12V Cooler

[NTXTremor]

Wow that's a big difference for sure. I do agree the EB55 is the perfect size. I put the cooler on the rear drivers side and the power station fits perfectly on the floor with room for other stuff next to it. I like this setup because it's out of sight for those prying eyes of those looking into the backseat.

Do you use pass-through charging using the 12V in the front seat, or do you only charge from 120V at the hotels or campgrounds?

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[AzScorpion]

Do you use pass-through charging using the 12V in the front seat, or do you only charge from 120V at the hotels or campgrounds?

I don't camp with it so just recharging at night while in the hotel. When we were away in June there were time we were in/out of the truck at different National Parks so I just left it connected to the power station all day. The most it used on a full day was 3 bars but it's hard to gauge what percent because of the bars. I think that's my only knock on the unit as it really would be nice to have a percentage on the display but I still love the unit.

I did try the 110 and like you I got the flashing yellow light so it must spike just enough.

 

[Danager]

While researching options for plugging the IceCo into the Bluetti, I kind of went down the rabbit hole.
A couple big learns. The “cigarette lighter” end IceCo and many other use can be converted to a Hella plug by removing the foreskin - the red piece at the tip. This is the Swiss army knife approach - it can do multiple things OK, neither very well. I also learned the Hella/Bosch plug/connector is pretty common outside of North America.

There are many videos about swapping the end for the 5521 connector. While not compatible with all solar generators, this is is a good solution. You do need to make sure the output form your SG/battery meets the peak amps your fridge will draw. The next issue is making sure the connector you are adding or the wiring you splice to is rated to support the current draw of your fridge. My IceCo draws a max of 15 amps (as per the fuse in the unit). Most of the 5521 connectors are not rated this high. 4-5 amp are readily available and inexpensive, 10 amp if you are watching, and I’m not sure I found any rates to the 15 amps I would need. Also, the ones with a wire pigtail seem to use small gauge wire - 18-22awg. Also, switching to this connector either commits you to using the cord only with your SG/battery, OR you have to add another connection allowing you to change ends.

Doesn’t a cigarette lighter end seem like the better solution? Much more universal, provided you get one intended for the North American market.

I also found that the twist-lock connector on the Bluetti does have a specific male plug. This has many advantages over the original IceCo plug. A larger surface, closer to the tip for the negative connectors, more spring travel for the centre positive connector, and a 45 degree twist-lock securing the plug in place and water/debris resistant.

Now the search is on for one of these in a low-profile that meets the 15amp demands of my fridge.

 

[Lateknightucd]

Sorry to resurrect an old thread but it’s getting to be camping season! How is everyone securing their 12V coolers and battery packs? I picked up an ICECO and a Bluetti and on our first off road trip the cooler bounced up enough in the bed that it crushed the 12V charging cord for the Bluetti ?? I have a retractable bed cover that just clears the ICECO so a mounted slide isn’t an option. I considered the stock tie down points and the handles but the locking mechanism for the bed cover doesn’t clear if the fridge is butted up again the bed side. Thoughts?

 

[AzScorpion]

Sorry to resurrect an old thread but it’s getting to be camping season! How is everyone securing their 12V coolers and battery packs? I picked up an ICECO and a Bluetti and on our first off road trip the cooler bounced up enough in the bed that it crushed the 12V charging cord for the Bluetti ?? I have a retractable bed cover that just clears the ICECO so a mounted slide isn’t an option. I considered the stock tie down points and the handles but the locking mechanism for the bed cover doesn’t clear if the fridge is butted up again the bed side. Thoughts?

That's what was afraid of and I just have my cooler sitting on the rear seat with the Bluetti on the floor. I know it's not practical for everyone but I haven't found an easy way to secure it in the bed for my limited use with it. I know they made a slide tray for the coolers and IIRC @Danager has this setup.

 

[mtbikernate]

Sorry to resurrect an old thread but it’s getting to be camping season! How is everyone securing their 12V coolers and battery packs? I picked up an ICECO and a Bluetti and on our first off road trip the cooler bounced up enough in the bed that it crushed the 12V charging cord for the Bluetti ?? I have a retractable bed cover that just clears the ICECO so a mounted slide isn’t an option. I considered the stock tie down points and the handles but the locking mechanism for the bed cover doesn’t clear if the fridge is butted up again the bed side. Thoughts?

In my camper, I made a slide using Accu-Ride slides (mounted flat) and the tray is an aluminum baking pan. I had to move shelves and stuff in the camper to make sure it fit. Considering that I was tight on space on all dimensions, and I had the door threshold lip to clear, I think the solution I came up with was pretty solid.

For maximum vertical clearance, though, having the slides vertical to either side of the fridge is probably the best. Mount them to a thin metal base and maybe you could get away with 1/2" or so of extra vertical space used up. Not sure if you even have that much space to work with.

You could go with fridge tie-down straps and put footman loops on a flat metal base with a rubberized bottom (like flex seal or similar). Make the base bigger than the fridge so you can put other gear on it to hold it down.

