Thanks to all who replied to my post about pre cooling my cool box, I thought I would post how it went.
I started cooling down on Friday night, one 2l frozen bottle plus two ice blocks, changed every 12 hours. We left on Monday morning and the box was full I would say about 50:50 frozen:chilled. On Tuesday morning the fresh milk was like a slush puppy so I think it was working
First mistake was that I didn't get ice blocks until Friday am should have done so on the Thursday but it was Ok and the box chilled back down no problems. Changed the blocks every morning until the second Wednesday when we left site before reception was open as soon as we arrived back I sent son to change them but reception was closed. Must make sure I check opening times next time and buy ice if cannot get blocks. For the last two days it was not as cold but when we got home everything was still OK. There were still two yogurts in the box that I had taken with us and after 12 nights they were still fine.
So thank you everyone I now seem to have cracked it and my icey tek is working fine
Had me worried there... I thought you started with frozen milk. Glad I re-read it!!
Anyway, seems it all went well.
One thing that may be worth considering next time (I'll try it myself, when I get chance)....
I've read on here more than once that it's advisable to replace the ice pack at night, rather than the morning as, in theory, it's first few hours are during the colder ambient temps, so will take longer for the first signs of a thaw to materialise.
Like I say, I've not tried it yet, but it makes sense to me!!
All in all, a damn good show, Purplebean.... and lovin' the box's new coat!!
Just realised....
For any materialistic folk out there, who are "keen to impress", a tip.....
Go to local corner shop... scrounge XL cardboard box..... go to Poundland.... buy cheapo foil blanket..... combine the two in your tent..... take pic.... tell everyone you have the latest top of the range hi tek cooler!!
"Cost me a fortune, but you get what you pay for"!!
After pre chilling our iceytek, two bags of ice from the supermarket kept ours cool over 3 days easily - the only consideration is that we have to put the food in ziplock bags for when the ice begins to thaw (which is no great problem). I may try the frozen bottle route having read your account now.
------------- Aug 2017 St Martins Campsite, Scilly
Jul 2017 Trewan Hall, Cornwall
Jun 2017 Higher Kestle Farm, Cornwall
Mar 2017 Pitch Perfect camping Bath
Aug 2016 Brittany/Normandy:-
La Ferme Croas Men (near Morlaix)
Le Ranolien (Ploumanac'h)
Le Bois Courdrais (Cugen)
Chateau de Montfreville (Montfreville)
Purplebean you certainly like to live life on the edge having such a dangerous product loose in your tent. Glad you found the Icey Tek performed well..!
If you are away for a more than a couple of days you can also freeze your milk - gives you another ice block and you have milk when youve finished the fresh stuff!
Quote: Originally posted by mitzionline on 28/8/2013Glad it went well in the end Purplebean!
After pre chilling our iceytek, two bags of ice from the supermarket kept ours cool over 3 days easily - the only consideration is that we have to put the food in ziplock bags for when the ice begins to thaw (which is no great problem). I may try the frozen bottle route having read your account now.
We solved that problem by putting some marine egg crate in the bottom so that nothing stood in the liquid, also used lock and lock boxes for all the small stuff. This photo was just me trying out different sizes of things to see how they fit
Hi, thank you for the tip, thats an excellent idea - will have to locate some marine egg crate and will try that next time.
------------- Aug 2017 St Martins Campsite, Scilly
Jul 2017 Trewan Hall, Cornwall
Jun 2017 Higher Kestle Farm, Cornwall
Mar 2017 Pitch Perfect camping Bath
Aug 2016 Brittany/Normandy:-
La Ferme Croas Men (near Morlaix)
Le Ranolien (Ploumanac'h)
Le Bois Courdrais (Cugen)
Chateau de Montfreville (Montfreville)
Amazing family weekend with old steam engines, classic car displays, market stalls, and full catering and bar. And camping on site - Save £25 by booking in advance.
Topic: Icey Tek 25l report
