Best Lil Fridge for Boondocking in Van or Camper: Alpicool C20

Поділитися
Вставка
  • Опубліковано 28 кві 2018
  • My latest issue while traveling was keeping my groceries fresh. My initial cooler was grossly inadequate for my needs causing many problems, but a previously unknown brand changed everything.
    This video compares two types of cooling units, plus what a couple of other boondockers use to keep their food cold.
    BONUS: Instructions to read Fahrenheit instead of Celsius on Alpicool C20: Scroll though settings by holding down SET button until you see E1. Keep pushing until you reach "E5" . Use up/down button to switch from C to F. Thanks to viewer "condew" for this! SP
    This is NOT a paid endorsement, and I have no associations with any of the mentioned product manufacturers. All views and opinions are my own.
    Amazon Affiliated Links*:
    Alpicool Y20T (2024 version of C20): amzn.to/48kCuEn
    Alpicool C40: amzn.to/2FEbx0F
    Alpicool C26 (New 2023 Version) amzn.to/3NwtbJP
    Whynter FM65G: amzn.to/2FnBNw9
    Norcold NRF30: amzn.to/2r8MlLm
    Koolatron P75: amzn.to/2HyNfLt
    Recommended by Viewers:
    Whynter FM-45G: amzn.to/2IeS2kY
    Dometic CF-018DC: amzn.to/2riSzYj
    Dometic CFX28: amzn.to/2JPE2Lg
    Engel MD-14F: amzn.to/2rl4gO9
    My Equipment (Amazon Affiliate Links*):
    MAIN Camera: Sony FRD-AX33: amzn.to/2khCRMT
    Sports Camera: HD 1080P: amzn.to/2xhPzws
    Shotgun Mic: amzn.to/2kOJqqY
    Music:
    Coming Home by Dan Lebowitz
    Courtesy of the UA-cam Audio Library
    * Amazon Affiliate Links provide me with a very small percentage of the sale with no additional cost to the buyer. Please support Slim Potatohead by using them for any Amazon purchase. Thanks!
    For a list of all my videos, please use this link: / @slimpotatohead

КОМЕНТАРІ • 1 тис.

  • @tamalpias
    @tamalpias 6 років тому +273

    I have absolutely no need for a mini refrigerator but watched the entire video because it was so well done. You certainly have a knack for putting together a very well informative video.

    • @JERRYR708
      @JERRYR708 4 роки тому +1

      Same. I rough it old school style, but learned something from the video because you never know one day maybe..

    • @Jrhnhemp
      @Jrhnhemp 4 роки тому +1

      I agree with Tamalpias.

    • @PrimalMiltos
      @PrimalMiltos 4 роки тому +1

      It seems you missed at 1:32 where he measures daily consumption in Amps and Watts instead Ah or Wh.

    • @metaglypto
      @metaglypto 2 роки тому

      I used to think the same way. After watching a few of these videos, suffering through waterlogged food, and multiple trips into town for ice, I bought one. Total game changer. Now instead of stocking up with ice every 3-4 days, I can easily spend 1-2 weeks in the outback, unless I run out of water. Maybe time for me to invest in a good water filter......

  • @stuartstuart866
    @stuartstuart866 6 років тому +101

    I don’t own an A Liner, but I’m still drawn to your videos because of your budget friendly problem solving ability. Your presentations are excellent. Thank you for doing these.

  • @overphiend
    @overphiend 6 років тому +173

    Old four wheeling tip for coolers. Put a couple thick rubberbands around your glass bottles so that if they do get jostled around the rubberband is hitting things not the glass.

    • @SlimPotatohead
      @SlimPotatohead  6 років тому +14

      Thanks overphiend, Great Tip! SP

    • @chetsjug
      @chetsjug 5 років тому +9

      Now I know why I have been collecting the rubber bands that come on the u. S. Mail lol those things are really thick

    • @ljprep6250
      @ljprep6250 5 років тому +18

      Better still is to avoid buying anything for camping in a glass bottle. Almost everything comes in plastic or aluminum nowadays, so there really isn't a need for fragile glass in the camping scenario. I can't tell you how many times I've gone to a campsite and found it littered with broken glass, or patched up my feet from stepping on broken glass in a river/stream next to a campsite. There are far too many abusers.

