12v Coolers

[CJW]

here is a good comparison chart -----
https://www.outdoorgearlab.com/topic...powered-cooler

[Iowa Dave]

It was 87F here yesterday. The inside Escape temp was 87. Started up the Engel turned all the way to 5. In 3 hours the temp dropped to 14.5F. Then adjusted the dial to about 1.3. This morning we the temp was 32.5. F. The Dometic 8555 on the other hand ran all day and last and made 33 and -4 by this morning. The negative is that when we open the Dometic it takes quite a while to recover, especially the refrigerator
The Engel does not need meat the recovery time and never goes above 40F before it starts back down. We are sold in the compressor coolers. Our battery draw is easily recovered with the solar and we have the generator for backup.
Iowa Dave

[tawc57@gmail.com]

I have a ICECO, and have used this a freezer for over 2 years. This ICECO is running off a 260 watt panel, 12 volt Battery, with a controller. Works great…
Tom C

[Hawkeye Ed]

And if you have about half an hour to watch a fellow's collection of about a dozen portable fridge/freezers, check out this YouTube video.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ija2LmLVZHA

Who knew there's a hobby of collecting fridges? I only have two, a Dometic and an Engel.

Ed

[BigSwede]

Originally Posted by Iowa Dave

We just have the single solar panel installed aftermarket by Escape on our 2017 21. It is a 170 watt panel. Dual 6 volt interstate batteries. We camp about 2/3 of the time with shore power to the campsite and about 1/3 of the time with just the solar. Our overnight drawdown with the Engel, water pump for showers, max fan on low, interior lights, phone charging, etc is to about 12.8 volts on the batteries. Back up to full charge by 10 AM in sun, a little later in mottled shade. The low draw of about .8 amp hours to maintain the 34 degree target and a maybe 33% duty cycle is the key. This is possible with a swing compressor and will run at a 30 degree angle. The cooler, as you will read is made for a maritime application.

Sometimes where shore power is available we don’t change cords, just leave the Engel on 12 volt and run the rest of the camper on the shore power. When we are on the road with the camper, we have the Engel on a rug on the floor of the camper. It weighs 55 lbs empty and a lot more once you put the basket full of food in it.

There have been instances where we had the Engel in the Highlander and ran it on the 12volt DC outlet. In 2019 we bought some dressed chickens from a lady my daughter works with in Fort Wayne. They were frozen and packaged in food saver bags. We took the Engel when we went to Fort Wayne and put 6 chickens in the basket, turned the dial up and they made the 400 mile trip home at about -12 degrees F. Normally we run it at about 2.2 out of 5 and that maintains 34 degrees F.

We camped last week for a couple nights. It was hot so we used the Engel for the meat, and things that needed to stay cold. The 8555 worked ok and we wouldn’t have had to use the Engel but with a 4 year old along the opening and closing of the Escape refrigerator was averted and the Engel recovers in a short time when accessed. We camped next to some folks who have an ARB and it worked well for them. Those Engels come on sale once in a while with a pretty good discount and free shipping.

We like our Engel. Hope this and the pictures help. Sorry they are wacky. Also last of the big Day-lilies, to brighten your morning, been a good year for those.
Have a great day
Iowa Dave

I have had that same Engel for some years now. They are nearly indestructible with that unique swing compressor. Highly recommended.

[cpaharley2008]

I have had to make several changes to this thread, let's try to keep your responses proper, thank you!

[Scot schroeder]

Originally Posted by liveoakal

Greetings everyone. I am heading out on the road for a month soon and I am considering the purchase of a 12v cooler to augment the refrigerator in the Escape. Does anyone have recommendations or comments regarding 12v coolers? I would very much appreciate any input.

Had a cooler. Bought a Alpicool frig and it is great. Taking food to a picnic maybe ok but I regretted purchasing the cooler it was a waste. If you buy the small fridge you will be happy that you did.