12V fridge use in Bear Country?

[Terrainist]

On a hopefully applicable sidenote....

I wrap my coolers in blankets. Can make a couple of blocks of ice last for days in 100 degree temps. But I tend to stay out of the cooler more than some (no beer), and it is just me using it frequently...doesn't get opened as much.

A fridge with some cold beer or soda in it plus whatever else, wrapped in blankets stuck in a bear locker should last overnight. But that doesn't help with how much the thing weighs, moving it around.

Carry on.

 

[nwoods]

I hope you find a workable solution!

Cheers,
Graham

Economically and logistically, I think my current solution works best:

 

[flyingwil]

You might want to consider the ez-move products. It can make moving a full Engel much easier.

Of the bear boxes I have used, I think the cord might be an issue. As stated earlier, the seal on the boxes is rather tight so that the bears can not get a claw into the box and start prying it open. With this in mind I would use a battery jumper box with a 12v cig cord attachment. It should be plenty for an overnight or two with a pre-cooled fridge.

 

[nwoods]

You might want to consider the ez-move products. It can make moving a full Engel much easier.

EZ-Move, as in furniture slides?

 

[highlandercj-7]

That elect bear fence could be easily built at Tractor Supply. Here's a link to there solar fence charger (abotu 100.00), the fancy wire rope is only 16.00 for over 650' of wire and fiberglass poles are less than2.50 each dep on design.
http://www.tractorsupply.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/ProductDisplay_10551_10001_36045_-1______?rFlag=true&cFlag=1

 

[EMrider]

I camp pretty often around Mammoth Lakes and just empty the fridge into a cooler each night for placement in the bear boxes. Not efficient, but not a huge PITA either since I use the fridge mainly for drinks.

If/when I get an engel portable fridge, I'll just unplug and put it into the bear box each night. It is a cooler after all, and I'm sure will keep things well overnight. During the day, I'll have it connected to 12v power.

A portable 12v solar battery pack/inverter would be nice to power the engel inside a bear box overnight, but I've already got too much crud to lug around. I'm in the less is more camp nowadays.

 

[Fergie]

I'll be headed up to Sequoia and Yosemite next week, and have been following this thread for a bit.

With my experiences with how well the Engel cools, and keeps cool, overnight should not be a problem in the bear box.

Additionally, I have the Transit Bag, so no need for extra blankets of anything of that nature.

Now, if I wasnt camping in a National Park, or designated campground, the fridge would stay in the LC, and the tent would be a safe distance away from the vehicle if things did get ugly with a bear.

Then, you always have a safe distance to get off 3-4 slugs or 00 buck....not joking here.

 

[calamaridog]

Economically and logistically, I think my current solution works best:

Still in that boat as well

 

[grahamfitter]

I'll be headed up to Sequoia and Yosemite next week, and have been following this thread for a bit.

With my experiences with how well the Engel cools, and keeps cool, overnight should not be a problem in the bear box.

Additionally, I have the Transit Bag, so no need for extra blankets of anything of that nature.

If this isn't too late, can you post the temperature in the bear box and inside the fridge before and after. I really like the simplicity of the "just disconnect it" approach!

Cheers,
Graham

 

[Fergie]

Graham, it isnt too late; I'll see if I can snag a thermometer and take some readings for you.

Gavin

 

[zidaro]

I live in Mammoth Lakes. spend an absurd amount of time camping around here and have bears in my backyard every night. I do not have an ARB fridge, but would love one.
Logic prevails with the Black bears up here- I cannot speak for Grizzly's.

First- always cover your chests and boxes of food with a board or blankets- if it looks like something they associate with food they will check it out. Use the boxes in campspots if you cant figure it out. BTW- they get HOT inside during the day.

Second- Dont leave anything outside for the taking, in plain sight, or in a cute little secure transparent box-- they can peel a roof or door right off.

Third- if you do get a bear in camp. Make noise, lots. clank pans, throw rocks-- scare them off.

Fourth- dont sleep with your food(or on top of it). Seems intuitive, but youd be suprised what people do. this also means toothpaste, lipbalm, etc... with a flavor/smell.

Most imp.- Ive been up here since '92 and have NEVER lost my food in the backcountry(backpacking) or in a carcamp by just using some basic common sense. Keep your camp clean, cover/hide your food. Most likely they will move on to an easier camp w/o trouble. The bears in the Sierras are docile and only looking for easy food, scared of humans (USUALLY). I sleep in tents and keep my chests and food in my vehicle covered up at night or when Im not hanging IN camp. I would imagine a fridge would be fine in a vehicle if covered up, even a transit bag is not going to resemble an ice chest. If your still worried, nighttime temps are usually close to 40deg. above 7000' so your food will be fine.

Another tip, the bears in established camping areas are MUCH smarter and diligent than if you are camping in remote areas- this is the EXPO-- get off the road.

Have a great time in the woods, just be a little smart- and dont leave any trash please.
aaron

 

[nwoods]

Hello Aaron, you sure have a nice backyard

So you would run the ARB type of fridge, and leave it in the rig with a blanket over it? No worries about the smells and so forth?

 

[Fergie]

Well, we just got back from our camping trip, and most was in bear country.

In Sequoia NP, we used the bear boxes for our dry food box, and our cooking box, as well as our dop kits.

At night, I left my Engel in the rig, and covered the entire back of the vehicle with a blue tarp. This broke up all the shapes, including the car seat.

In the middle of the night, we heard a bear, and a very loud crack followed by the sound of tearing metal.

We awoke the next morning to find that the camp across from us had their car torn apart by a 2 year old black bear. The cruiser had paw prints near the windows, but no damage done.

 

[Redline]

I don't usually camp in (problem) bear country, but it's good to read how some of you think a sealed, cold, concealed fridge might not attract a bear.

I'm not sure that moving my MT60 Combi into a bear box is very practical, or that it will even fit. I sure don't want my car or my trailer ripped open.

 

[Freezer]

Sorry for the offtopic and totally understand wildlife preservation but...

Sounds to me like the bears need some lead in their diet.