Thread: Any Such Thing As A Good 12v Mini Cooler ?

I have a little one that sits on the back floor, can reach easily when driving. Fits 8 cans and a couple of salad rolls (salad rolls end up a bit flat). I run it on my second battery, power it up first thing in the morning and turn off at the end of the day. Works better if things are cool when put in but still keeps things fresh and cool in the heat of the day. Its only a cheapie my son in law picked up for himself, he used it for 12 months, i have used it for 6 and cost all of $35. Will also heat to 60 degree
cheers
blaze

Most of these are a peltier cooler (do a Google and you'll get an explanation). They will usually only drop the temp to 15C below ambient temp. That said there's nothing wrong with some of the coolers using this system but there are some very cheap and nasty ones on the market so watch what you buy.

you might be able to mod one to make it better I think the peltier is dependant more on the ability to remove the heat, (big sink & fan?) than the ambient temperature. Also I think they use a lot of energy.
Been a long time since i looked into them though.

I have a Weaco one I use to keep my lunch in when I can be bothered making it. It works best if the items placed in it are already cold and it uses alot of power but its better than hot sandwiches and softdrinks if I did not have one. I cant be bothered with those brick things you freeze each night to put in a small esky etc.

I have 3

1 is about the right size for the 3 of us for a daytrip (and if you want it since my win with an engle pickup you can have it dirt cheap + postage)

and I have 2 of those smaller portable units

I got one from jaycar and one from dicksmiths.

identical units.

I also purchased a 3a 24/12v inverter and a couple of switches for each, gutted them a bit and installed all that so mine work in rovers and trucks.

My usual load out is 2 water bottles (600ml) 4 pieces of fruit, 2 cans of softdrink and a douple pack of sangers. precooled whats left is still cool for afternoon smoko.

Just dont expect it to work like an eski when the power is turned off.

both have seen service in cranes and trucks and one has been on loan on ops...

As mentioned previously... they are a peltier device and fairly power hungry. (4 amp min and more like 8 amp nominal)

If you do install one as a centre console (or elsewhere) make sure you wire it to your ignition accessory switch as they will easily drain a sizeable battery overnight.

Luxury landcruisers like the Lexus have them installed and they work fairly well, but even they only allow them run whilst the engine is running.

regards
m.

Dick Smith had bodgy ones for $19.95. I'm tempted to see how good they are, for $19.95 they can last a week and be thrown for all I care.

BUT, as my NY resolution was not to waste money on crap... I'll never know

if those bodgey disksmiths ones you are talking about are the ones that are a greyish colour with a padded top strap and 2 can holding circles on the front end they are the same as the 2 that I have that I have modded....

they do good (as previously mentioned) providing the goods are cool-cold before you put it in.