Coolbox - extra fridge space

[Kate3]

Our van fridge just isn't big enough for the food and alcohol so we are thinking of purchasing a thermo electric coolbox for use in the car and the awning on arrival. We have looked at the Waeco and the Campingaz and one from Halfords- does anyone have any experience of using them, and any recommendations would be gratefully received. Many thanks folks.

Kate

 

[Fourtrack]

Kate

By thermo electric do you mean the ones that run with a 12v fan and will warm things as well? We have had a couple which worked quite well. however the fan can be irritating in the awning and we found in Italy and a couple of places in France that there was not enough power to start them up. I therefore switched to a 3 way cool box absorption type which is much better. Also I can use it on gas at rallies and other non ehu sites. I find it much more efficient

DavidC

 

[thehoods]

Hi Kate.

We use a camping gaz thermo box and it's ideal. We plug it into the plug in the boot of the car and when we get to site it goes in the awning where we keep the beer wine and some meat. BUT, don't do what I did last weekend, in a half cut state, pulled the plug out of the box accidently, put the plug back in the wrong way round (the hot side not the cold), went to bed and cooked everything inside. Therefore, warm wine, warm beer, half cooked meat and baked apples! Wife extermely p'd off!

Other then that there great.

Hope this helps.

Phil.

 

[ProfJohnL]

Hello Kate,

I concure with David C question about the actual type of cool box.

I use a 3 way powered cool box, which can use mains 230V, Gas or 12V power.

Not only do I use it on holidays, I also use it at home to keep milk and fruit juices cool.

 

[ProfJohnL]

Hello Kate,

I concure with David C question about the actual type of cool box.

I use a 3 way powered cool box, which can use mains 230V, Gas or 12V power.

Not only do I use it on holidays, I also use it at home to keep milk and fruit juices cool.

 

[JeremyClarksson]

I have a 3 way coolbox as well - very quiet and can freeze ice in less than an hour once at temperature and will take 3 litre bottles upright.

We bought it because we regularly go without hook up - good piece of kit.

Make sure they are level.

 

[GingerPete]

hi kate , we started with a coolbox from halfords which had the cigarette plug for the car ,we had to buy an 240 adapter which the cigarette plug plugged into , we then bought a beer chiller fridge which has a beer logo on it from asda that just plugs into the caravans mains socket this we only use in europe with no problems so far, also some sites in france & spain hire out fridges...hope this helps ...pete

 

[chrisn7]

Hi Kate

We have a camping Gaz unit to which you referred. This does work OK, but as has been mentioned, the fan is too noisy in the awning. The unit is well made and comes with a separate lid so you can use it as a picnic box. We also have an 'armrest' Waeco type for use in the car, and this is extremly well made and durable. It is also quieter

You need to check how far below *ambient* temperature your chosen device will cool-is this sufficient in you holiday location? Also check that it cuts out at a given voltage- this avoids a flat battery

Remember, its not recommended to use a cooler in a closed boot

 

[bobdanby@aol.com]

Lots of good advice here. What sort of size would you recommend?

 

[Del_374232870]

Hi

We had a 12volt cool box which was OK, but we have just purchased a Weaco 3way CAF 60 fridge, this works of gas, 240 and 12 volt. We have had it running indoors for a few weeks and seems excellent on 240v. We will be going touring in a couple of weeks so we will get a chance to try it on 12volt. Only draw back that we have noticedf is the size. It is quite a bit larger than the 12v cool boxes. Fortunatley as we have a Grand Cherokee there is plenty of room in the back, but I would recomend checking the size before buying. Strange thing is that whilst it comes with a mains plug, you have to fit your own 12volt plug and also purchase a gas hose.

When we go away next month I will take a mains extension cable so tha whilst we are on site I will run it outside on electric.

 

[HamishC]

Hi Kate

We use a 12v cool box in the awning area.It is connnected

to a 240v adapter. Did not find the fan too noisy, and who cares

provided it keeps the beer cold!

Cheers

Hamish C

 

[RiaandJames_374303418]

We have an ancient Gamping Gaz box fridge that runs off 12V, 240V or Gamping Gaz and it will still make ice cubes, we also have two inexpensive Gio 12V boxes that work well if you fill them with chilled or frozen goods. Usefull for keeping supplies cold on route back from the hypermarket.

Ria

 

[chrisn7]

Kate

I forgot to mention that the camping gaz type also generates a lot of condensation inside, which pools in the base. This means that the beer is ok but foodstuffs have to be sealed.

When you use the 240v adaptor, this gets quite warm and does attract ants, so be sure to position it well away from the wheels and steadies, which might provide a route into the van

 

[John_5040781]

We use an A Kool mate Igloo cool box. It is quiet and very efficient. Most cool boxes do not go low enough for high external temperatures. This one does and if left on too long ice begins to form in the bottom. Your beer/ wine is really cold!