Rv Camping: How Much Dry Ice Do You Need?

Dry ice is a great way to keep your food and drinks cold while camping or RVing, but it's important to be aware of the safety precautions and disadvantages. Dry ice is frozen carbon dioxide gas, which is much colder than regular ice—it stays at a temperature of −109.3°F (−78.5°C) and never melts into a liquid. However, it does have a short shelf life and needs to be kept at −109.3°F to stay solid. When it warms up, it becomes a gas, which can be dangerous in enclosed spaces as it releases carbon dioxide. To use dry ice safely, it's recommended to transport it separately from your driver and passenger compartment, and to keep it away from your tent or camper. You should also wear gloves and long sleeves when handling it, as it can burn your skin. When using dry ice in a cooler, it's best to wrap it in newspaper and place it on top of your food, with regular ice below. You can expect to use 10 to 20 pounds of dry ice for every 24-hour period, depending on the size of your cooler.

Safe handling and ventilation

Dry ice is a handy tool for campers and roadtrippers, but it requires careful handling to ensure your safety. Here are some detailed guidelines for the safe handling and ventilation of dry ice:

• Dry ice is solid carbon dioxide (CO2), which sublimates, or turns directly from a solid to a gas over time. This process is crucial to understanding how to handle dry ice safely.
• Always handle dry ice with thick, insulated cryogenic gloves to protect your skin from cryogenic burns. Long sleeves are also recommended as an added precaution.
• Eye protection, such as safety goggles or a face shield, is essential when handling dry ice to prevent any accidental eye contact.
• Never touch dry ice with bare skin. It is extremely cold and can cause severe cryogenic burns.
• Keep dry ice away from children and pets. Accidental contact can lead to serious injuries.
• Dry ice must always be kept in a ventilated space during handling, storage, and transportation. Open doors and windows to ensure adequate airflow.
• When storing dry ice, use a Styrofoam chest, an insulated cooler, or a special cooler designed for dry ice storage. The cooler must be located in a well-ventilated area, such as an open lab or a room with open windows.
• Never store dry ice in confined spaces such as closets, cabinets, refrigerators, walk-in coolers, cold rooms, or vehicles. CO2 is heavier than air and will accumulate in low-lying areas, posing a suffocation risk.
• Do not store dry ice in your home freezer or any airtight containers. The extreme cold can damage your freezer, and airtight containers can lead to dangerous gas build-up and explosions.
• If using dry ice in an RV or car, keep the windows slightly open to prevent CO2 overexposure. Signs of overexposure include rapid breathing, headaches, and blue fingernails or lips. Open windows immediately if you or anyone in the vehicle experiences these symptoms.
• When transporting dry ice, keep it secure and away from passengers. Place it in the bed of a truck or the basement storage of an RV.
• If storing food with dry ice, wrap the dry ice in newspaper to prevent direct contact. Place frozen items first, followed by essential items like milk, cheese, and condiments on top, where the air will be slightly warmer.
• Always follow disposal guidelines for dry ice. Do not dispose of it in sinks, toilets, drains, or trash bins. Allow unused portions to sublime in a well-ventilated area.
• In case of any injuries or accidents involving dry ice, seek medical assistance immediately.

Remember, dry ice is a useful tool for camping and RVing, but it requires careful handling and ventilation to ensure a safe and enjoyable experience for everyone.

How much dry ice to use

Dry ice is a great option for keeping your food and drinks cold while camping or RVing. It is much colder than regular ice and doesn't create a mess as it doesn't melt and turn into a liquid. However, it does have a short shelf life and needs to be handled with care.

When using dry ice, it's important to plan on using 10 to 20 pounds for every 24-hour period. It usually comes in 10-inch squares weighing about 10 pounds each. A good rule of thumb is to use one square per 15 inches of ice chest length. For example, an average 40-quart cooler would typically need two squares, weighing 20 pounds total. If you have a larger container or are travelling for a longer period, simply multiply the quantity of dry ice by these rates.

When packing your cooler, always follow safe handling instructions and wear thick gloves and long sleeves to protect your skin. Pre-chill your cooler by placing a sealed bag of regular ice inside it the night before your trip. Pack your frozen items first, followed by essential items like milk, cheese, and condiments on top of the dry ice. Fill in any gaps with frozen water bottles or wadded-up newspaper to keep the cooler full and maximise its cooling efficiency.

It's important to note that dry ice should not be used in an enclosed space with people as it releases carbon dioxide gas, which can be dangerous. Always transport dry ice separately from the driver and passenger compartment, and keep it away from your tent or camper. Additionally, make sure to open the cooler several times a day to release the built-up pressure.

Where to buy dry ice

Dry ice is a great way to keep your food and drinks cold while camping or RVing. It's colder than regular ice and doesn't create any puddles, making for a more efficient and drier camping experience.

When it comes to purchasing dry ice for your RV or camping trip, there are several options available to you:

Local Grocery Stores:

Some local grocery stores carry dry ice, which can usually be found in a cooler near the registers or the door. It's a good idea to call ahead and check with customer service to ensure they have it in stock. One common brand found in grocery stores is Penguin Brand Dry Ice®. You can use their website to locate retailers near you.

