Quote: Originally posted by 74giggles on 26/7/2012
Soak a towel in cold water and then cover your cool box with it, trying to keep it in the shade at all times and re-soaking the towel as required.
Hi de hi
Would any experienced campers recommend any 'best of both worlds' options (does one exist?) where a fridge box can also function well as a cool box when not hooked up at a campsite or in the car? I like the idea of being able to use the car plug in on the way to a destination and ice blocks once you get there and remove the box from the car.
Any thoughts or advice much appreciated.
Thanks very much.
Thanks SoggySteve
Since posting I've actually followed your lead and gone for the Coleman Xtreme Cooler box. I thought this would come in handy anyway.
I would definitely second your vote of thanks to youlbury - what a nice little discount off an already decent offer!
We'll be queuing at the bar to buy him/her a pint!
Cheers
Quote: Originally posted by brenfratica on 26/7/2012
Thanks SoggySteve
Since posting I've actually followed your lead and gone for the Coleman Xtreme Cooler box. I thought this would come in handy anyway.
I would definitely second your vote of thanks to youlbury - what a nice little discount off an already decent offer!
We'll be queuing at the bar to buy him/her a pint!
Cheers
I've seen this box a few times in person and although it's not small, the people I've spoken to in camping shops have all grinned when I've told them what i want to achieve, then taken me over to the xtreme's to sing their virtues.
I was sold on the electric ones until I did the maths and for me, the Xtreme (or proper igloos or similar) just make so much sense.
Our plan in France is to part fill it with frozen water in two litre fizzy drink bottles and some cool blocks we already own, then take it in our car to French markets and fill it with fish/meat produce for the barby/Cobb.
For anyone reading that may already own a basic 24/36 litre coolbox and may think I'm a new boy at this, we've used our campingaz one for years and years now. Running to and from the site fridge trying to keep what is essentially a 24 hour fridge/freezer cool is an unwanted chore. my girlfriend isn't impressed with the amount of work involved. The electric one appears more trouble free but I'm not convinced. This box appears to offer a greater degree of freedom. For the money it seems criminal not to upgrade.
Quote: Originally posted by brenfratica on 26/7/2012
Cheers Steve
Nice idea freezing up some big bottles - and we'll also give the wet towel a try too!
We're off on the 7th for 2 weeks, cant wait!
Bren
France?
Got three weeks from the 18th just after I finish a gruelling month and a half in London (almost every day). I need all the luxury I can get..!!
The Xtremes (as you probably have gathered) have a drain tap at the bottom for tip free water emptying although keeping food in them with ice cubes may mean wet food. As ice appears the better option for long term coolness, the water bottle idea seems a sensible option. Not my idea I hasten to add, but it makes sense..
Hopefully we can exchange notes on these things.. Have a great hol!!
A good trick is to put some salt into your 2ltr bottles before you freeze them. The salt stops the water from freezing therfore allowing the water to get colder.
Quote: Originally posted by cabbieman on 26/7/2012
A good trick is to put some salt into your 2ltr bottles before you freeze them. The salt stops the water from freezing therfore allowing the water to get colder.
Tip after tip on here. I would have thought that a lot of salt was required though? Maybe i'll just chuck in a few bottles of Vodka... ?
We have a basic mobicool that we found in a local discount emporium for £27!!! we have used it in all weathers sometimes turning it off overnight in cooler weather (its not that noisy just a steady hum)we bought a basic fridge thermometer to keep an eye on attained TEMPS" and it maintains +3 to +8 depending on ambient we have a polycotton tent and try to put it in a shady place in the tent,we never pre-cool it (normally it packed with cereal tins ETC on the journey)In our experience as long as you are sensible in your expectations ie dont store shellfish in it for a week before consuming. Ours works better than we ever expected.
Quote: Originally posted by brenfratica on 26/7/2012
Hi de hi
Would any experienced campers recommend any 'best of both worlds' options (does one exist?) where a fridge box can also function well as a cool box when not hooked up at a campsite or in the car? I like the idea of being able to use the car plug in on the way to a destination and ice blocks once you get there and remove the box from the car.
Any thoughts or advice much appreciated.
Thanks very much.
We bought an electric box which we couldn't use in 2 of ours cars because they're old and the negative poles or something like that () so we ended up using it as a passive box. Worked well as someone else said they are well insulated.
we have the Kampa 45Litre cool box and its brilliant. Has loads of space and keep the food very cool. Very happy with the purchase even though it was £115 well worth the price.
------------- 2012
June - Queens Jubilee week -
Blackbull Pickering
June/July - Turkey (no Tent)
Aug - Bank Holiday- Whitefield Forest IOW 10 days
Sept - Skeg
2013 Nothing as yet , trying to get new boyfriend to go camping soon. Selling Maritisa 700 , so we can put it towards a VW Camper.
A day of all things motorhome and campervan. The show is held both in the main indoor arena and across the grounds. Catering, hot drinks and food options are available. Easy access to the site and free parking included. Win one of five pairs of day tickets
Topic: cool box`s
) so we ended up using it as a passive box. Worked well as someone else said they are well insulated. 
