I have a cool box and ice packs. I never leave it in the tent as it would get too warm. I put it in the shade, behind the tent,under a table, anywhere that will remain mostly in the shade, then I cover the cool box with a soaking wet towel/tea towel. As the water evaporates it cools the box from the outside as well. This kept all my food fresh and frozen in that very hot spell we had recently, for 3 days. For longer periods you would need to have access to a freezer or ice pack exchange in order to keep the ice packs frozen and the contents cold. I have never worried about my food being stolen, but I would not leave the cool box out in the open, in public view.
It goes without saying that this would NOT apply if it was an electric coldbox.
I have a non-electric coolbox and just leave it behind the windbreak covered in a wet tea towel if we're going out. If we're on site I try and keep it somewhere in the shade. I always move it into the boot at night to deter 'critters'.
Quote: Originally posted by sparepeg on 14/7/2009
Is it likely to be cooler in the extension? Sorry if a stoopid question, but am newbie and currently pondering how not to get salmonella :)
I would imagine that we as campers get more food poisoning from unwashed hands, not cooking food properly or not being careful with cross-contamination than we do from lukewarm coolboxes.
Food certainly goes off quicker if it's warmer but simple food poisoning bugs like salmonella are killed by proper cooking and contained by good hygiene. Both of which are more difficult in the middle of a field than at home.
Keep ours in shade in the day....had no idea about the wet towel tho!!!! Will try that one. Keep inside at night and swap ice blocks daily providing facilities on site.
We got 3 days use out of our non electric cool box by freezing half the milk and keeping it in the shade at all times. It tends to live in the porch behind a table day and night.
Never thought about using a wet towel though - I might try that next time, maybe get another days use.
Never even seen a wet towel on one, but if it works...........
Is there a lifespan on a cool box? Ours is at least 10 yrs old...not used constantly for 10 yrs, mainly just packed away for around half of its life...????
Too hot in the tent during the day so I leave mines anywhere it's shady and cool, preferably in long grass in the shade, I do take it in the tent porch at night though. Will try the wet tea towel tip next time too though.
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Topic: Where do you keep your Coolbox