    • @vocalpatriot
      @vocalpatriot 4 роки тому +15

      Old bicycle inner tubes cut into 1/2" (1cm) bands works very well for this function! 1 old inner tube will provide lots of these bands that can also be used for many other purposes, as well.

    • @williambranham6249
      @williambranham6249 4 роки тому +7

      @@billrussell7672 Salsa comes in glass generally.

  • @clermontcubby9207
    @clermontcubby9207 6 років тому +5

    Great video. I have a friend that travels with both a 20L compressor fridge and well insulated cooler. He sets the fridge to freezer mode and stores his ice cream and a 1 gallon jug. Everyday he removes the frozen jug and places it his cooler. Adds additional water filled jug to freezer. The cooler gives him plenty of storage area for groceries, milk jugs eliminate watery mess in cooler.

    • @SlimPotatohead
      @SlimPotatohead  6 років тому +1

      Great idea Clermont. I'll try this when my groceries get low. I do carry an insulted cooler as well and had many problems using ice. This could work well for me. Thanks! Slim

  • @RickMartinYouTube
    @RickMartinYouTube 6 років тому +216

    I know these vids take a lot of your time. Thanks for doing them. I don't even need a cooler, fridge but watched anyway because they'e educational, creative.

    • @jachin7545
      @jachin7545 6 років тому +10

      i don't even have a camper and love watching these video, lol. i'm sold tho, A-liner camper with alpicooler.

    • @richardguttierrez2500
      @richardguttierrez2500 6 років тому +1

      well i have people that don't my coments did they serve 12 years for this country did they serve 42 years fedral service

    • @oiudatropen9548
      @oiudatropen9548 5 років тому +2

      Also pn the plus side for the Alpacool, you don't even have to get out of bed to get your morning beer;-)

    • @oiudatropen9548
      @oiudatropen9548 5 років тому +1

      Richard Guttierrez what does years of "service have to with what people think of your comments

  • @roymoon1
    @roymoon1 5 років тому +52

    Change your trailer light plug to have an additional constant 12v (switched) while driving. Your trailer batteries will be topped off and cooler cold when you park for the night(s).

  • @mannys4036
    @mannys4036 6 років тому +2

    I so much enjoy your reviews. They are so detailed and comprehensive. You really are great at this. Thank you!

  • @germanevision
    @germanevision 6 років тому +5

    This is the kind of videos that help people take decisions. Thanks so much

  • @TheChaotiCake
    @TheChaotiCake 5 років тому +4

    I love how thorough and how much research you've done while also making the video entertaining! Easy sub

  • @JollyGoode
    @JollyGoode 4 роки тому +7

    Finally a video that actually gives an experienced, thorough, honest review. Great work Slim

  • @HondaFit4Adventure
    @HondaFit4Adventure 3 роки тому +1

    Amazon and other websites were sold out.
    I was able to find the same cooler rebranded from a reputable distributor.
    So far I love it.

  • @robfninh
    @robfninh 6 років тому

    When you gave the beer reference on the size of the cooler it all made sense. Great video!

  • @HairJordan
    @HairJordan 5 років тому +9

    Incredibly informative video, thank you so much for making this!

  • @geraldhenrickson7472
    @geraldhenrickson7472 6 років тому +58

    Slim, your videos are great, very nicely made and just plain fun to watch. Keep at it and I believe your suscriber base woll double every year. 100K in four years or so. Then look out...a million in eight years. Thanks for all your efforts.