Carbonics/Airgas Shops:

Carbonics or Airgas shops that sell CO2 gas often carry dry ice. However, it's worth calling ahead to confirm, as not all locations may have it in stock. Airgas shops, in particular, seem to be a popular option for purchasing dry ice.

Party Supply Stores:

Party supply stores may also carry dry ice, so it's worth checking with stores in your area.

Fish Markets:

Larger fish markets sometimes sell dry ice as it is commonly used to keep seafood fresh during shipping.

Online Purchase and Delivery:

Webstaurant is an example of a website where you can purchase dry ice online. Additionally, some individuals on forums have mentioned the possibility of getting dry ice delivered through services like Butcher Box.

Walmart:

Some Walmart stores carry dry ice, but it is not available for purchase online.

Local Businesses:

In addition to the larger chains and stores, some local businesses may sell dry ice. For example, Cuesta Springs Ice in San Luis Obispo County is mentioned in a forum as a place to purchase dry ice. It's worth searching for similar local businesses in your area.

When purchasing dry ice, remember to follow safe handling instructions and take the necessary precautions when transporting and storing it.

How to transport dry ice

Dry ice is a great way to keep your food and drinks cold or frozen for longer than conventional ice, making it ideal for RV camping trips. However, it is important to take precautions when transporting dry ice to ensure safety. Here are some detailed instructions on how to transport dry ice safely:

Choose the Right Container:

Firstly, select a suitable cooler for your dry ice. While you can use any cooler, it is important to ensure that the cooler does not have an airtight seal or lock. Cheap plastic coolers should be avoided as they can become brittle when in contact with super-cooled dry ice. Instead, opt for a three-inch-thick urethane-insulated box or a plastic or styrofoam cooler.

Insulate the Dry Ice:

Before placing the dry ice in your cooler, it is recommended to insulate it by wrapping it in several layers of newspaper, towels, or placing it in a paper bag. This adds a layer of protection against accidental contact, reducing the risk of freezer burn. It also helps slow down the sublimation process, keeping the dry ice solid for longer.

Pack the Cooler:

When packing the cooler, eliminate any empty space to prolong the life of the dry ice. Fill voids with wadded newspaper, blocks of styrofoam, or frozen water bottles. Place the dry ice at the bottom of the cooler if you want to keep food frozen, or on top if you need easy access to chilled items. Remember to always keep frozen items below and essential items on top.

Ventilation and Air Circulation:

As dry ice sublimates, it releases carbon dioxide gas. Therefore, proper ventilation is crucial to prevent a dangerous buildup of CO2. Keep the cooler in a well-ventilated area, and if transporting it in a vehicle, ensure the windows are open to circulate fresh air. Additionally, keep the lid of the cooler slightly ajar to prevent pressure buildup.

Safe Handling:

Dry ice can be extremely dangerous due to its extremely low temperature, which can cause cryogenic burns. Always handle dry ice with protective leather or cloth gloves to prevent direct skin contact. Keep dry ice away from children and pets to avoid accidental ingestion or skin contact.

Amount of Dry Ice:

Plan to use 10 to 20 pounds of dry ice per 24-hour period, depending on the size of your cooler. Dry ice typically comes in 10-inch squares weighing about 10 pounds each. For larger containers and longer travel times, adjust the quantity accordingly.

Pros and cons of using dry ice

When it comes to RV camping, dry ice can be a great solution for keeping your food and drinks cold. However, there are several pros and cons to consider before using it.

Pros of Using Dry Ice:

• Dry ice is colder than regular ice, usually below -100 degrees Fahrenheit (-78.5 degrees Celsius). This makes it more effective at keeping your food and drinks cold for longer periods.
• Dry ice doesn't melt and create puddles like regular ice. Instead, it sublimates, turning directly from a solid to a gas. This means no leaks or messes in your cooler.
• Dry ice can help you avoid the constant need for replenishment that comes with using regular ice. Ten pounds of dry ice can last up to 24 hours in a 25-quart cooler.
• Dry ice is easily accessible and can be found at many large grocery stores, such as Safeway, Walmart, and Costco.

Cons of Using Dry Ice:

• Dry ice has a short shelf life and needs to be kept at extremely low temperatures (-109.3 degrees Fahrenheit/-78.5 degrees Celsius) to stay solid. You can expect to lose 5 to 10 pounds of dry ice within 24 hours.
• Dry ice releases carbon dioxide gas as it sublimates, which can be dangerous in enclosed spaces. It can cause health issues such as headaches, rapid breathing, nausea, fainting, and even death if exposed to high levels of carbon dioxide.
• Dry ice can burn your skin upon touch, causing cryogenic burns. It is important to always handle dry ice with care and wear thick gloves and long sleeves to protect your skin.
• Dry ice should be kept away from your RV or tent to prevent exposure to carbon dioxide. It is heavier than air and will accumulate in low spaces, potentially affecting the air quality in your living spaces.
• Dry ice requires extra precautions during transport. It should be kept away from people and well-secured to prevent any leaks or spills.

Frequently asked questions