12v Cooler Question?

[Toupswrangler]

I'm about the purchase my first 12v cooler and have a question. Is there any reason a 12v cooler couldn't be loaded up with ice in a pinch? Do they have a drain plug like a regular ice chest? My homemade trailer doesn't have the battery capacity or solar power(yet) to run the cooler for more than 2-3 days but where I usually camp ice is relatively close to make due for an extended trip. I have read that they do warm up faster than a traditional ice chest but is there any other limitations on loading them with ice if I'm out of power???

I'm thinking it wouldn't be an issue but then again never owning a 12v cooler I'm not sure.....??? I'd much rather hear from you guys/gals who own them and know the answer.

Thanks for any info!!!

 

[Downs]

Are we talking a cooler or a refrigerator/freezer?

 

[Toupswrangler]

I'm looking at something like the Alpicool CF45 fridge/freezer. Or similar style that most people put on a drawer slide to store.

 

[Downs]

Might be a good question for the specific manufacturer of the one you want to get. According to Koolatron you can put ice in it in an enclosed container but not loose as it will damage the unit if water sloshes up into the fan assembly. But they sell coolers not fridge/freezers

Frequently Asked Questions

Koolatron is a global leader in thermoelectric and refrigeration products and is widely known for its flagship line of made-in-Canada 12 volt cooler/warmers and accessories.

www.koolatron.com

Can I put ice in my Koolatron cooler?
Yes BUT not loose, any water inside the cooler will splash up under the cooling fan and short circuit the electronics. Put the ice in a sealed container, NOT a plastic bag. That way you can use the ice for drinks and it will help to rapidly cool the contents on really hot days. Keep the ice container at the opposite ends of the cooling fins. This way your contents get the benefit of two cold sources and you are not blocking the interior air circulation.

 

[ryanorr280]

I have a cheap Coleman 12v cooler, and it’s the same as above. You have to put the ice in a sealed container or it will damage the cooler. We don’t use it a lot for that reason, as I’m not setup to leave it running constantly either.

 

[Dr Gil]

My 63 qt ARB has a drain plug on the bottom. It doesn't leak at all from spilled fluids, so in theory, yes you can put ice in the fridge and it would be fine. But.... it's a drain plug to let out small amounts of water, not a plug to keep water enclosed in it. The plug pushes in under friction with a rubber O-ring, it does not screw down.

 

[1Louder]

Generally speaking they are no insulated as well as coolers. You would want to check with the manufacturer to confirm if you can load it up with loose ice. Lots of people freeze bottles of water to help with cooling and as a backup. The more full these refrigerators are the better they work.

 

[JohnKeller]

Take a hard look at the ARB and the Dometic. Not cheap but extremely easy on your battery. Before a 2-3 day trip plug into AC power and freeze the inside. While driving to your destination run off your alternator in Fridge mode. The power monitors in these are fantastic. Never running your battery below what you need to start the engine. Running the engine for 20-30 minutes will charge your battery and cool the fridge. Hope this helps.

 

[RideFlyDiveJeep]

I picked up the IceCo JP40. I do freeze a few bottles of water, and all items are refrigerated before going inside. Mine doesn't have a drain plug. I have kept my ice in ziploc bags for years. That way ice can be reused for drinking. Now I carry a few empty bags for backup and have the bottles for drinking water.