    • @SlimPotatohead
      @SlimPotatohead  6 років тому +11

      Thanks G, I try to keep my videos as fresh as the food in my new fridge!!!! SP

    • @morganrussman
      @morganrussman 5 років тому +2

      I doubt it would be that long for 100k and 1m subs.

  • @barbarashirland9078
    @barbarashirland9078 4 роки тому

    I learn a lot from your videos. I have only spent a month in my SUV, so I really appreciate your experience and your willingness to share.

  • @MattHalpain
    @MattHalpain 4 роки тому +1

    thank you for this valuable field testing data of the two coolers

  • @jj-bz8ry
    @jj-bz8ry 5 років тому +3

    Good job, you answered the questions I was looking for. thanks

  • @talderson1
    @talderson1 5 років тому +4

    The top opening fridges are also good for retaining the cold air. If you open from the top, cold air is heavier than the warm air so it just sits there. Whereas in a standup fridge, the cold air all escapes when you open the door.

  • @marinepark3627
    @marinepark3627 5 років тому +1

    You've done a very good job here, explaining the differences . I'll get this when I get my van.

  • @mjbarran
    @mjbarran 5 років тому +1

    I just got my new Aliner classic. I LOVE watching your videos. Excellent.

  • @MyLifeInBinary
    @MyLifeInBinary 3 роки тому +3

    Now that is a nice review. Real world situation. I like the fact that it was tested at 90 degrees rather than typical room temperature as if you are traveling, you would definitely be exposed to higher temp from the outside heat.

  • @Bear-cm1vl
    @Bear-cm1vl 4 роки тому +7

    Slim, the beach ball idea is inspired, sir!

  • @SmallTownBigBass
    @SmallTownBigBass 4 роки тому

    What a fantastic presentation. Thank you for this video and for your thorough recording of data. I truly feel that my Koolatron cooler is no longer the way to go, and I'm totally sold on this mini refrigerator. I saved this video so that I can remind myself of your findings when I'm ready to go off-grid for a week or more at a time.

  • @Tech99069
    @Tech99069 6 років тому

    One of the best review video I’ve seen!! Honest and great tests!!! Super informative thank you!!

  • @josephatnip2398
    @josephatnip2398 4 роки тому +56

    if you switch from beer to whiskey you'll save a lot of room in that refrigerator LOL

    • @DianeSturlinXX
      @DianeSturlinXX 4 роки тому +5

      Or you could switch to dark German beer and drink it at room temperature, which is best! 🍺🍻

    • @gabrielwilkinson4784
      @gabrielwilkinson4784 4 роки тому +2

      Precisely!

    • @JeffreyWBrown55
      @JeffreyWBrown55 3 роки тому

      Agree! After I switched, I realized how much I dislike beer.Also, my friend drinks his bourbon with tequila 50/50, a Whiskila.

  • @QueenBaha
    @QueenBaha 5 років тому +3

    Boy did this save me from wasting time on the cooler. Apicool moves to the cart! Thanks for this thorough demonstration "on site" :))

  • @kellyrogers4301
    @kellyrogers4301 3 роки тому

    I really like how you do your videos. Very patient, informative and just your voice had a very calming effect.

  • @kileywebster1042
    @kileywebster1042 3 роки тому

    Finally someone I can understand... you are a lifesaver when it comes to camping items

  • @functionalsolenoid5398
    @functionalsolenoid5398 3 роки тому +3

    Hey man, I just wanted to say that this was a super well thought out review and I appreciate the real-world testing of amp-hour consumption. I just sold my converted Transit van -- inside, I had 200ah of battleborn lithium and a Dometic CC40. I stumbled across this unit (and this video) just before I pulled the trigger on a regular ice cooler. Can't justify $110 on a cooler when for $180 I can get an actual fridge that sips power. Thanks man!

  • @tomoconnor8431
    @tomoconnor8431 6 років тому +3

    Love your channel very professional

  • @laurogarza4953
    @laurogarza4953 4 роки тому

    I appreciate your scientific approach and your results reported in specific data.

