This is the main reason I’m considering it. The coolers work fine provided I plan ahead, pre-chill, pack intelligently, and limit time with the lid open. I like the idea that a fridge would eliminate some or all of that extra fuss and make it easier to just toss stuff in the Subie and go.
It seems like I have the basics electric-wise that I’ll need to run a small unit. Maybe it’s time to start saving.
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Oh, once you get a 12v fridge, you will find yourself still planning ahead, pre-chilling at home before you head out, packing intelligently, and limiting time with the lid open, believe me. I'm still careful with all those things.
It goes from conserving ice to conserving power and keeping the chill where it's supposed to be. Still, though, having a good 12v fridge has been a game changer for me in ease, convenience, and consistent temps. I tend to stay out months at a time, so having a fridge and not depending on ice is wonderful.
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The cooler I have is a "Woods boreal 65L cooler". It's a $120 cooler, that I got on sale for $50. Couldn't pass it up at that price. It claims to keep ice frozen for 5 days, which in my usages I've had 4L milk jugs of ice still 75%frozen after said 5 days, and still kept me going for 7 days till I got home. It's a very well insulated cooler, has wheels and a nice handle for pulling it around as well. Previously I've used just a cheap basic smaller cooler, and the ice definitely doesn't last quite as long in that one. So having something well insulated is key.
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Sounds like a good one to have. Having a great rugged cooler you can depend on can make or break an adventure. I think it's all about finding what works for one's needs and style of camping the best, then perfecting the use of it.
I met a Scottish couple up in Cape Breton, Nova Scotia once who were car camping for a three day long holiday over Queen's Day. Their style was to have cans of soup and stew for their single burner, fresh fruit, bread, a roll of hard salami, a small wheel of hard cheese and a 2L carton of milk. The only thing that needed refrigeration was the milk. The husband had made a corrugated cardboard container several layers thick, exactly the size of the 2L carton, with just as thick of a lid and bottom, all sealed with household masking tape. It was their milk keeper.
He grinned from ear to ear as he showed it off.
"The key now, me boy" he said, eyes twinkling, "is to start with milk you've chilled quite thoroughly, almost to freezing I'd say..." as he slid his carton of milk back into the perfect fit.
That's what worked best for them.
For those familiar with and who like
RTIC products, they've just come out with a new
52qt Ultra-Light super-insulated cooler they claim will keep ice ten days. I have no experience with the cooler myself, though found their
1gal stainless jugs to be good and the company to be growing quick in rep for both hard and soft coolers and for their totes and bags.
52 Qt Ultra-Light Cooler
#noaffiliation - I just think they have some interesting products
