Outdoor Fridge Alternative

[Ejs4029]

I've been using a Coleman Power Chill 12V cooler that I picked up on CL for $10.00 for a few years now you can use the 12V feature while travelling with the cooler either in your TV or inside your RV if you have a 12V plug.

Once you get to the campground I use the power adapter and plug it in outside it keeps my adult beverages nice and cool and I don't have to go in and out of the TT Don't have to worry about ice melting

Obviously It won't be a viable option if your boondocking and not connected to shore power.

[CurtPutnam]

Now that is a useful tip! Thank you!

[babock]

I bought one of those years ago. They suck up the 12V like crazy so the way you are using it is the only way to do it.

After having it drain the battery on my truck, I stopped using it. They really don't get cold enough.

[timfromma]

When I'm boondocking, my goal is to minimize power consumption wherever I can so I don't mind taking a few extra steps to the inside fridge. I could use the exercise anyways. My TT came with an outdoor kitchen that I'll use when shore power is available.

[Ejs4029]

Originally Posted by babock

I bought one of those years ago. They suck up the 12V like crazy so the way you are using it is the only way to do it.

After having it drain the battery on my truck, I stopped using it. They really don't get cold enough.

I never had any problems with it draining my trucks batteries while I was driving and it was plugged in. I certainly won't use it plugged into the truck without the engine running. I have had good luck with it keeping items cool.

[DadOfTwo]

We used to have one of those. We used it inside the vehicle when traveling, and in the house when we had a lot of IV antibiotics to chill. Also for extra fridge capacity at holidays. They have their place, but thermoelectric coolers can only cool a few degrees below ambient. Here in Texas, outside, in the summer? Not a chance.


Edit: Straight from Coleman's web site:

• Cools without ice to stay up to 40 °F colder than surrounding temperature


Optimal refrigerator temp is below 40*, so don't trust a thermoelectric with your potato salad when it's over 80* outside.

[babock]

Yeah Peltier coolers are extremely inefficient. I had a wine fridge that was one. Switched to a regular compressor type and saved 50% on the power.

[Gumpster808]

Agree on the cooler. Just used our new Coleman on a two week trip to NC and TN. Worked great.

That said they do say they will only cool about 40 degrees below ambient so take that into the decision as well.

Kept all our drinks, some snacks, and moonshine chilled enough without having to go inside all the time.

[babock]

Originally Posted by Gumpster808

That said they do say they will only cool about 40 degrees below ambient so take that into the decision as well.

And that is why I would rather have my beer in an ice chest with ice. Every degree above 72° in the car is going to be over 32° in the fridge.