  • @Randoverse
    @Randoverse 11 місяців тому

    Thanks for taking the time to review this!

  • @Sixbears
    @Sixbears 6 років тому +40

    I've got the Alpicool C15. Same thing with a lower cover. Used it for weeks off grid with a single 100 watt panel and a 4 year old battery. Worked excellent. Also replaced a Koolitron as it was a power hog. Wish I had started out with it rather than after weeks of cursing the old cooler.

    • @jimthvac100
      @jimthvac100 5 років тому +2

      Are you happy with the C15 or do you think the taller lid on the C20 is a better option?

    • @jameskooistra8878
      @jameskooistra8878 5 років тому +2

      C20 is perfect height for a gallon of milk. I run 110w solar an 100ah gell cell when off reading in the jeep.

    • @jborrego2406
      @jborrego2406 4 роки тому

      James Kooistra do u connect to inverter , I have the c15 I charge my jackery with inverter then use jackery to charge my c15

    • @fratermus5502
      @fratermus5502 4 роки тому

      @J G I use cans because of the C15s lower lid.

    • @fratermus5502
      @fratermus5502 4 роки тому

      Totally happy with my C15, too.

  • @shawnbailey.parkie7585
    @shawnbailey.parkie7585 6 років тому +10

    Looks like a good find Slim! I recently installed a 100 watt solar panel and a 125 amphr battery with a MPPT controller in my Subaru Outback. I'm running a Dometic CFX28 a couple RV LED lights and a couple USB chargers. I was on a 2 week road trip thru UT and had plenty of power. The Dometic was using around 2.5-3 amps while running.

    • @william38022
      @william38022 6 років тому +2

      Shawn bailey.parkie75 I have the dometic CF 18 that has the Dan Foss compressor it works great also,,, some day I might try an ARB,,,They’re pretty high though

  • @robertj3116
    @robertj3116 5 років тому +1

    Awesome video and awesome comments. Thanks to you and all.

  • @tracesplaces1964
    @tracesplaces1964 5 років тому +1

    I totally adore you! I literally ROARED when I SAW the inside of your new frig! LMAO!! So informational too. Thank you so much for sharing!

  • @mrequi1
    @mrequi1 5 років тому +5

    Great video. You not only have an easygoing camera presence, but your editing and graphics make these top notch.

  • @rwLincoln
    @rwLincoln 5 років тому +8

    Thanks so much for your video. I saw this awhile back and bought the Alpicool 15 liter model. I'm living in a Dodge Grand Caravan, so space is really limited, and the interior capacity is just perfect for me (single guy). I've been using it since mid July and tracking the power consumption. The best equivalent I can think of is leaving a 5 or 6 Watt night light on 24 hours per day. Very little power required and none of the interior space is used by ice.

    • @susanjeffay3851
      @susanjeffay3851 4 місяці тому

      Do you charge while driving or use a power bank or solar? I have a Kia Sedona and wonder how to charge overnight

  • @HablemosDelHuerto
    @HablemosDelHuerto 2 місяці тому

    Best review ever 👍👍👍

  • @vvvvmmmm11
    @vvvvmmmm11 4 роки тому +1

    Great channel! Thanks for the inspiration. I'm going to watch them all!

  • @jc10907Sealy
    @jc10907Sealy 5 років тому +74

    24 cans of beer to dehydrate, 3 bottles of water to rehydrate 😂

    • @mrjack8849
      @mrjack8849 4 роки тому +3

      Jen Clark and a box of ice cream for the hangover

    • @Jrhnhemp
      @Jrhnhemp 4 роки тому

      Beer should be so cold, it should hurt to drink it.

  • @budchestnut9303
    @budchestnut9303 4 роки тому +7

    Top loading is far more efficient and does not lose the cool air preload when you open the door. Yachtsmen have used top load for years.

  • @CetMM
    @CetMM 3 роки тому +1

    this was very useful. including that info about amp draw was clutch. thanks for that.

