Extreme Cooler

[Jim SoG]

So far I have not the need nor cash for a frig, so I got 2 Ozark Trail 52-Qt High-Performance Coolers from Wally World. First time out not so good, but it was due to them constantly being in direct sunlight, my father opening it 100 times an hour, needless to say, the ice melted fast but still lasted longer than a traditional cooler. This last trip, I followed directions (What a concept) and pre cooled them, cooled the drinks/food (we use on for food other for drinks), and we kept them in a tent, was out 5 days and came home and still the ice did not melt completely, left the cooler full and pulled drinks as thirsty for a few days longer, still ice. Finally the ice melted but had ice cold water.

Overall they performed great, 7 days ice is true and if you use the chilled water you get longer. I paid just around $150 each on sale and am very glad I did.

Here is a current wally world price and info:
https://www.walmart.com/ip/Ozark-Trail-52-Quart-High-Performance-Cooler/49229404?wmlspartner=wlpa&selectedSellerId=0&wl13=1370&adid=22222222227039166247&wl0=&wl1=g&wl2=c&wl3=92176420097&wl4=pla-183840542657&wl5=9030368&wl6=&wl7=&wl8=&wl9=pla&wl10=8175035&wl11=local&wl12=49229404&wl13=1370&veh=sem

Jim

 

[chris_nc]

Thanks for posting this. I too didn't have the funds or the need for a fridge in my vehicle, and had been researching options for quite a while and watching reviews. I was between this one, and the Lifetime and ended up going with the Lifetime. It has worked out great, and I'll probably post something up on it here as well. As with your experience, pre-chilling and keeping it from direct sun is key.

 

[Coop17510]

Great post. I use the cooler set up as well and find that if you can keep thing separated food and drinks, ice goes quite a bit further.

 

[RoarinRow]

I've looked at their coolers and this one is definitely hefty, as in the build of it. Good to know it works as well as it did for you.

 

[Dave K]

I keep (2) one gallon bottles of water frozen in a freezer at work for pre-cooling the cooler. That same fridge typically pre chills all drinks and food going in the cooler as well. I like iced tea and will typically freeze a gallon. I freeze any food that is reasonable to do so as well.

After an overnight pre-cool I load up with a bag of ice, frozen iced tea and chilled drinks on the bottom. I leave ice in the bag typically to one side. Food I definitely do not want wet goes in the basket, everything else on the drinks. This system has works great for me with this cooler and 5 days of ice with the cooler always in my Land Cruiser in no problem.

I did a whole lot of reading and research on coolers before I bought and have been happy with the decision. I’ll switch to a fridge one day. For now, this is just fine.

 

[JDGreens]

I like mine too. Vacuums shut so tight I have to pry it open with something. I have the smaller one for day trips.

 

[RoarinRow]

Thanks for posting this. I too didn't have the funds or the need for a fridge in my vehicle, and had been researching options for quite a while and watching reviews. I was between this one, and the Lifetime and ended up going with the Lifetime. It has worked out great, and I'll probably post something up on it here as well. As with your experience, pre-chilling and keeping it from direct sun is key.

Just picked up a 28 quart Lifetime cooler today at Walmart. Looks hefty and had similar rating as $250 coolers. This one was $78. We’ll see how it goes. Advertised as having 5 day ice retention.