Compressor powered ice chests for traveling and camping?

S

Sid Post

Joined
Oct 14, 1998
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I got a couple of the Peltier effect coolers for my car but, in Arizona they just don't do enough to be worthwhile.

I have heard about 4x4 guys buying 48 Liter "freezers" that are 12 VDC powered units that will freeze stuff. This sounds like what I need to keep frozen veggies, ice cream, etc. cold when I go to the store and have a long drive home. I'm guessing they are pretty expensive so, I want to hear recommendations on good models that will last in addition to any personal experiences you have (good or bad).

TIA,
Sid
 
Some of these freezer models [read instructions carefully] are powerfull enough to keep frozen foods frozen but not enough to freeze foods. There are two types , one cheaper but uses much more power , the other is quite expensive but uses much less power.
 
The Peltier coolers will keep previously frozen stuff frozen if I leave the air conditioning on in the car at Max cold which is just too cold for me (I live in the Desert and like the heat ;)). They also take some lead time to start cooling because they don't have enough capacity to "cool" the interior of the cooler quickly.

The compressor models I'm guessing cost somewhere in the area of $600 to $900. Melted ice cream is a real let down when I get home so, my $4 ice cream will really cost $104 when I factor in how many trips home I have with ice cream but it's worth it to me. Plus, I will be able to keep my beer cold for free when I'm not hauling ice cream! :D
 
Can the compressor coolers you're looking at work while the vehicle is moving? The RV fridges I'm familiar with can't; they have to be still and precisely leveled.

How about a Peltier cooler that's big enough to hold some ice along with the frozen food? That ought to last long enough to get your ice cream home, but might not be so great for longer camping trips....
 
I've heard about some company called Sangean (Sanquin :confused:) which makes these ice chest freezers for use on off shore boats. The basic design is apparantly made for (or in) third world countries. I'm thinking a freezer that could live on a boat or ride on a 3 wheel putt putt cart would do okay in my car. It would be nice to not worry about the ice and the water mess that would result.
 
How about an ice chest or compressor cooler with some dry ice to help get it started. Dry ice should be able to freeze most stuff keep anything you want frozen.
 
Dry ice is an excellent idea. I just need to find an affordable source somewhere. A good ice chest would cost me about $100 so, that should pay (compressor minus ice chest cost) for a lot of dry ice if I can find it somewhere.

Thanks!
 
not sure if you should use dryice in a car-when i got some steaks the cooler said avoid the fumes from the dryice
 
Dry ice is not too difficult to find.
It is as close as your local welding shop, at least around here anyway.

I used to use it to ship bio- specimens. It’s really cheap too.

( they used to advertise it around Halloween- put some in a container with water and it gives off that swirly smokey mist.)

It can be used for some cool photo effects too.
For example see the front cover photo of the Loveless book “how to make knives”-water, dry ice, diffusion grating from fluorescent lighting fixtures)

There is a problem with the fumes. It off gasses co2
There is a potential that it could displace the o2 in an enclosed space like an auto and suffocate ya.

It is considered a hazardous good when shipped by air - common carrier.

Crack the window and I believe you won’t die.

Steve
 
Where's the tinfoil hat hat when you need one? ;)

Some of you may drive cars or pickups that are tight enough to keep the C02 in but, I certainly don't. C02 will settle because it's heavier then O2 so, what remains in the car will be at my feet. Ozone that binds with your blood cells is bad news but, CO2 isn't nearly as dangerous unless you are in an enclosed space (really enclosed ;)).
 
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