Ice Chests that work

***uphill*** · 05-07-2008, 02:07 PM

I know that the inexpensive Igloo coolers don't insulate well at all and you're lucky to have the ice last an entire day in warm weather. I am not a high tech cooler person and don't have an ARB or Engle refrigerator in the FJ.

I am looking for a quality ice chest to keep stuff cold for as long as possible. I've read up on the Yeti Ice Chests and while the verbage is encouraging, it is a $300 (+/- depending on model) ice chest. Any experience? Any suggestions for my benefit and the benefit of the forum?

Anybody from Yeti want me to test drive your ice chest and write a review (vain hope but I had to ask)?

layonnn · 05-07-2008, 02:15 PM

Good question. The ARB fridge is fantastic. It is also very large and a little bit more than most people need. I wonder if there is a fridge like this but half in size??? (but still good quality)

kokopelli · 05-07-2008, 02:19 PM

The last time I looked into the subject, most said Coleman or the Igloo (3-5 day??) coolers were the best. I ended up with a JP cooler due to space limitations and intended use (i.e. Jeep roadtrips) and it's not bad for a daytrip. One thing that really helps me with any cooler is to freeze gallon jugs (Arizona tea are the best) solid and use those for ice.. Ron

Quote:

uphill previously said:

I know that the inexpensive Igloo coolers don't insulate well at all and you're lucky to have the ice last an entire day in warm weather. I am not a high tech cooler person and don't have an ARB or Engle refrigerator in the FJ.

I am looking for a quality ice chest to keep stuff cold for as long as possible. I've read up on the Yeti Ice Chests and while the verbage is encouraging, it is a $300 (+/- depending on model) ice chest. Any experience? Any suggestions for my benefit and the benefit of the forum?

Anybody from Yeti want me to test drive your ice chest and write a review (vain hope but I had to ask)?

**Mtbcoach** · 05-07-2008, 02:23 PM

I have had the Coleman Stainless steel ice chest for ~5 years now and really like it. I find that it will truly hold ice for 3-5 days (depending on outside temps/amount of open & closing times) and with the addition of dry ice, will keep things frozen for a week.

We had to have a home fridge repaired and were living out of it for over a week and it kept the everything cold as well as having a frozen section w/dry ice. I use the insulated cover when going on extended trips and I think it helps keep things colder but more likely, it just keeps people from opening it more often because its less convenient with the cover on.

I would recommend it. Sorry, don't have any experience with the model/brand you are looking at. Oh, and if you can find a Coleman outlet, you can get them much cheaper than other places...

GTKrockeTT · 05-07-2008, 02:33 PM

i would have gotten an ARB/Engel based on their reputation. but, i couldn't pass on the price for a Waeco, and it has served me well.

**JoeUser** · 05-07-2008, 02:33 PM

I bought a collapsable California Innovations cooler at Sam's a few years ago, and it kept ice for 36 hours. Incredible, since every other cooler I've ever used wouldn't last that long. It's got some kind of space-age liner in it.

I've since bought one by the same company that resembles a tall round cooler can (the kind you see on utility trucks, or on the golf courses). Works just as well, and holds even more ice and drinks (and, it too is collapsible).

**DominicG** · 05-07-2008, 02:36 PM

I had a great experience with the Coleman Steel Belted series. I used it about 3 times before it was stolen, but it kept the ice in the form of ice and everything cold for 3+ish days.

I think i saw them at sport chalet the other day for around $130 i think.

gon2srf · 05-07-2008, 02:41 PM

Larry-

I have been using my Coleman Ultimate Extreme 7 day for week long trips on my sailboat and FJ with great success. I have come back with the same ice a week later.

A couple tips for using a cooler efficiently.

For 3 day trips or longer, freeze a dozen 12-16 oz water bottles and lie them on the bottom of the cooler as you begin to pack. They act as ice and of course are good to use as they begin to thaw out during your trip.

If you have room for a small block of ice use it. Less surface area over all means less melted ice.

Dry ice is not a good idea for one who sleeps in his rig. It uses/eliminates oxygen in your "closed" rig and could theoretically kill you but works well if you keep the rig ventilated.

Use lots of heavy duty zip lock bags to keep meats/fruit/butter clean and organized.

Keep a large bag of clean ice for your Scotch!

Scott

http://www.coleman.com/coleman/image...73-721_500.jpg

Fun read
Which cooler is the coolest? - By Tom Bartlett - Slate Magazine

MrBigAxe · 05-07-2008, 02:46 PM

I have both Coleman and Igloo silver 5 day coolers. Both seem to keep ice 4 days if you do not open them much. The Igloo might be a little better, but that may be because it is one of those square ones, which means less outside surface per volume to exchange heat. It also means that it fits better into the back of my FJ.

Ordoman · 05-07-2008, 02:48 PM

I even had great luck with the a plastic Coleman that held ice for a good 2 days. I've had it for over 20 years, and just put it in the recycling because the lid was starting to crack.

I'll be getting a Coleman stainless to replace it.