
If you're looking to keep your food and drinks cold while camping, it's important to know how to make a camper cooler. While you can buy a high-end cooler, there are also ways to make your own evaporative cooler, also known as a swamp cooler, which is great for keeping areas cool in hot, dry climates. To make your own, you'll need a 5-gallon bucket with a lid, a cooler pad, a mini submersible water pump, a 12-volt fan, vinyl tubing, and wire. Cut holes in the bucket for air inlets and an air outlet, attach the fan to the lid, roll up the cooler pad and insert it into the bucket, attach the vinyl tubing to the pump, wire the electrical connections, and fill the bucket with water. Alternatively, you can follow these tips to pack a store-bought cooler effectively. Start with a large enough cooler and chill it, along with your food and drinks, before packing. Label and package your food, line the bottom with block ice, and store frozen foods next to the ice. Keep other foods away from the ice using containers or shelf risers, and put delicate foods on top with extra padding. Try to eliminate dead air and consider using a separate cooler for drinks. Cover your cooler between uses and keep it in a cool, shaded place.
Characteristics | Values |
---|---|
Cooler type | Evaporative cooler, Ice cooler |
Cooler size | 50-55 quart, 65 quart, 12 quart |
Ice type | Block ice, Cubed ice, Dry ice, Reusable ice packs |
Food storage | Waterproof containers, Watertight containers, Heavy-duty shopping bags, Plastic tubs |
Food preparation | Pre-chilling, Pre-freezing, Marinating, Portioning |
Additional accessories | Cooler map, Food thermometer, Vacuum sealer, Cooler slide-out |
What You'll Learn
Make an evaporative cooler
Evaporative coolers, also known as swamp coolers, are a great way to keep your camper cool, especially in hot, dry climates. They work by blowing air over water or ice, reducing temperatures by as much as 15°F. The main drawback of evaporative coolers is that they are ineffective in humid conditions as they create humid air.
Parts and Materials:
- 5-gallon bucket with a lid
- Cooler pad (Aspen pads work best)
- 12-volt mini DC submersible water pump
- 12-volt fan (CPU case fans are good for their low current draw and quiet operation)
- Vinyl tubing
- Wire
- Switch
- Cigarette-style plug
- Old cell phone charger connector
- Thumbtack or similar sharp object
- Drill
- Indelible marker
- 2-inch hole saw
- Utility knife
- Silicone caulk
- Painter's tape
- Scissors
- Zip ties
Total Cost:
The parts listed above should cost around $50.
Instructions:
- Cut holes in the side of the bucket at least four inches up from the bottom. These will be the air inlets.
- Using a drill or razor, cut a hole in the bucket lid. The hole should be large enough for the fan to fit snugly. Attach the fan to the lid. This will be the air outlet.
- Roll up the cooler pad and insert it into the bucket. You may need to trim the pad to fit.
- Attach the vinyl tubing to the pump. Place the pump at the bottom of the bucket and run the tubing up and around the perimeter of the cooler pad.
- Poke small holes in the downside of the vinyl tubing. This will allow water to drip from these holes onto the cooler pad when pumping.
- Wire all electrical connections. It is handy to wire in an on/off switch and a standard 12-volt electrical connection for power. An old cell phone charger connector can be used for the power connection.
- Fill the bucket with water.
Tips:
- Evaporative coolers work on the principle of evaporation. Therefore, if the climate is too humid, the cooler will not work as efficiently.
- For a more portable version, use a portable fan with a rechargeable lithium-ion battery instead of a 120V fan.
- Experiment with the design and substitute supplies as needed.
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Pack your cooler properly
Packing a cooler for camping is an art, and it can make or break your trip. Here are some tips to ensure your food stays cold and fresh:
Plan and Prepare:
First, plan your meals and make a list of all the perishable items you will need to pack. Then, prepare as much food as possible before your trip. Pre-chop vegetables, make marinades, and portion out condiments. The less space the food takes up, the more room there is for ice. You can also freeze food ahead of time, like pasta sauce, milk, or scrambled eggs.
