42 replies to this topic

[Beach]

My 2 primary (similar sized) coolers are; Rtic 45qt and a igloo ultra cold 50qt(out of production now). Rtic will hold 20 lbs crushed ice for 4+ days in 90+ degree weather. The Igloo will hold 20 lbs of crushed ice in the same temps for 3+ days. Rtic is heavy and holds about 20% less food/drinks.  If you want to stay in the back country for extended time, then yes, go for ice longevity with the premium cooler but on the other hand if you only stay for 2-3 days, then are back on the road with a chance to "ice up" then go with the lighter cooler with more capacity. The Rtic costs 4 times what the Igloo costs but doesn't deliver(in my experience) 4 times the performance, is it worth it? To some folks(including me) sometimes it is, I switch between both coolers depending where we are camping or if we're on the beach surf fishing, etc. The 20lbs ice i mentioned was a test we did while camping with both coolers during the Texas summer. Normally we supplement the crushed ice with 1 or 2 frozen juice jugs of block ice which adds another 1.5-2 days to ice retention. P.S. Keep your coolers shaded, it makes a tremendous different in ice retention.

Edited by Beach, 29 January 2021 - 03:36 PM.

[Mighty Dodge Ram]

I know the Coleman Xtremes catch a lot of flack but for the price point they’re a real bargain. Yes, the plastic hinges are suspect but with a little care they can last...we have a well used 15-year old model still going strong. Using the large chest and a smaller chest with dry ice and pre-frozen gallon water jugs, we’ve had cubes for cocktails and Ben & Jerrys for dessert for up to 7 summer days. Full disclosure: they’ve been relegated to short term transport duties since the acquisition of a DZ fridge and power pack. But that involved a difference of over $1k! 

[AWG_Pics]

We used a metal coleman 54 qt cooler for 8 years. Like it a lot, but did not like the space it takes up when empty. So we have transitioned to this soft side 30 qt cooler: https://www.amazon.c...e?ie=UTF8&psc=1

 

It keeps things frozen for several days and does not hog space when not in use.

 

Of course still have the fridge/freezer in the camper.

Edited by AWG_Pics, 29 January 2021 - 07:09 PM.