custom made cooler

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Who has foregone the purchase of a Coleman cooler for a custom designed ice-box? What is important?

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Interesting ... 70+ views, but no comments?

How thick should foam be for such an application? Would EPS be OK (it seems to me that it should)? What kind of interior liner and companion top/lid might serve as an optimum enclosure for the the cooled elements?

[Bogo]

Only reason to make your own cooler is because you can't find a long lasting one that will fit where you want it. It's hard to beat their prices, and yours will end up compromised in some manner.

What type of liner? one that can be cleaned properly. No sharp inside corners allowed. Doesn't need a drain, but they do make life a bit easier.

Insulation? The best you can get with a spray in type foam is a little bit higher than R7 per inch. Seriously consider having at least one reflective layer facing out. If you have more than one reflective layer, it should be reflective on one side, and non reflective on the other. If you are willing to spend large dollars, then consider vacuum insulation panels (VIP). They usually provide at least R25 per inch with some being over R50 per inch. The catch is you will be paying well over $100 per VIP. VIP panels can't be end user modified, and must not be punctured. So they must be ordered in the exact size and shape needed. Also they are usually held in place with expanding foam.

For how to make them, look at what they do on boats.

[len19070]

I did a "Build in" on my SlumberCoach.



Used double 1" Blue Styrofoam w/overlapped corners. And Break Metal (Aluminum) to cover the inside with a "Hospital style" wash basin to keep Block ice in.

I adapted an old Freezer rack into shelves inside (not shown).

The real important part was to have a good door seal and a good Chinch lock.

I used a reproduction lock from the old style Ice Box's and a foam weather strip around the door.





http://www.vandykes.com/brass-icebox-la ... /p/205329/

I was trying to imitate one of these.



If I were to add up all the cost of materials and paid myself $2 an hour.......it would have been cheaper to buy one.

But that wasn't an option, this one fit.

Happy Trails

Len

[markhusbands]

I really did consider building an ice box style built in, but in the just decided not to take on one more tricky piece of construction when coolers are so cheap.

But if I were, I'd certainly do an "ice on top" style ice box, rather than a homemade cooler.

[jonesnforcampin]

I was thinking about building one in and making it so I could use dry ice as well. I haven't figured all that out yet as I have not even got my trailer yet (should be here tomorrow). I think I will use a regular ice chest for a while to future out exactly how I want to design it. I will probably install a vent in the wall of the camper during the build in anticipation of my dry ice ice box.

[Bogo]

If I made one, I'd build a cooler into a counter. Something about all the cold air not draining out when open. I'd also likely get a 12VDC refrigeration kit and make it a proper refrigerator/freezer unit.