  • @mellanese
    @mellanese 4 роки тому

    Thank you for a great post! I'm in research mode for modifying my minivan and this information is so helpful.

  • @Femmpaws
    @Femmpaws 6 років тому +5

    Thanks for sharing this product review with us. The five hours sounds about right for what you had in it as a freezer... The water was giving off heat and the ice cream was also absorbing it... If you did the same in your home freezer you would likely see about the same thing.

    • @moayadsalih3563
      @moayadsalih3563 3 роки тому

      5 hours sounds enough time for a freezer to freeze everything and @ -20C everything should be rock solid. I was going to buy this freezer but will probably drop the idea now because I want to use it for icecream and it doesn't sound great in that

  • @DSC800
    @DSC800 3 роки тому +3

    I've had my Alpicool 15 for about a year and used it maybe 10 trips. Works great. I got it on an Amazon flash sale for just $115. I'd say by now it has probably paid for itself in ice savings.

  • @robertdavis3433
    @robertdavis3433 4 роки тому

    Slim ,I'm a first time viewer, u know how to make a good video. Your thinking is as efficient and accurate as the equipment .I learned alot. From Sacramento

  • @vagel2022
    @vagel2022 4 роки тому

    Thanks so very much for doing this review. We bought this particular model and used it for the first time on a two-week cross country trip in May 2019 where we camped in a truck tent set up. Alpicool, or "Alpy," as we call him, worked perfectly and the power draw on our GoalZero Yeti 400 was so low that we were able to operate him for 36 hours before the storage battery needed to be recharged. A great addition to our off-grid camping gear!!!

  • @Endless_Skyway_Adventures
    @Endless_Skyway_Adventures 6 років тому +26

    Great job on the review!
    I think the freezer would perform better in terms of energy consumption over a longer period of time. With 5 hours starting with unfrozen water, the energy consumption may be worst case. At 239 bucks you could buy two. One for freezing and one for refrigeration. That would give you 40 quarts total and you would still be cheaper than a single 45 quart arb or engel.

    • @secondact7151
      @secondact7151 5 років тому +8

      That would also provide a back up if one broke to save the most expensive food items. My plan is to use it strictly on freeze mode to freeze ice for my super insulated cooler and keep a few food items frozen.

    • @batvette
      @batvette 5 років тому +1

      @@secondact7151 and youll need it. Longetivity on any of these chinese coolers is spotty at best.

    • @Don-xs5tk
      @Don-xs5tk 4 роки тому

      @@secondact7151 Great idea! It would freeze much faster if it contained already frozen items

  • @1DrBar
    @1DrBar 4 роки тому +30

    20 Liters? That's only one day of cold beer. The water might have to go. :)

  • @mikeharmon8014
    @mikeharmon8014 2 роки тому +1

    Just what I was looking for...small footprint/space...efficient...refrig/freezer...? And someone to tell their use!!! You ROCK!!!

  • @no_peace
    @no_peace 6 років тому +1

    I've been watching all kinds of van videos for a few years now and this is the only one that was actually helpful with the fridge/power/boondocking issue. Thank you!

    • @SlimPotatohead
      @SlimPotatohead  6 років тому

      Glad to be of help. It works perfect for my needs an am sure others will feel the same way. Thanks! SP

  • @SlimPotatohead
    @SlimPotatohead  6 років тому +14

    GOOD NEWS! After being out of stock as soon as I released this video, they are now (May 3rd) IN STOCK AGAIN!. Amazon Affiliate Link Here: Alpicool C20: amzn.to/2G6blfI . Also NEW 40 Litre Version: amzn.to/2FEbx0F . Also, I have added instructions in the video description on how to set an Alpicool to Fahrenheit instead of Celsius. Thanks! SP

  • @SlimPotatohead
    @SlimPotatohead  4 роки тому +40

    Update 30/10/19: Looks like Alpicool has just came up with a new model, the C22 for the same price. Have a look at: amzn.to/2WqfL6g. Also, the old C20 stock is now CHEAPER! Might want to grab one fast if you want a deal. SP

    • @tammygalvin2915
      @tammygalvin2915 4 роки тому +1

      Slim Potatohead mine lasted about a year and a half then the compressor went out. I did buy another one at that price though. I also have the whynter 65 quart that works great.