Choose the Right Cooler:
Select a cooler that is slightly larger than you think you need. It should have an ice-to-content ratio of at least 2:1, meaning twice as much ice as food and drinks. Consider investing in a newer, well-insulated cooler with features like freezer-style gaskets and tight-fitting lids.
Pre-Chill the Cooler:
A day before your trip, bring your cooler inside if it has been stored in a hot place like an attic or garage. Clean it with a disinfectant spray, and pre-chill it with cold water or ice. This will give your cooler a head start and help it maintain a low temperature.
Use the Right Ice:
Block ice lasts much longer than ice cubes, so consider freezing water in large containers like plastic bottles, milk cartons, or casserole dishes. These can be placed in the cooler to keep the temperature low. If using ice cubes, fill any gaps or air pockets in the cooler to minimise empty space.
Organise and Pack:
Organise your food by meal or day, and pack the cooler in reverse order. Start with the food you will eat last and work your way up, so the first day's food is on top. Use baskets or bins to separate and organise the contents, making it easier to find what you need without keeping the cooler open for too long.
Keep it Cold:
Keep the cooler closed as much as possible to maintain the temperature. Cover it with a wet towel or fabric when in the sun, or use a reflective material like a car sunshade to deflect heat. If possible, store the cooler in a cool, shaded place, such as under a picnic table or in the creek.
Separate Drinks:
Consider using a separate cooler for drinks, especially if you have a large group. This will prevent constant opening of the food cooler, maintaining a lower temperature for perishable items.
Protect Your Food:
Transfer food from store packaging to watertight containers or heavy-duty plastic bags. This will prevent leaks and reduce the chance of cross-contamination. Label all containers and bags, so you can find what you need quickly.
Fill Gaps:
Pockets of empty space can cause the cooler to warm up faster. Fill any gaps with ice, cold packs, or beverages. If using ice, be sure to use enough to keep the contents cold, and consider using a combination of block ice and ice cubes for best results.
With these tips, you'll be a pro at packing your cooler for camping, ensuring your food stays fresh and your trips are enjoyable!
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Pre-chill your cooler
Pre-chilling your cooler is a great way to keep its contents cool for longer. If your cooler is stored in a warm place, like a garage or outside, the insulation will trap heat. So, when you load a warm cooler with ice, the ice will have to work harder to cool the warm air trapped inside the cooler before it can start cooling the contents.
To pre-chill your cooler, move it to a room-temperature place in your house. Then, fill it with a bag of ice or dry ice (if your cooler is dry ice-compatible). Leave it to chill for at least a few hours, but preferably overnight or 24 hours in advance for the best results. After this, drain the water, leaving any leftover ice, and then add another bag of ice and pack your food and drinks.
It's worth noting that the ice used to pre-chill your cooler will likely melt, so it's considered a "sacrificial" bag of ice. However, this extra step is worth it if it means the next bag of ice lasts longer.
You can also pre-chill a small, soft-sided cooler or tote by chilling it, filling it, and keeping it sealed in the fridge until you're ready to go. Then, load it up with ice.
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Use a two-cooler system
Using a two-cooler system is a great way to keep your camper cool and here's how you can do it.
Firstly, you'll need to get your hands on two coolers. One cooler will be used for freezing ice, while the other will be used for storing food and drinks. This system works by placing the cooler with frozen ice in a well-ventilated area of your camper, such as near an open window or fan. The ice will help to cool down the air in this area, creating a cold zone. The second cooler, containing your food and drinks, is then placed inside this cold zone. This cooler acts as a mini-fridge, with the ice helping to keep its contents cool.
To ensure the two-cooler system works effectively, it's important to prepare the coolers before your trip. Clean and dry both coolers, paying particular attention to the seals to ensure they are tight-fitting. Line the cooler used for freezing ice with a few layers of cardboard or newspaper to provide insulation. This will help the ice last longer. Fill the other cooler with your food and drinks, organising the items so that the ones you'll need first are at the very top.
