Please help me fill my fridge...

[pkelyman]

My buddy and i are going to be making a round trip to Moab from Pennsylvania and back in early July. We'll be driving a 2 dr Jeep (so space is already at a premium) and have an ARB 50 qt fridge with us. Other than the two day trip there and back, we plan on being in the Moab area for a total of 5 days, BLM camping for 4 of them. We figure the third day we would stay in a motel somewhere in downtown Moab to get cleaned up and then back out the next day. What would you folks recommend loading the fridge with to be able to stay out for four days? I'm thinking of pre-making little meals in zip lock bags, freezing them and then loading the bottom of the ARB with them. Mountain House dinners will also be coming along for the ride, but do you folks have any favorite meals, recipes, tips, tricks, do's-don'ts, etc. for a trip like this? This is our first trip to Moab, first trip to a desert, first trip living out of a Jeep for a week so any advise, on anything, is greatly appreciated.

 

[ddog45]

It will be really hot so I wouldnt plan on eating much. Burgers. steaks, vacation food.

 

[Idahoan]

Look around here... http://www.expeditionportal.com/forum/forums/50-Overland-Chef

 

[mkitchen]

Moab in July?

Yeah, I'm thinking beer, then maybe some back up beer to replenish when the fridge gets low. Other than that, maybe some PBJ and bread and your good to go, eh?

Actually I can carry enough food for Mo and I to go for five days in a similar fridge. I use a lot of staples that can be stored without cooling and keep a limited amount in the fridge. I never needed freeze dried dinners, but I do enjoy cooking, so quick meals are not a big concern. Plan a menu before leaving and make sure you take an extra back up dinner. It's a good idea to have some spare food around just in case you need it. Your freeze dried dinners would cover that area easily.
Mikey

 

[Black Dog]

Bring along some bell peppers and onions and thinly sliced chicken breast and tortillas and whip up some fajitas one night.

 

[pkelyman]

Thanks for the ideas guys! I realize this is kinda jumping the original subject, but what kind of stove/grill/fuel do you use to cook with? Right now I'm thinking an old Cobb gas canister grill that I have might make the trip but it's not the most space efficient thing.

 

[Black Dog]

The good old fashioned dual burner Coleman stove can't be beat. White gas or propane, its your own personal preference.

 

[MakersTeleMark]

That fridge is going to be working a lot, so make sure you've got the power for it. You can buy a shower at the RV park which will save you some coin on a room, plenty of places to camp and no reason not too.

As for food, plan 4 simple dinners, buy produce in town when you get there, and make sammi's for lunch. Don't forget enough water.

 

[UK4X4]

eeerr moab does have a supermarket !

and a pretty decent brewery !

 

[pkelyman]

I like breweries!

 

[bj70_guy]

10 Mountain House dehydrated meals, then fill that fridge with Polygamy Porter!

(I need to get back to Utah soon, my stash is getting low...!)

 

[INSAYN]

You can greatly reduce your need for keeping entire meals cold for the duration of the trip, by looking over the "No Refrigeration Needed" thread to get some ideas of some cheap and available foods that make great meals. :chef:

http://www.expeditionportal.com/forum/threads/59235-No-refrigeration-needed