- Been thinking about coolers: including rotomolded coolers, 12vdc/120vac vehicle specific coolers, and even dorm fridge/freezers, that would fit into my trailer's "galley", without re-doing everything. But, for cheap, as is usually my preference. I've looked everywhere for used equipment that would be the right price, and right size, to take the place of an Igloo Cube 48 quart cooler, that nests inside the galley. It was a perfect fit for the spot, so that's why I chose it, in 2013. I use it for my perishable foods, and never open it 'til preparing meals, so everything stays cold. I used two other coolers for drinks (a 50 qt. Coleman Extreme, and a small Igloo Maxcold). None keep cold for a full 3-day trip, unless in very cool weather, but the Cube fares worst, even usually kept unopened and shaded, always.
- I've tried every trick, including using frozen bottles of water in all, to supplement the ice, but have decided that nothing is up to the task, at least in this climate. So, I hunted for a replacement for the CUBE, but found none cheap enough for my limited/no budget (with 6 coolers sitting in a shed, unused, my wife would not like to see me spend $250-400 for one cooler, or substitute. However, I can drink cool, not cold, drinks from the other coolers, but really need to keep perishables (meat, cheese, "egg beaters", and ketchup, mayo, and mustard) fresh, for three or more days. I always have my Spam, and other canned food, in my pantry box, but sometimes I like variety.
- I decided to try a last resort, before getting a small 1.1 cubic foot freezer, to use with parkpower, just for the perishables, for $100-150. It might not work where I would put it, because it might add too much heat into the galley area, where I also have stored white gas, and gasoline (in the generator and it's external tank). I'm going to keep using the 48 qt. cube cooler, but I'll put a smaller cube cooler inside it, with rigid foam + Great Stuff + foil duct tape filling the gaps between the large and small "cubes".
- I'll have room inside the large cube to put 2" of rigid foam under the small one, and 2" on top (glued to the bottom of the large lid; both coolers will keep their lids on). I can force in 1.5" all around the sides (I'll use 2" foam, carved to fit the contours of the small cube (thus both coolers will keep all their insulation intact, and the rigid foam will supplement that). Lastly, any gaps that I can't fill will the rigid foam, will be filled in with Great Stuff spray foam. Foil tape will cover any exposed foam.
- Since I already have both "cubes" (my wife no longer uses the small one), and both are in perfect condition, I should be assured of having at least one small, cold, cooler after the completion of the experiment. I'll be using two pre-frozen ice packs, at -2 degrees F. (guaranteed to last 60% longer than ice -we'll see-); they will leave me 400 cubic inches of cool, dry, storage, for a few luxury perishables. Or I can always survive on Spam and beans....
- one inside the other, with foam insulation added between