Cooler options under $100

Scott

Scott

Adventurist
I know, I know.. buy a fridge/freezer... I know. But here's the thing, I don't have the money, at least not right now, and I need to do something after MRV, seeing just how horrible my 20 year old coleman was doing. I kept it in the shade, and I still managed to melt a 20 lb bag of ice in one day. I've started to do some research on coolers, and I am thinking about either finding a nice metal coleman unit on craigslist, or buying a newer coleman Xtreme unit. I only need around 50-60 qts. Any suggestions? Here's what I am looking at currently:

Coleman Xtreme 52 Quart:

http://www.coleman.com/product/52-q...er/6050A748?contextCategory=8581#.VCbpe_ldUuc

6050-748_500.jpg


50 Quart Coleman Marine:

http://www.coleman.com/product/50-q...er/6250A763?contextCategory=8550#.VCbprPldUuc

6250a763_500.jpg


There are also some Igloo marine coolers as well. I would like something that will hold ice with food and such for around 4-5 days. If I'm missing out on something good, please enlighten me!

I'm not going to spend the $$ on a Yeti or the like. If I was going to spend that kind of money, I'd just go fridge/freezer and be done with it.

Scott
 
The newer Coleman Xtreme is the way to go on a budget IMO. I have been pretty impressed with them. Any cooler that will keep ice over a weekend trip will do (i.e. ice is not water overnight...). The metal coolers are nice, but I would not pay more for a metal case. Keep that cooler in the shade, and out of the truck if it is hot in camp, and it will be fine. Size is another consideration, for transport and keeping things cold bigger is not always better IMHO. Get the size YOU need. I have 2 Coleman Xtremes of different sizes that I use in addition to my 12v fridge for different mission profiles like events etc where I need to bring bulk groceries for feeding friends.

For a 12v fridge on a budget (your next logical step) the Edgestar units are well regarded by those I know who have them. A good fridge is a solid investment and should last many years as they are stone simple - my Engel has been going strong since 2006.

.02
 
Hi Scott there are a couple of things you can do to help with your cooler issue. Keep the cooler as full of cold/frozen items as possible even if it's just gallon jugs of water or containers you froze your self and open a little as possible.
 
Hey Scott:

I had one of Coleman Xtreme coolers (just like the one you have pictured above) at the MRV. Block ice is the key! I had about 1/3 block of ice left after I got home on Sunday.

Cam
 
poriggity said:
I'm not going to spend the $$ on a Yeti or the like. If I was going to spend that kind of money, I'd just go fridge/freezer and be done with it.
Click to expand...

I have my eye on a Yeti or Engel cooler in the future to replace my existing coolers when the hinges or spigots finally break (seems they do wear out eventually). The Yeti and Engel coolers are UNBEATABLE if you do desert trips or if your are a fisherman or need bulk storage for a long (week +) type trip in a remote setting.

Yes, they are expensive. But the materials and design are far superior to any consumer grade cooler and will last a lifetime. Yeti also claims to be "bear proof" which is another good selling point for me.

http://yeticoolers.com/?utm_source=... 0eAukQXPN6hFWaeUdOoa5dlCOrSYO0vCJxoCRnHw_wcB

yeti.jpg


Engel is renowned for their quality. Their Deep Blue cooler is rated to hold ice for up to 8-10 days!
http://engel-coolers.com/

engel 2.jpg


engel 1.jpg


The feature I like best on the Engel?

[video=youtube;anHtRkTX5yI]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=anHtRkTX5yI[/video]
 
Last edited:
Scott, looking at the two options you posted, it looks like the same cooler as far as materials. Only difference I see is the case color although the Xtreme lists how long it will keep ice at 90 degrees (a cool day in the SoCal summer BTW) - I prefer the white as it seems that one would shed heat better in the desert but YMMV.
 
Want to save your ice? This is how we do it on the river. Often on the water 10-22 days. Start with a big cooler. Line the entire bottom with block ice (not compressed chunks formed into a block but water that is actually frozen, you can almost see through it). Then cover the ice with one of those automobile window shades (cut to fit). Put your food and coldies on top. The added layer (window shade) keeps your ice from ever seeing the outside temperature when you open the lid. The second most important thing is to drain the water (you are not trying to make cold water, your trying to save ice) and thirdly, add a sweater or something as the ice melts as a space filler. I have literally been in 100f temp for up to three weeks and still had ice. Try it,you will not be disappointed. Don't buy the theory? Try it with a small cooler, see what you think.
 
