So how bad are these `coolers'?
- Thread starter Pskhaat
- Start date
articulate
Expedition Leader
Sold at REI as a matter of fact. Made of light plastic mostly.
Someone mentioned before that a downside to these is that they open vertically, rather than horizontally. The cold air will rush out quickly when you open the door.
I wonder if anyone here owns one and is willing to share...
Someone mentioned before that a downside to these is that they open vertically, rather than horizontally. The cold air will rush out quickly when you open the door.
I wonder if anyone here owns one and is willing to share...
S
Scenic WonderRunner
Guest
I was checking out the Coleman site the other day and saw that they are now making more of a real......Fridge/Freeze
I don't think I would be happy with the one in the first post of this thread that works off of the Ambient Outside Temp rule.
I'm showing this Coleman because a Coleman was mentioned in the very first post. I know there are much better units out there and there is an article here somewhere about them.
But what do I know!......I'm fridgeless.....so I can't do Baja.......!:smilies27
Coleman® Stirling Power Cooler
A Cheaper Price....same unit.
I don't think I would be happy with the one in the first post of this thread that works off of the Ambient Outside Temp rule.
I'm showing this Coleman because a Coleman was mentioned in the very first post. I know there are much better units out there and there is an article here somewhere about them.
But what do I know!......I'm fridgeless.....so I can't do Baja.......!:smilies27
Coleman® Stirling Power Cooler
A Cheaper Price....same unit.
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BajaTaco
Swashbuckler
pskhaat said:
From our very own ExPo article on fridges (thanks Wil)...
"Thermoelectric (TE) coolers work electronically without the use of Freon, compressors or evaporators. In a thermoelectric cooler, direct current is applied to a semiconductor which makes one side of it hot, and one side cold (which is known as the Peltier effect). Typically these units have the ability to either heat or cool.
Thermoelectric units draw a large amount of current (4.6 Amps) and can only cool to about 30 degrees below ambient temperature. Most units do not have the ability to freeze, or maintain a steady internal refrigerated temperature. Consequently they take many hours to cool a warm bottle of water. "
Okay for cruising and keeping meals/drinks cool, but not so good for stationary camping.
flyingwil
Supporting Sponsor - Sierra Expeditions
BajaTaco said:
X2 LOL...
But in all seriousness... they are bad, I have even seen some reports of draining the battery while the alt was running!
IMO, Engel (ARB, Norcold) or Waeco is the way to go. My selection article should explain why.
Coachgeo
Explorer
Large RV places have an alternative. It's a portable RV fridge. 12v/110v or Propane and YES it is a REAL Refridgerator. Heck I use to sell them myself as s Dometic Dealter and I got mine plugged up in the shop. Now since it's refrigerant (same stuff used in RV's and Ice rinks) does not work "as well" when tilted as say Freon then you keep a couple of those freeze paks inside to equal out the temps. Works great when your level and fair when your not (thus the ice packs). Once your level the ice paks will chill back up again a good bit. You can actualy freeze them again inside if your level, pack them on the top and crank the thing to the coldest setting. The several hundred dollar savings between the Dometic and their "refridgerator" competitors can buy a lot of ice paks, beer, go toward parts, tents etc.
See: http://reserveamerica.campingworld....rs/Dometic-Portable-Refrigerator/skunum=27837
See: http://reserveamerica.campingworld....rs/Dometic-Portable-Refrigerator/skunum=27837
Coachgeo
Explorer
quick search found em 100 buks cheaper http://www.propaneproducts.com/Merc...de=Dometic-RC4000&Category_Code=Refrigeration
dieselcruiserhead
16 Years on ExPo. Whoa!!
I have one of the Colemans (the first one pictured) but have not ever used it. Actually bought it brand new for $25 at a yard sale.. Could not justify not buying it... I did a lot of research on them after the fact, everything everyone is saying is true, really high draw, battery killer. Decent cooling, sometimes. I think good for the back of your tahoe for cooljuice boxes.. Probably about it as far as durability.. I'd probably sell if it anyone wants it, LOL...
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BigAl
Expedition Leader
I have the one in the first pic. It works really well it you also supplemnt with ice. I add a 2 liter bottle of ice and it will stay cold for a weekend. I once left it on in a 98 RAM1500. It drained the battery to the point that it somehow wacked the computer. Once I finally go it to start the comp had to "learn" how to idle again. It ran really rough for ~30minutes????
stevenmd
Expedition Leader
You are better off with one of these than the first Coleman pictured: http://www.walmart.com/catalog/product.do?product_id=4807332 Works excellent for weekend trips. Works great for 3 - 4 day trips. Works ok for longer trips. But if you can stop for ice somewhere around day 3-1/2 or 4, it continues to work excellent.
mtnbike28
Expedition Leader
I might be the only one...
I have one like the first picture. We have used it alot on road trips, only on when the truck is running. I like the ability to plug it into 110 in the garage each night too. It has frozen stuff when the outside temp got into the 40s and I left it on at night. I also use it if I buy something that needs refrideration during the day, and I think the insulation might be pretty good. Serves my current needs, at least until I find $500+ for the real thing!
hth Jay
I have one like the first picture. We have used it alot on road trips, only on when the truck is running. I like the ability to plug it into 110 in the garage each night too. It has frozen stuff when the outside temp got into the 40s and I left it on at night. I also use it if I buy something that needs refrideration during the day, and I think the insulation might be pretty good. Serves my current needs, at least until I find $500+ for the real thing!
hth Jay