Unconventional and limited budget builder has some questions

[nature lover]

To clarify the discussion I refer to a fridge or refrigerator as one using a compressor the other a thermal cooler. As to the thermal cooler I am not familiar with the tec involved but I know the major problem is they can only cool about 30 degrees below ambient temp some claim up to 40 degrees below ambient. I would be interested to know what kind of power they draw to do this. (I was given one for free) I know they are not the best choice but there are some who can't afford another choice. The thermal cooler is not bad for keeping drinks and snacks like celery and carrot sticks and fruit cool if not cold never for long term use, and never consistent enough for meds. The Yeti and other high quality ice chests cost more than a decent small compressor fridge and there is ice to buy which takes up cooler space and the worst part to deal with is water in the cooler as the ice melts.

 

[user 25174]

Curious as to why a small generator would not be in order, at least temporarily.
Considering the need to keep medications chilled, and batteries topped-off.
I say this not from a great deal of experience in this area, but from my own circumstances.
My van has a fiberglass angled top which does not allow for solar panels - so I am told.
I will be using a small 1,000 watt inverter generator to charge necessary items late morning, and early evening.
Of course, I will respect others, and not "stink-up the place" with my fossil fueled means of energy.
Some are not in the position to bolt - on electricity, and just might consider alternatives to driving for hours at high speed.

 

[barleyguy]

To clarify the discussion I refer to a fridge or refrigerator as one using a compressor the other a thermal cooler.  As to the thermal cooler I am not familiar with the tec involved but I know the major problem is they can only cool about 30 degrees below ambient temp some claim up to 40 degrees below ambient.  I would be interested to know what kind of power they draw to do this.  (I was given one for free) I know they are not the best choice but there are some who can't afford another choice.  The thermal cooler is not bad for keeping drinks and snacks like celery and carrot sticks and fruit cool if not cold never for long term use, and never consistent enough for meds.  The Yeti and other high quality ice chests cost more than a decent small compressor fridge and there is ice to buy which takes up cooler space and the worst part to deal with is water in the cooler as the ice melts.

The Yeti coolers have a drain, and it's recommended to run a hose out of the drain to another container so they stay dry. That also makes the ice last longer.

If I was using a Yeti.I would definitely pair it with a portable ice maker. Removes the need to buy ice. Of course, for the price of a cooler and ice maker you could just buy a fridge. But the cooler and ice maker combo only needs occasional electricity.

 

[nature lover]

Keith I thought of a generator also and It might be an answer. But boy I hate the noise. I not only like the quiet myself but I love the birds and critters that a generator might "chase away. I don't know how long it would need to run. The more $ a person has the more options. I also have an old shaped fiberglass top. If I really had all the money I needed I would go with the large renergy solar "generator" and a portable panel. That would make it easy to charge while driving and 110 when available. I think that the western vaners have a better result with solar than us east coast folks. I love the hardwood forests, therefore the movable panels. But the ideal is on hold till I can afford it.

 

[B and C]

Inverter generators are really quiet compared to the open frame contractor models. Inverter generators are fully encased to help mitigate the noise.

 

[tx2sturgis]

If I was using a Yeti.I would definitely pair it with a portable ice maker. Removes the need to buy ice. Of course, for the price of a cooler and ice maker you could just buy a fridge. But the cooler and ice maker combo only needs occasional electricity.

As an experiment I tried this combo for awhile, it doesn't work very well, and there is essentially no power savings compared with a compressor fridge.

 

[crofter]

True, but you can store frozen food like ice cream.
-crofter

 

[HungryCoyote]

I hate the name "solar generator". It doesn't generate anything. It is just an over priced battery/inverter combo.

Although not as easy as a flat roof van, I've seen pics online of odd shaped roofs with solar. Either with flexible panels or a mounting system that raises the platform above the highest point of the roof.

 

[maki2]

needing a fridge, and solar panel to help keep it function, because you need to keep medications safe is very critical for van life. It is a lot more important than other things. Other upgrades can be done one at a time over time.

 

[tx2sturgis]

True, but you can store frozen food like ice cream.
-crofter

Nope.

As I said, it does not work very well: due to the fact that the little ice nuggets that come from a small countertop icemaker is not 'high quality' ice. It IS suitable for drinks, but is not cold enough, or produced fast enough, for keeping frozen food, frozen, in an ice chest. And the countertop icemaker is not an efficient use of solar power produced locally.

They do work fine (producing ice for drinks) on unlimited household AC power.

It might be possible to use the ice produced to keep a small icechest somewhat cool, for chilling canned beverages etc, but you are not going to be able to keep ice cream frozen at zero degrees. But, if you like your ice cream soft, messy, and runny....well ok...have at it.

 

[nature lover]

I like milk shankes

 

[tx2sturgis]

There ya go!