When I got into four-wheeling, camping, etc. a decade or so ago, I didn't even consider the possibility of a fridge, let alone have the cash for one. Space was also always at a premium, though I was taking a lot of food and drink (I used to camp a lot with my three little brothers).

I found the Igloo Cube MaxCold 70 quart to be the sweet spot. It's got a lot of capacity, but it's tall rather than wide, which I think has two benefits: 1) Less floor space in the rig and 2) the really cold stuff at the bottom doesn't see the light of day.

Although I've moved to a fridge for the usual camp trips, I still take mine hunting as I can fit a deer worth of venison in primal in it along with ice. It also comes in handy for trips where I need a lot of ice for cocktails... usually do a couple of those a year. :lol Those aren't exactly four-wheeling trips though!
 
I'm in a similar boat regarding the want for a fridge, but I'm still building out my trailer and the budget will not allow.

I've purchased 2 Coleman 54 qt steel belted coolers. I purchased the second for a longer trip. I think (not a scientist, but did stay in a hotel once or twice) that these hold up better than the all plastic models and keep items colder longer.

I also prep my coolers before a trip. I put a bag of ice in each cooler at least 8 hours before a trip. I believe Engle suggests the same thing.

I also prep and freeze as much as I can. Yes you can scramble eggs, put them in a zip lock and freeze them. This means you need less ice as you are starting off with a cooler of mostly frozen items. Having a qt jug of frozen water on two corners of the cooler helps to keep things frosty, and generally takes up less space than bags of ice. Also, who doesn't need water during the trip.

Another thing I do my best to consider is when I'm going to need something. Keeping regularly used items on top for easy access means you are exposing the cooler to hotter air for shorter periods of time. I also bring a 6 pack cooler for drinks and snacks during the day. If your main cooler stays shut, its going to stay cold longer. On longer trips, I generally put all the food for the tail end of the trip in the second cooler and load with ice. I'll transfer what I need from the second cooler to the first cooler once per day.

The tip above about stuffing an empty cooler with a sweater or anything that takes up space is spot on to help keep things cooler longer and to help things from creating a mess when transporting down a bumpy trail.

All this being said, I really want an Engel, and someday, a fridge.
 
You could always fab a ' jacket' made of reflectix, spray adhesive and duct tape. It'll help with desert insulation and reflect the sun. Or get some disco lights for party nights...Stayin Alive....
 

Attachments

  • image.jpg
    image.jpg
    131.1 KB · Views: 194
  • image.jpg
    image.jpg
    221 KB · Views: 118
  • image.jpg
    image.jpg
    100.4 KB · Views: 184
Last edited:
Just think after the ice has gone you will have the makings of a tinfoil hat!! Sorry but the insulated handle got me. :lol:lol
 
Dave said:
I have my eye on a Yeti or Engel cooler in the future to replace my existing coolers when the hinges or spigots finally break (seems they do wear out eventually). The Yeti and Engel coolers are UNBEATABLE if you do desert trips or if your are a fisherman or need bulk storage for a long (week +) type trip in a remote setting.

Yes, they are expensive. But the materials and design are far superior to any consumer grade cooler and will last a lifetime. Yeti also claims to be "bear proof" which is another good selling point for ]
Click to expand...

I bought a yeti 35 instead of an engle. I did not want the weight, bulk, wires, cover, hassle, etc. that come with an electric fridge. Ice does last a lot longer in the yeti than a regular ice chest. Really, the only worry I have is that someone will steal it while I'm out. Every yahoo and their brother asks about it when they see it.
 
Yep that was one of my concerns. I bought a grizzly 60qt. There were a couple reasons I bought a grizzly over a yeti. One being everyone knows a yeti an it's a popular item at the pawn shops. Yeti had the rope handle verses the grizzly having molded in handle. I can run a bike cable lock thru it and actually lock it down. Price was another, yeti 65 runs about $400 and my grizzly was $280 from eBay. The grizzly is deeper than the yeti. I like the smaller footprint but not to sure if I will like it when it comes to digging for stuff.
 
Well, I happened upon an ARB Fridge for a screaming deal that I'd have been stupid to pass up, so I've now joined the ranks of the elite glampers... :D That being said, I am still looking at purchasing a cooler to have at the ready... Good info in this thread!
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top Bottom