Ice boxes ,ice chests

[Hoosier Greg]

I like your opinion . I been thinking that I can build an ice box cheaper than I can buy a good ice chest and make it look as part of the galleys cabinetry.

The question I have for those that have home build jobs is if they are satisfied with the way they keep cool.

Gage?

Greg.

[cuyeda]

There have been several threads on this subject. I haven't made an icebox myself, but have one picture from someone here, and one document on making an icebox.


Icebox Plans to use as guidelines here.

[doug hodder]

Greg...I had a 49 Kit with a top loader ice box in it. I think a top loader keeps the cold in better when you open it as opposed to a front door, and you could doctor up a faux front to make it look like a vintage ice box. The drawback to a top loader is that it takes up counter space, but you could make the lid an insulated cutting board. Mine didn't really keep ice well and was pretty small in a 4x8 Kit, but it was all original. I ended up storing pots and pans in it. In the last couple of years, Wooden Boat magazine had an article on building ice boxes....can't find it right now. Doug

[Hoosier Greg]

Thanks guys. I managed to salvage the original Ice Box from the Tent trailer I'm converting to a tear .. So I'm pretty much bound to the size and style of the Ice Box's interior.
I was just wondering how efficient they are compared to an Ice Chest....

My plans are to build around the shell and ad couple of drawers on top of it as a single unit...

Thank you.
Greg.

[Steve_Cox]

Sounds like you have a plan Greg, as far as efficiency a front loader won't be very efficient unless you never open the door. . As Doug said top loaders are more efficient. I built one in a sailboat about 10 years ago, the best part was the built in drain. It would keep a 25lb block of ice for about 5-6 days and still have a little left. I lived with only the ice box for a while. Sure missed ice cream and other frozen foods. Had a friend that had an built-in ice box that had front doors and top doors. Kept the drinks on the top shelf for top door access, that way the cold wouldn't flow out when getting a cold beverage

[Hoosier Greg]

Yea I have a plan alright whether it's a good one it is yet to be seen.

It would be a shame not to utilize the ice box rather than try to fit a chest cooler at a price. If it don't work out as planned I'll just blame it on Gage..
Greg

[Gage]

Yea I have a plan alright whether it's a good one it is yet to be seen.

It would be a shame not to utilize the ice box rather than try to fit a chest cooler at a price. If it don't work out as planned I'll just blame it on Gage..
Greg

Can't blame it on me. I haven't said anything yet. If you have checked both my builds (rebuilds), you'll notice I have gone both ways. The ice box in the Scotsman came from the doner trailer and it keeps ice for about three days. I start off with about 40 lbs. I've re-insulated and haven't really given it a good test (hot weather). Seems like it has added another day of life to the ice. But for the KIT I'm rebuilding, I'm providing a space for an ice chest. So it's really a flip of a coin as to which is best. I say if you have an ice box, use it. And like I did with the Scotsman, design/build around it.

[Hoosier Greg]

Gage. You get the blame for everything else, I thought to run this by you as well..

Actually Gage you didn't have to I been peeking at your Scotsman...It took a while--I'm slow-- but when it hit me I'm doing like you said.Building around it...... I feel satisfied now....

By the way Mr. Gage. I was going to leave you an nice note on your blog. WoW!! you got some nice chit on there.Got done with all that you requested except the Url. What the hell is a Url and where do I go to get one... I'm serious..

Greg.

[len19070]

As a lot of my past posts will attest to I love Block Ice Coolers.



And thats what I did on my SlumberCoach.




2" Styrofoam (on the door too) Covered with Break Metal and a solid clinch latch.

3 frozen 1/2 gallon milk jugs=4 days

Happy Trails

Len

[Hoosier Greg]

Thanks Len that's what I was hoping to hear. The plastic compartment is wrapped in one inch of Styrofoam ,the door with two. I will add another inch on the sides,under and back ,plus shoot expending foam to fill most cracks and crevasses... If I can manage to get four days out of a block of Ice I will be very happy.. And If I can manage to talk the wife to do her magic on the door in black and white scheme It will make me happier yet.....

By the way I do like your Slumber Couch a bunch, love the Green scheme too.
Greg.

[Gage]

[Hoosier Greg]

What am I looking at Gage. Are you building or reconditioning.
The inside measurements of the one I'm working on are only 15x15 x19 .The one in the picture looks quite bigger than mine.

Adding more insulation?
Greg.