: 2006 Dodge 3500 Dually
Camper: 2007 Eagle Cap 850
Boat: 2003 Jetcraft 2125 - Yamaha 150 HP & 8 HP Kicker
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Retired andLoveIt
Charles City, Ia
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Super_Dave wrote:The small 2 cubic ft refrigs are about $60 if you planned on having 110v power. Just an idea. Just make sure that you get one with a compressor or it will be the same as the cooler. Only cool up to 40 degrees below ambient temp. I see a lot of the electronic cooliong in the small friges now.
Randy & Dianne
2011 Chevy HD2500
2008 CrossRoads Cruiser CF30SK
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swtgran
Brimfield, Ohio
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Joined: 06/18/2005
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We have used one for years. I use it around the holidays, in the house, for extra fridge space. Camping, I use it as overflow for extra food from the camper fridge.
You don't have to buy the companies brand AC/DC converter. I think Target still sells their own brand for way cheaper.
I have found that, even in hot weather, if you can find space inside the camper with the air on, it does just fine.
If I have to leave it outside, I keep a large, wet, white towel over the top of it and the evaporation helps keep it cooler so the the inside stays cooler.
I make sure the cooler has had a chance to get good and cool before we put anything in, then I only put cold things in it. If you have frozen things that is great too. They can thaw slowly like a fridge and also add cold to the other items.
Just use it with common sense and it will serve you well for many years. I would buy one again if mine broke. It is Coleman I have had for years. Just make sure you unplug it if you are going to be out of your car very long, or you will need jumper cables and a good Samaritan.
* This post was
edited 08/19/10 06:10am by swtgran *
Swtgran
2007 Casita 17ft SD
2005 Toyota Tundra
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Texas Two Steppers
Beaumont, TX
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We ordered online from Target. 40 qt igloo with addition to be able to plug in electric socket. Price with shipping was $114.
Keep it in the rig and it has made a world of difference for us. Keeps things cooler than refrig. I put drinks including gal milk. I have so much more refrig space for fresh veggies, etc. It can sit and open like a cooler or can sit and open like small frig with a shelf in it. I haven't see the coleman but they are probably the same.
2011 Duramax, 2005 Alfa 5er, TST tire monitor, Magnum MS 2012 inverter/charger, 3-135w solar panels, Tristar controller, Trimetric monitor, 4-6v Interstate GC2 batteries, Superglide hitch.
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