When packing your vehicle, place the cooler with ice in the shade, ideally near an open window or fan. This will help to keep the area cool and ensure the ice lasts longer. If possible, elevate the cooler off the ground to allow air to circulate underneath. Place the food and drinks cooler inside this cold zone, ensuring it is level and stable.
Throughout your trip, monitor the ice levels in the first cooler, replenishing it when necessary. By keeping this ice compartment well-stocked, you'll ensure the cold zone remains cool and your food and drinks stay chilled. It's also a good idea to keep the food and drinks cooler closed as much as possible, only opening it when absolutely necessary. This will help to maintain the cool temperature inside.
By using a two-cooler system, you can effectively keep your food and drinks chilled without the need for a powered refrigerator. This method is simple, cost-effective, and ideal for camping trips where space and resources may be limited.
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Keep your cooler in a cool place
Keeping your cooler in a cool place is a simple yet effective way to keep your camper cool. Here are some tips to help you do just that:
Firstly, park strategically. Seek out parking spots that offer shade, whether that's under trees or other structures. This can significantly reduce the interior temperature of your camper. If you need solar power, position your camper so that the solar panels are exposed to the sun, but the rest of the vehicle is shielded. If possible, park on gravel or dirt instead of paved spots, as concrete and asphalt absorb heat, making your camper warmer.
Secondly, make use of window coverings. Window covers, curtains, shades, or reflective coverings can all help to block out the sun and reduce the amount of heat entering your camper. These can be purchased or crafted yourself. Using these coverings at night can also help retain the cooler night-time temperatures inside your camper during the day.
Thirdly, consider renting or purchasing a sunshade. These are especially useful when camping in areas with little natural shade, such as deserts or open woodlands. A sunshade allows you to relax outside your camper without being in direct sunlight, keeping you and your camper cooler.
Additionally, if you're travelling in the summer, try to camp at higher elevations. The air is thinner and colder at higher altitudes, helping to keep your camper at a lower temperature. Camping near bodies of water, such as lakes, rivers, or the coast, can also provide a cooling effect, as these areas often benefit from natural breezes.
Lastly, insulation is key. Proper insulation will keep your camper cool in hot weather and warm in cold weather. Materials like 3M Thinsulate and wool are popular and effective choices for van insulation.
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Frequently asked questions
You can make a DIY evaporative cooler, also known as a swamp cooler, using a 5-gallon bucket with a lid, a cooler pad, a 12-volt mini DC submersible water pump, a 12-volt fan, vinyl tubing, and wire. Cut holes in the bucket for air inlets and an air outlet, attach the fan to the lid, insert the cooler pad, and wire the electrical connections. Fill the bucket with water and you're good to go!
Start with a large enough cooler and chill it, along with the food and drinks, before packing. Label and package your food in lightweight, sealable containers, and line the bottom of the cooler with block ice. Place frozen foods next to the ice and use kitchen shelf risers to keep other foods away from the ice. Organise with baskets or bins, and put delicate foods on top with extra padding. Try to eliminate dead air and consider using a separate cooler for drinks. Cover your cooler between uses and keep it in the shade.
Pre-chill or freeze food before placing it in the cooler, and don't put in anything that's at room temperature. Use block ice, ice cubes, or re-freezable ice sheets to keep food cold, and aim for an ice-to-content ratio of 2:1. Place block ice at the bottom, then fill with food and ice, and top with a reusable freezer sheet. Keep the cooler in a cool, shaded place and avoid opening it frequently.
In addition to using a cooler to keep your food and drinks cold, you can use other methods to keep your camper cool. Park your camper in a shaded area, use reflective panelling or curtains to keep the sun out, and set up a fan or two to circulate the air. You can also try a portable air conditioner or a swamp cooler if it's particularly hot.