DC coolers

[Dave S]

OK, this isnt a very manly thing to do, but I am going to ask a question. I have been trying to find/research DC powered coolers. Does anyone have one.....hows it work......where did ya get it......how much? I have been on the trail of a Black and Decker unit. They make an 8/12 and 16 can unit, but boy are they impossible to find in a store (I dont do on line purchases comfortably). Its almost like B&D really doesnt want to sell them (glad I sold my B&D stock.....argggggg). I cant get much info (sizes, amp draw, etc.) I see several models of Coleman, but again, no store sales and no tech info........I have a space limitation in my Tear, so size is important, and battery draw is always critical........as is cost. The B&D units range from 30-85.00, while the Coleman (at Camping World) is on sale for 99-ish (but too big). I have, in the past, seen other units, but now that I am looking.....cant find any..........Whats the experience in the vast and all knowing world of Teardrop Owners........ Dave, with a Cub in Washington

[Uncle Chan]

Hola,

The problem with DC coolers is that they are only good for about 40 degrees below whatever the current temp is. I have a coleman I bought ages ago and although it does what it is advertised to do, a regular cooler with ice will do better. The other problem I have with my Coleman is that it is an energy hog. I can drain my battery within about 6 hours. Needless to say, I don't use it.

[madjack]

Dave, the typical cooler you see advertised as "12vdc" are things, you want nothing to do with...also known as "thermo-electric" or "peltier" coolers,they will only cool to 40* below ambient...what that means is on a 90* day, your pop will be tepid and your bologna green...UHGGGG...and to boot, if left on for any period of time, they will absolutely kill your battery...they will keep your pop cool, while traveling but beyond that, they just aren't good for much...the only alternatives are 12VDC compressor types which start around 4-500 bucks and can last for a weekend of hot weather usage on a good battery or a 3-way(gas/AC/DC) absorption(ammonia based) fridge costin' about the same..............
madjack

[Dave S]

Well, looks like at least two of you have mirrored what my fears were......power hog and ineffecient. If I was driving or had a generator the power would not be an issue........but adding 40 degrees to 35 (or so) they seem to be not worth a damn much above 70-75 degrees.......so I guess I can go on to something else to worry about. Anyway, I can live on crackers and room temp Vodka.......and make friends with the other fella with enough room for a real refrig...........thanx

[Gerdo]

Here are a few links to 12 volt portable fridges. Yes, they are pricey but they are worth it. I love mine. It's great.

http://tnttt.com/viewto ... ght=fridge

http://tnttt.com/viewto ... ght=fridge

http://tnttt.com/viewto ... ght=fridge