    • @CrackerFL
      @CrackerFL 4 роки тому +1

      @@tammygalvin2915 I was wondering how long it would last.
      So even if you only paid $250, and it only lasted a year, you ended up paying same as $5-600 12v fridge
      Thanks for the input! Happy trails!

    • @starfox6335
      @starfox6335 4 роки тому +2

      Thanks for the review! I picked up a C20 and have been running it on mains power for a couple weeks and it performs great! MAX cool mode really freezes down to about -4F and eco keeps it there when full.
      The built-in temp guage is not accurate until you use the app with Bluetooth models to calibrate the display with the help of a small freezer thermometer. Overall well worth $155 in my opinion.
      Happy Festivus!

    • @lindagoulder8934
      @lindagoulder8934 4 роки тому +1

      Hi, Slim: I'm a vendor who owns my own business and will be traveling across the country, in an RV the near future; for business. I will be doing business with Amazon, including other online vendors, how are you able to have your merchandise shipped from Amazon, to a location near where you are encamped?

    • @omrramijimenez2194
      @omrramijimenez2194 4 роки тому

      MJ Railey z

  • @slowp100
    @slowp100 3 роки тому +1

    Thanks for the reminder. I saw the Luci light on the outside of your trailer and it was a reminder to put my light in the sun for a recharging. Hope things get better for you.

  • @douglasw5371
    @douglasw5371 3 роки тому +1

    Great review Slim, was just talking the other night with a good friend about coolers and had to send him your review.

  • @gaffneyswrath
    @gaffneyswrath 4 роки тому +12

    Hey Slim! First time watcher here. This is an amazing review with lots of great info. I need to correct you just a tiny bit, not to demonstrate my internet superiority (I promise I intend absolutely no disrespect), but because I want to make your already awesome review even better. It's purely a semantic argument, and viewers who know a thing or two about battery systems probably glossed right over, but I wanted to clarify for people who don't know much about electricity and add some context. When you say 5.8 amps per day, you really mean 5.8 *amp-hours* per day. This means that a full day of use would only discharge a 100ah battery (a good choice for a small camper) to 94.2%. If you're taking good care of your deep cycle batteries, you should only ever run them down to about 80% before charging, so by that measure, your fridge is using about 30% of your daily allowed energy consumption. Since most other things in your camper that run on 12v aren't that energy thirsty (or don't run as long or as often), that's great! It also means you could afford at least one really cloudy day with no solar input. You really could run the fridge, LED lighting, and maybe a couple small fans without ever overtaxing a 100ah battery. In context of solar, you were reading about 12.5v under load, so if we multiply that by the peak current of 1.8 amps, power draw is 22.5 watts. That means a single 100W solar panel should be able to easily keep up with it, even under indirect sunlight. Multiply that 22.5W by the 7.8 minutes per hour of run time, times 60 seconds, times 24 hours a day, and you get 252,720 joules of energy per day. Even operating at 70% efficiency, a 100W solar panel would only take a little over an hour to restore that energy to your battery. And all of that is assuming WORST conditions (max load, high external temp, etc.). What an awesome find! Who needs a 3-way fridge?!? Out of curiosity, how is it holding up now that you've had it well over a year? Any complaints or regrets?

    • @bighammer587
      @bighammer587 4 роки тому +1

      gaffneyswrath Thanks for the awesome clarification! I’m thinking Slim hasn’t seen your respectful comment, but hey, I’m sure he’d certainly appreciate your time. I’m also shopping for one of these lil DC fridges for our ProMaster van/MH build. 👊😎

  • @SgtJamesRay
    @SgtJamesRay 4 роки тому +3

    I'm a truck driver and I saw your video. Very well done! I'm getting the new model G22 it's bigger and it's only $259. But since it's by the same company I expect results as good as the ones that you showed. Thanks.

