Ice Alternatives?

[steined]

Any one have any particularly good or bad experiences with ice alternatives?

I've been researching them and don't see much in the way of empirical testing showing one better than another.

Nu-ice - http://nu-ice.com/
Arctic Ice - http://www.arctic-ice.com/
Techni ice - http://www.techniice.com/
Regular "Blue ice" - http://www.rubbermaid.com/category/pages/SubCategoryLanding.aspx?SubCatId=BlueIce&CatName=Coolers
MAXCOLD - http://www.igloocoolers.com/All-Ice-Substitutes

I've also purchased a case of water and have been just freezing them and putting them in my cooler as blocks of ice vs buying ice. I have been thinking about maybe doing this with 2 liters as well. Physics tells me that perhaps other than some versions starting out colder than ice, that the mass dictates the energy available for keeping things cold and perhaps all of the above work the same. Any one know any different?

I don't think the idea is to buy the ones colder than 32 degrees unless you are trying to keep things frozen. Otherwise you are just going to dump energy trying to phase change liquids into ice and ice will actually "heat" those packs. Right?

My main goal here is avoiding the trip to the gas station prior to boating.

Thanks in advance.

 

[cwoav8r]

X2 on frozen water bottles (I usually use 16oz or 1 liter Mt Dew bottles) mixed with ice...

 

[Andy S]

I have been using Lifoam Hot 'n' Cold packs from Walmart for years and been very happy. http://www.walmart.com/ip/Lifoam-Hot-n-Cold-Multi-Purpose-Pak/19887409

Pro:
Cheap about $2 per pack. I use between 2 and 4 pack at a time.
Last a long time. Will stay frozen and keep ice for an extra day or two depending on cooler and outside conditions.

Con:
Packaging is not extremely durable, sharp/pointed items will easily tear it.

 

[KXCam22]

We always use square plastic milk jugs (2l and 4L) of frozen filtered water. The square shape takes up less cooler room and the melted water is drinkable. Thermal absorbsion is about equal to the best freezer packs but these you can toss away as required. Most campsites in my area have a freezer where you can trade your melted milk jugs for frozen ones. Cam.

 

[cwoav8r]

While we are sorta on the subject, what is your favorite soft cooler?

Ahh... never mind, should have searched first Looks like AO it is...

 

[Papa]

When we were in Scouting, we always used block ice, milk jugs, water bottles and the like. They always lasted longer than the than just plain ice. With 30 boys going in and out of the coolers we always kept the food cold, safe, and had extra water to drink towards the end of the campout to keep them hydrated.
Paapa

 

[Bruce]

Here is a sneak preview of my ice alternative. I roughed it in last night. I am picking up the trim and finishing the install on Monday. Full writeup and review to come.

 

[biglar155]

Here is a sneak preview of my ice alternative. I roughed it in last night. I am picking up the trim and finishing the install on Monday. Full writeup and review to come.

View attachment 7194 View attachment 7195

And we have a winner!

@Bruce , I've been trying to figure out what to do with that space under the passenger seat for a long time. I always envisioned a storage drawer of some kind. I REALLY like this idea.

 

[Julian]

@Bruce I didn't see this hiding in the ice thread! That is awesome! Do can's stand up in it? How much battery will that puppy consume? I see the alternator mod in your future! LOL Or perhaps the tower mounted solar array!

 

[txav8r]

@Bruce ... don't leave us hanging dude! Details!

 

[Bruce]

@Bruce I didn't see this hiding in the ice thread! That is awesome! Do can's stand up in it? How much battery will that puppy consume? I see the alternator mod in your future! LOL Or perhaps the tower mounted solar array!

It is a Dometic CD-030.

Cans stand up fine. Even Starbucks refreshers fit (my wife is addicted to them, I think they are nasty). It holds about 30 cans.

I tested it for 27 hours before installing and used 25% of an Interstate group 27M deep cycle battery (12.64v down to 12.35v) so the battery usage is quite low. That is around 1 amp average draw or 1% of the battery per hour. I need to see how much power it uses on a hot day but I feel like you could safely use it for two days on a battery before needing to discharge. It has a built in low voltage disconnect and the temperature control is an on off switch.

It is almost silent which was one of my bigger concerns.

 

[96Pirate]

Love the idea @Bruce Cant wait for the full writeup!

Are all you other guys using your in seat cooler with these ice alternatives or using a soft cooler? Ive been using regular bag ice in the under seat cooler and it lasts almost a full day but would like to avoid the trip to the store as well.

 

[Julian]

For those like me that had to google the details and couldn't wait for the full write up, here is the companies page:

http://www.dometic.com/enus/Americas/USA/Marine/Refrigerators/Refrigeration/?productdataid=74580

@Bruce....where did you get it....how much.....so many questions! BIG TEASE!

 

[Bruce]

@Julian, if you shop around the CD-030 is a little under $600. I will post a link to the store I bought it from when I am back at a computer.

 

[biglar155]

Showed this to my wife and she just smiled and said "Oooh! Oh.... Oh! When can we get that?"

You guys are costing me money AGAIN!!!!!!

'Course now I've REALLY got to get going on my 2nd battery addition and electrical system re-do.

 

[steined]

Definitely not showing this to my wife!!! That's awesome!

 

[Bruce]

Showed this to my wife and she just smiled and said "Oooh! Oh.... Oh! When can we get that?"

You guys are costing me money AGAIN!!!!!!

'Course now I've REALLY got to get going on my 2nd battery addition and electrical system re-do.

Funnily enough, I designedly my stereo system upgrade to avoid the need for a second battery then I installed one for the refrigerator!

 

[Boat Crazy]

Funnily enough, I designedly my stereo system upgrade to avoid the need for a second battery then I installed one for the refrigerator!

At least we know where your priorities lie. Beer, more cold beer.