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Post by rod on May 24, 2014 16:54:23 GMT
Yeah, I know fridges have been covered on many sites at different times, so apologies if I m out of line. Been thinking about keeping stuff cool, type of fridge, 12v, gas etc etc.TBH just dont want the expense of a fridge, buying or running costs.We use a basic cool box, but will need someting longer lasting when in Spain etc.Researched on the net , and think I will make one , with basic material of 4" kingspan and foil on outside etc(cos Ive got some in my emporium of lovely things..the shed).Will use the plastic interior of our existing box.Use cool blocks and freeze bottled
water initially, then buy bagged ice to top up.We arent expecting frozen food, just cooled.Another thought is to maybe cut a vent and fit a scoop on the van, and channel cool air round outside of the whole box .Not sure if the results are worth the bother of that though!We will be on the move a lot. So great people of FMUK, your thoughts please?
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Post by campervanannie on May 24, 2014 21:33:27 GMT
We use a cool box and make up bottles of dilute orange or blackcurrant freeze and use them as freezer blocks you can drink them as they thaw out. Meat we freeze it before putting in cool box just pack butter and milk around the frozen food and drink.
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Post by X on May 24, 2014 21:39:37 GMT
We use a cool box and make up bottles of dilute orange or blackcurrant freeze and use them as freezer blocks you can drink them as they thaw out. Meat we freeze it before putting in cool box just pack butter and milk around the frozen food and drink. All depends on temperature really when I lived in spain it was 45 degrees in the afternoon and lucky if it dropped below 35 degrees at night ! In the afternoon the wind came at sbout 4,0clock it was like someone turned the hairdryer on in your face ? Mind it was bloody 10 below at night in winter with a house that had no insulation and water pipes just below the paving ,even the gas stopped working if you ran a shower you had to put an electric heater next to the cylinder !
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Post by rod on May 24, 2014 21:48:09 GMT
Exactly.
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Post by n brown on May 24, 2014 21:50:54 GMT
i spent many years in vans in spain france and portugal with a lot of kids,but only one wife,without a fridge . i have one in the present van because it was £40 and i know how to do this stuff,but we rarely put it on-and then mainly to see if it still works ! if you buy your food as you go along,use long life milk and get used to room temp beer[works fine] then don't bother
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Post by X on May 24, 2014 21:54:10 GMT
i spent many years in vans in spain france and portugal with a lot of kids,but only one wife,without a fridge . i have one in the present van because it was £40 and i know how to do this stuff,but we rarely put it on-and then mainly to see if it still works ! if you buy your food as you go along,use long life milk and get used to room temp beer[works fine] then don't bother Long life milk ? Yes got used to it abroad but it is the devils work tastes like dead bodies smell and that is not good !
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Post by n brown on May 24, 2014 22:04:34 GMT
no it's the shite they sell here that is crap,you buy the meio gordo,half fat green cartons abroad they're ok.
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Post by rod on May 24, 2014 22:10:58 GMT
Thanks for your thoughts everyone, I'll build it tomorrow then.
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Post by Deleted on May 25, 2014 10:22:55 GMT
I use a terracotta wine cooler for milk, works well especially if covered with plastic bag or bubble wrap.I put it in a tall plastic container and put a little water in it.
There's room in the plastic container for another bottle or can which wedges the wine cooler in nicely. Even just a small pop bottle of water in the plastic container will help to reduce air circulation keeping the wine cooler damp and cool.
Have taken my little 12v mini fridge out of van, the electric draw and space it took up wasn't worth the negligible benefit. Also no longer use cool box - again no real benefit after the first day away and takes up useful space.
I like your idea of making your own built in cool box, I might look at doing same.
I sometimes use cool bags with frozen bottled water and frozen milk and meat which can be folded up and stored after a day or two when everything is defrosted / eaten. I might simply add some extra insulation (camping mats, silver bubble wrap) inside these.
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Post by n brown on May 25, 2014 10:28:54 GMT
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Post by rod on May 25, 2014 13:40:05 GMT
Wish I could justify the cost NB! Worked out some sizes, going to cut up the insulation boards this afternoon. wvw..Im surprised it only lasts a day.Depends on quality I suppose.I'll let you know how mine goes.Will try to get pics as I build it.
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