Car Camping / Trip Reports / Photos / Buildouts / “Overland” / Expedition Rigs Area (homeless?)

So I went Sierra Expeditions the other day and go often because I have known Wil for years. Anyways in the last year or so I feel like the "Expedition Vehicle" has become then new red sports car mid-life crisis vehicle. Its getting pretty trendy. I am not saying its a bad thing because lots of great products has come out because it has gained popularity but its funny seeing the same "type" of dude going in and outfitting a brand new rig.

 

They must be watching a lot of zombie apocalypse shows

 

I would love a fridge, but I have 2 Coleman xtreme coolers (bought on sale for i think $65 give or take) and if I put block ice in them I am good to go for 4-6 days so long as I keep them in the shade and closed. And I actually need to do the milk jug thing to avoid the water mess. I can't get away from work for longer than that so no fridge for me yet.

 

You guys are going to be more of the experts when it comes to fridges compared to myself, but we do offer the ARB Fridge/Freezers. Just call or send us an email for pricing.

 

Hey TW

After reading and experiencing soggy meals, I started to look into fridges and am looking to see if anyone has any input. I know a ARB fridge, or other high end model, are likely the best, and have freezing capability, and a lot of monitoring and various settings. BUT I'm on a budget and found a Igloo Kool Mate 56-Quart Thermoelectric Cooler used locally which I can pick up at a fraction of the cost of a new ARB - Just wondering if anyone has any experience with these? I've looked online and there are not a lot of reviews. Obviously I would love one of these better coolers, but its not in the "need" category for me as I only will be using it for mostly 3-4 day trips the next few months around Coastal BC (Cooler weather) and have various other Items I'm saving for - this is essentially a temporary fix to the cooler and Ice bag until I Can afford something else.

Edit I found THIS - No automatic shut off feature and uses at least double the energy of something like an ARB.... Digging Deeper to liik into a solar pannel on the roof now as I can attain those...

Any input is appreciated!

Thanks!

Matt

 

In short, I'd buy a real fridge, or stick with a ice chest / cooler. Take a look at this old thread which explains things well: http://www.expeditionportal.com/forum/threads/48781-Thermoelectric-Coolers

 

Ive used the igloo thing years ago while i drove truck. My power cord melted and failed. If you dont catch it quick you will lose everything. There is not much insulation in those and will warm up fast. Just buy a decent cooler off kijiji and you will be better off. Just my 2 cents

 

Three words, dry ice!

 

might wanna recount.

Dry ice is great though for sure, you can extend how long your cooler will start cold by a few days with that stuff. Just have to be careful with it

 

Its colder than ice, and when it melts no mess!

 

Correct, i call it melting, its actually sublimation, transition from solid directly to gas, skips the liquid phase.

 

Water can do it too when it is really cold. Leave ice cubes in a tray for awhile and they slowly start to "shrink".

 

You can seperate it from stuff, a couple pieces of cardboard or towels so its not directly on it. A couple of ice packs, like the hard plastic freezer packs, can help keep things at a more steady temp, like a full freezer will keep better than a half full one when the power goes out. After the hurricane storm we got about seven years ago, we were without power and used it in our fridge and freezer. Only took one pound in the freezer to keep for 6 days (because its smaller, better insulated and full) and two pounds in the fridge kept everything for about 4-5 days (bigger and less full). GFS usually has it, not sure how much they charge, usually they sell it at gas places, like weiler welding, should be cheaper. Find where the hospitals get it, usually cheaper, they use it for blood and organs.

 

When water touches it it will freeze the water but it will warm up the dry ice and cause it to sublimate faster. Best to keep it seperate. You can put the dry ice in a bag with a couple holes in the top. I just dont use ice at all with it. Like I said the freezer packs will help keep it longer and they are reusable. I'll post a pic of what i mean.
GFS is Gordon Food Service, they supply restaurants, but are open to public and you don't have to have a membership.

 

Yeah I hear you. I haven't been able to justify the expense yet. It would definitely be nice, I just wouldn't use it enough to justify how much they are. And by no means is dry ice perfect. It is much colder and will freeze stuff if packed wrong. I just like it because no water mess.

 

Edit from above it was 10lbs and 20lbs, they usually come in ten pound blocks.

 

I still want a high clearance rear, and rear shock relocate, and rear shackle flip, and on and on and on.........the fridge is just way lower on the list, ha.

 

If you are thinking about it, there are cheaper options than ARB to consider. For example these Whynter units get pretty great reviews considering the price:

$499 Whynter Qt FM-45G Portable Refrigerator and Deep, AC 110V/ DC 12V, Real Chest Freezer for Car, Home, Camping, and RV with-8°F to 50°F Temperature Range, 45 Quart Dual Zone, Gray

http://www.amazon.com/dp/B002W8BLUG
They are available at Home Depot which runs 10% off once in a while. I just saved up a bunch of birthday gift cards to take the sting out of it when I finally bit.