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View Full Version : Plug-in cooler? What brand?


reznaeous
05-25-2008, 10:39 PM
I'm looking at getting a plug-in cooler for the truck, and am looking for some feedback.

I'm looking specifically for a unit that plugs into the usual 12 volt outlet. Since I'm a company driver anything that has to be hardwired is out. Besides, it seems it'd be easier to just take the unit home to restock. I could keep it plugged in while driving to and from the terminal (1.5 hour drive there, BTW) to keep the cooler interior cool.

So are there any particular brands / models to look for in particular? Perhaps even more importantly are there any particular ones to run in terror from?

Mtc_Is_Hell
05-25-2008, 10:45 PM
Theres a nice plug in one that you get at walmart. I have one my self, was about 50 or 60 dollars. Works great and got really cold at night.

Should be in sporting goods section.

TK THE TRUCKER
05-25-2008, 11:17 PM
As far as I know there's only really 2 brands that make the big 40 quart electric coolers, Coleman and Igloo. I don't know about the Igloo but I bought a Coleman at Wal-mart 4 years ago. The truck stops have them also but they mark them up pretty good so unless you're going to use driver reward points to buy it, you might as well get it at Wal-mart. I replaced the motor in it once so far but it does run 24/7 so that is expected. I noticed Coleman updated theirs but I don't know if it works any better than mine. Remember to have plenty of ventilation around the fan/motor area and also remember it doesn't cool down to a certain point, it just cools down about 30-40 degrees from the temperature in the cab. So if it's 100 degrees in the cab all day long then it's not going to be very cold in the cooler. 8) 8)

Mtc_Is_Hell
05-25-2008, 11:55 PM
As far as I know there's only really 2 brands that make the big 40 quart electric coolers, Coleman and Igloo. I don't know about the Igloo but I bought a Coleman at Wal-mart 4 years ago. The truck stops have them also but they mark them up pretty good so unless you're going to use driver reward points to buy it, you might as well get it at Wal-mart. I replaced the motor in it once so far but it does run 24/7 so that is expected. I noticed Coleman updated theirs but I don't know if it works any better than mine. Remember to have plenty of ventilation around the fan/motor area and also remember it doesn't cool down to a certain point, it just cools down about 30-40 degrees from the temperature in the cab. So if it's 100 degrees in the cab all day long then it's not going to be very cold in the cooler. 8) 8)

I used to have my curtain closed and had the ac on full blast in sleeper, Would freeze water bottles solid during the day or night.

headborg
05-26-2008, 12:28 AM
IMO, go with the 40qt Igloo-- it cools the best-- except for problems with the power cord- I prefer the coleman power cord...but the 40qt coleman of mine doesn't preform as well as my Igloo.

Mtc_Is_Hell
05-26-2008, 01:38 AM
As far as I know there's only really 2 brands that make the big 40 quart electric coolers, Coleman and Igloo. I don't know about the Igloo but I bought a Coleman at Wal-mart 4 years ago. The truck stops have them also but they mark them up pretty good so unless you're going to use driver reward points to buy it, you might as well get it at Wal-mart. I replaced the motor in it once so far but it does run 24/7 so that is expected. I noticed Coleman updated theirs but I don't know if it works any better than mine. Remember to have plenty of ventilation around the fan/motor area and also remember it doesn't cool down to a certain point, it just cools down about 30-40 degrees from the temperature in the cab. So if it's 100 degrees in the cab all day long then it's not going to be very cold in the cooler. 8) 8)

Did you back into a hogan truck at about 12:30 in the mourning about a year ago? Hit my passenger side steps when trying to get in that impossible last spot? At least 10 trucks attempted to get in, but they seen it wasn't gonna work, but a marten driver managed to get in, but I got rocked in the process.

devildice
05-26-2008, 02:31 AM
I have the Coleman and it works great. Definitely do not buy one from the truck stops as they are over priced. Walmart or any camping supply store (Bass Pro, Cabella's, etc) are your best bet.

Uturn2001
05-26-2008, 02:31 AM
I have owned both Igloo and Coleman 40 qt 12v coolers. never could tell a real difference between the two.

Malaki86
05-26-2008, 03:00 AM
When I switched from my Volvo 770 to the Volvo 670, I didn't have room for my 40qt cooler. So I got a small Rubbermaid cooler. It'll hold a 12pack of cans. The best part is that I've had them freeze even in the summer. I picked it up at Wal Mart for about $40.

geeshock
05-26-2008, 05:38 AM
As far as I know there's only really 2 brands that make the big 40 quart electric coolers, Coleman and Igloo. I don't know about the Igloo but I bought a Coleman at Wal-mart 4 years ago. The truck stops have them also but they mark them up pretty good so unless you're going to use driver reward points to buy it, you might as well get it at Wal-mart. I replaced the motor in it once so far but it does run 24/7 so that is expected. I noticed Coleman updated theirs but I don't know if it works any better than mine. Remember to have plenty of ventilation around the fan/motor area and also remember it doesn't cool down to a certain point, it just cools down about 30-40 degrees from the temperature in the cab. So if it's 100 degrees in the cab all day long then it's not going to be very cold in the cooler. 8) 8)

I used to have my curtain closed and had the ac on full blast in sleeper, Would freeze water bottles solid during the day or night.

will have to try that

TK THE TRUCKER
05-26-2008, 03:45 PM
Did you back into a hogan truck at about 12:30 in the mourning about a year ago? Hit my passenger side steps when trying to get in that impossible last spot? At least 10 trucks attempted to get in, but they seen it wasn't gonna work, but a marten driver managed to get in, but I got rocked in the process.

It wasn't me, I swear. Who needs steps on the passenger side anyways. :P

Mtc_Is_Hell
05-26-2008, 04:16 PM
Did you back into a hogan truck at about 12:30 in the mourning about a year ago? Hit my passenger side steps when trying to get in that impossible last spot? At least 10 trucks attempted to get in, but they seen it wasn't gonna work, but a marten driver managed to get in, but I got rocked in the process.

It wasn't me, I swear. Who needs steps on the passenger side anyways. :P

He looked just like the photo on your Myspace. Anyways we got out and talked about it and he said he was sorry and had been looking for a spot for a while and I told him don't worry about the steps I'll just report it happened when I was showering.

reznaeous
05-26-2008, 06:36 PM
Well, thanks for all the feedback folks. I decided to go with the Coleman, as that's what the local WalMart had. Now to go get some goodies to go in the cooler. ;)

TK THE TRUCKER
05-26-2008, 08:01 PM
Did you back into a hogan truck at about 12:30 in the mourning about a year ago? Hit my passenger side steps when trying to get in that impossible last spot? At least 10 trucks attempted to get in, but they seen it wasn't gonna work, but a marten driver managed to get in, but I got rocked in the process.

It wasn't me, I swear. Who needs steps on the passenger side anyways. :P

He looked just like the photo on your Myspace. Anyways we got out and talked about it and he said he was sorry and had been looking for a spot for a while and I told him don't worry about the steps I'll just report it happened when I was showering.I was running local about 1 year ago, I feel sorry for anybody that looks like me! 8) 8)

belpre122
06-09-2008, 11:47 AM
I have a small '6 or 12 pack' style Rubbermaid that I used for a while when running team. Now that the heat is back, I have considered putting it in my current daycab. How much should I be concerned about battery drain? I am considering leaving it in the cab for the dayshift driver to use. Will it drain the batteries over a weekend or a little longer? Sounds like the one that you have Malakai. Has the two cup holders on at the front? Any thoughts anyone?