  • @write2nick
    @write2nick 3 роки тому +1

    I really enjoyed your video. Great testing methodology. I appreciate it. Thanks!

  • @AstroNerd
    @AstroNerd 5 років тому +2

    Great video, I loved night sky photo at the end, well done. I understand the desire to be out the, alone in nature wondering at creation. I’m like that with astronomy. I wish I could get out there under those cold, clear, pristine skies but alas family and work obligations come first that this stage. I really enjoy a little vicarious living thru your adventures; keep the videos coming.

  • @boarderlinesk8media433
    @boarderlinesk8media433 5 років тому +3

    Great info and experience watching. I just have to say that the icecream could have been rocky roads to make for a funny joke. lol

  • @pixoariz
    @pixoariz 6 років тому +13

    I think the term you're looking for is "Watt-hours" (the usual unit of power consumption vs. time), or "Amp-hours" (at 13.8V.) not simply Amps.

  • @larsturner310
    @larsturner310 4 роки тому

    Thanks for the thorough review The Alpicool sounds like a very good choice.

  • @diamondslashranch
    @diamondslashranch 6 років тому

    Very glad to find your channel! Such a helpful review.

  • @SanBrunoBeacon
    @SanBrunoBeacon 5 років тому +17

    You really need a larger, high quality, dual compartment unit that keeps frozen food frozen and other food chilled. You can get a Dometic CDX 95DCW for (US$)1081. You spend a lot of time on the road, so this unit will pay for itself by allowing you to stock up on food and stay out camping for longer periods. You can also wait to buy food at lower prices when you are in large cities instead of having to pay much higher food prices in small, remote towns.

  • @billredding2000
    @billredding2000 6 років тому +6

    I use one of those 12v Peltier coolers for one thing only: In Summers here (in hot West Texas, often contiguous days of triple-digits), it's in my SUV at all times, and always running when I go out for the day, in case I go to a supermarket and buy some perishable (chilled or even frozen) groceries -- they can go right into the pre-cooled Coleman "PowerCool" and stay cold until I got home (often 2-3 hours after going to the supermarket). Otherwise, as you did here, I'd be looking for a 12v refrigerator/freezer, (likely an ARB, as I think they use slightly less power than the very good and power-miser Engel) if I wanted real (meaning a compressor) cooling.
    Of course, I don't need a WAY more expensive (than the Coleman) compressor unit just for keeping groceries cold from the supermarket, but I COULD use one @ home for emergency use, should the power go off and my 110v kitchen refrigerator is out (I don't have my RV yet, so I'm living in a apartment presently). I already have a 2 small/portable (2 large deep-cycle batteries) 12v solar emergency power supply "stations" built so I can run it off of the larger one, and recharge the batteries (or at least slow down the power draw) using the small (but expensive back in 2009!) Kyocera solar panel originally gotten for it. However, I really should get a larger panel AND a MPPT controller...except that'd be ~ $500-600+ I'd rather not spend now.
    Recently though, I got one of those 110v 3.5 cubic feet compressor chest freezers (~$119 @ Best Buy, their "Insignia" brand) and it uses so little power I could run IT off of my portable power station -- using the PureSineWave (PSW) inverter the station has for smaller-demand 110v electrical devices/appliances.
    But yes, I'd never use one of those 12v Peltier coolers for anything serious, partly because you can't control the temp (as you noted).
    But then, it's not advertised as a "refrigerator" anyway, it's just a "cooler." ;-)
    I suspect that when it comes time to gt MY RV (likely a Class B, probably the Winnebago Revel 4x4 44E), it will come with a built-in "Nova Kool" compressor refrigerator/freezer...that will do nicely. ;-)
    Happy Travels,
    -- BR

  • @StuffBudDuz
    @StuffBudDuz 5 років тому

    Thank you for sharing the duty-cycle info. Helps a lot!

