Alloy c/t replied:

The big problem with the cool/hot type of fridge is power draw and actual cooling capacity , most and I stress most of the type will only cool down to about 20c below ambient temp at best ,ergo a 32c day means 12c internal temp , pretty usless ,, a decent esky is a better proposition for a 1 or 2 day sojourn.

Mr Fawlty replied:

Yep, I bought an even cheaper one from "Action" supermarket at Port Maquarie 25 ltrs cost $40.... Ok the thing to remember with these "Peltier" driven coolers is that at best you can expect a 20 centigrade temperature difference i.e. if it is 40 where the cooler is the best you can get inside will be 20...Having said that I use mine all the time, if you put the stuff you want kept cold in it cold then it works well. Also these things work best full & I find that an inch of water in the bottom also helps the thermodynamics of the thing. These do pull some current so if you dont want your battery flattened turn it of when the engine is not running or plug it into it's own power supply...I recon frankly they are worth the money, just be aware of the limitations.

Member - Brian (WA) replied:

Have had one and gave it away after using it once. Drew to much power when on
the move. We now just have a thermo bag with a couple of ice bricks in it.
I would say a good esky and dry ice.

Member - Jack replied:

I have both an Engel and a cooler type esky thing.

I find that the cooler is quite good for short trips (2-3 days) and I usually have ice left over after such a trip. I make my own ice using water in old ice cream containers which sit in the freezer for ages before they get used. I find them much bette rthan crushed ice from the servos.

I have had ice last in one of those coolers for 8 days on a trip to Fraser about 2 years ago. We had food like salad stuff in it and it did not get opened very much. Might have been a different story if it had been the beer fridge though.

Jack

Robin replied:

Definately go with a good esky instead Leonora.

As per others the coolers just can't keep things cool enough except down south in winter, and then only while running and drawing several amps.

There is a significant difference between eskies , and you should by a rated one.

Coleman have ones rated for 5/6 days at 30c which are about cost you mention.

They are also lightweight , and when you get a fridge one day a good esky
won't go to waste and can be used to supplement the fridge and provide flexibility.

Robin Miller