 

[Lateknightucd]

In my camper, I made a slide using Accu-Ride slides (mounted flat) and the tray is an aluminum baking pan. I had to move shelves and stuff in the camper to make sure it fit. Considering that I was tight on space on all dimensions, and I had the door threshold lip to clear, I think the solution I came up with was pretty solid.

For maximum vertical clearance, though, having the slides vertical to either side of the fridge is probably the best. Mount them to a thin metal base and maybe you could get away with 1/2" or so of extra vertical space used up. Not sure if you even have that much space to work with.

You could go with fridge tie-down straps and put footman loops on a flat metal base with a rubberized bottom (like flex seal or similar). Make the base bigger than the fridge so you can put other gear on it to hold it down.

Thanks a lot! I’ll have to measure but I’m thinking that vertically-mounted slides might be a good way to go.

 

[mtbikernate]

Thanks a lot! I’ll have to measure but I’m thinking that vertically-mounted slides might be a good way to go.

FWIW, mine, as pictured, adds about 1-1.5" of height with the flat mounted slides and the tray (closer to 1" without the wood spacers, and closer to 1.5" with the wood spacers to clear the threshold).

 

[Danager]

I have the Iceco VL60. I built a slide 1/2 the width and full depth. In order for it to work, it could be no more than 1/2 above the bed of the truck. I got full extension slides that lock closed, 1/2 extended, fully extended. Measured so the feet for the slide would be in the troughs of the truck bed. Then ordered the extruded aluminum pieces and hardware. I have the Bak Revolver X4S cover.
The fridge just clears with the insulating cover on. I want to have the cover modified so I can just zip-off the top and leave the sides in place for dent/stretch protection.

I keep the Bluetti solar generator at the front, there is also enough space for a propane bottle there. The space closer to the tailgate usually holds the camp kitchen tote. I’m down the camp kitchen rabbit hole now. The Dewalt box held everything. It was just an inch too wide. But it was too heavy for the girlfriend.

Here are some pics that may help or even inspire your project.

 

[OFC Ranger]

I just grabbed a random 48qt on Amazon to try. Comes in today and we have a trip next weekend. I can update then.

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0969Y6QWJ?ref=ppx_yo2ov_dt_b_product_details&th=1

I'll be cutting off the 12v cigarette lighter adapter that it comes with and hardwiring it to my power box in the rear and I can turn it on and off via an open channel on my switch panels. Trigger wire and relay are already available and ready to go.

I have a decked storage system now in my bed so I got one with wheels and an extendable handle so it can just be rolled to the back and pulled back out later. Eventually (like a poster above) I am going to build a slide out tray via 80/20 extrusion. If the one I ordered is worth a crap by that time I'll just remove the wheels off it.

 

[Lateknightucd]

I have the Iceco VL60. I built a slide 1/2 the width and full depth. In order for it to work, it could be no more than 1/2 above the bed of the truck. I got full extension slides that lock closed, 1/2 extended, fully extended. Measured so the feet for the slide would be in the troughs of the truck bed. Then ordered the extruded aluminum pieces and hardware. I have the Bak Revolver X4S cover.
The fridge just clears with the insulating cover on. I want to have the cover modified so I can just zip-off the top and leave the sides in place for dent/stretch protection.

I keep the Bluetti solar generator at the front, there is also enough space for a propane bottle there. The space closer to the tailgate usually holds the camp kitchen tote. I’m down the camp kitchen rabbit hole now. The Dewalt box held everything. It was just an inch too wide. But it was too heavy for the girlfriend.

Here are some pics that may help or even inspire your project.

Okay, this is just sexy. Seriously awesome work. A full-length slide out shelf is probably exactly what I need as that solves a few other things I've been working through in my head. Nicely done!

 

[underwhelmed]

You folks just keep helping me spend my money! ????. I ordered the Wolfhaus yesterday so I can power stuff in my new topper camping setup. Found it while searching for topper wiring threads. Genius idea with no drilling. Even a mess like me might be able to install that Wolfhaus unit ?
Everyone mentioning EB55. I was looking at Jackery items so now I’ll go down the Bluetti rabbit hole….

 

[ppfd]

Here I am wanting a fridge for my ride and you guys are 14 pages deep into it! ?

Thus power station was mentioned at another forum I frequen. Members have them and the responses are good.
Price is good as well.
https://www.rockpals.com/products/rockpals-freeman-600w-portable-power-station#Review

I think a 40 quart would be good for and the GF to use on our travels. Around the house and partying. For the price of a ”yeti” style cooler, these are a no brainer.

So mounting, as this will come in and out of the bed. I really don’t want to drill holes in it.
I was thinking of making a frame out of 1 inch furring strips and counter sink the bolts that hold the slider so it sits flush on the floor. Sit the whole contraption in front of the wheel tubs and the closed tail gate would hold it in place.
Sound like it would work?

 

[Wedkyrbt]

I've used the Bougerv 12V refrigerator in my camper for a while now, and it's been fantastic. It runs on 12V, has ample space, and keeps everything cold efficiently.

 

[ppfd]

Planning a trip in august and still considering a 12V 'fridge.
How's everyone's units holding up?
I'm think 40 quart from setco as a bridge in price and quality. Any other recommendations under $500.00?

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