  • @jhare18
    @jhare18 4 роки тому

    Very nice presentation which give a helpful ideas on which to select. Thanks a lot.

  • @mperdue12
    @mperdue12 4 роки тому +7

    I have found the more you have in the cooler the less power it uses once you are at the temp you want. BTW - Rule #1) Close the top then talk.

  • @brucecggallagher1949
    @brucecggallagher1949 6 років тому +3

    you can sanitize with vinegar also baking soda all friendly to the environment

  • @sungsoohwang9286
    @sungsoohwang9286 5 років тому +1

    Hi! Slim I watched all of your video.and I learned a lot from them. After watching this video, I bought a Alpicool c20.it works great.thanks for your helpful information.I will following you along and have a safe trip.also drive carefully.

  • @marialopes9365
    @marialopes9365 6 років тому

    Loved the video. Got very useful knowledge about van coolers. Thank you so much !

  • @madeinmichigan6773
    @madeinmichigan6773 6 років тому +7

    I'm sure you could keep fresh produce in your old cooler with a block of ice inside a plastic box/ bowl from the dollar store. I would put a sheet of reflectix in the door area of both fridge's. You wouldn't believe how much better a fridge or cooler runs with the piece of reflectix in the door. I actually lined my entire rv fridge with it and got at least 30% better performance and the energy savings from my solar was amazing. Take care and I love your tips for every thing 😊
    P.s. I would be very interested in knowing if you lined the inside and possibly outside walls and front of your old fridge cooler with reflectix if it would perform better and give you another fridge source. You could keep drinks ice cold in one and food in the other 😊

  • @greggmcclelland8430
    @greggmcclelland8430 5 років тому +8

    Hi Slim, liked the review, but was confused by the loose usage of Amps instead of Amp hours. Amp hours are only meaningful if you know the average voltage over that time. Im assuming 12V nominal system. I speculate that you were taking a reading from your camper control panel.
    What is more meaningful for me is watt hours (Wh), or KWhrs. This is a measure of energy that works for both AC and DC systems with no issue.

    • @AaronGeller
      @AaronGeller 5 років тому +2

      0.24 AH @ 12v = 2.88 watts per hour. Easy calculation. Either way, it's VERY efficient

  • @cwp7338
    @cwp7338 6 років тому +4

    Thank you for the information. We are in a similar predicament you were in. Bought a cheap cooler that continuously runs at 5 amps to see if this is the way we want to keep the food cool. Have a propane refrigerator, but we have to be level to use. It is just easier to use the cooler.

  • @jasonbecker4974
    @jasonbecker4974 4 роки тому

    Great little video. Super approachable and informative. Thank you.

  • @vonrollveeg
    @vonrollveeg 6 років тому +20

    Be sure not to block the vents - blocking the vents will result in permanent failure. I assume this has a compressor - the only real option. I got my rig with a fancy (expensive) 3 way upright fridge (Dometic). Big mistake. I also experienced the 40 degree below ambient temperature cut off. That made it useless for many places I go (90 degrees causes 50 degrees in the fridge - my food spoils). At night in cooler weather (less than 75 degrees) it works great on propane. Unfortunately while driving (which I do a lot of) it is unsafe to run on propane (the flame also goes out in the wind even if I was a dare devil). So, I have to run it on 12 volts. IT TAKES CONTINUOUS 10 AMPS on 12 volts! Well, that sucks up a lot of power (I only have 150 watt solar). I toasted one set of (expensive) deep cycle AGM batteries (about $650 worth - boy was I pissed). I've since gotten a Dometic 12 volt cooler. It sips power at less than 1 amp on the average even on the hottest days. I can even set the thermostat to freezing temperatures and it still works at 95 degrees ambient. I love it. I can reach around while driving a grab a nice cold Pepsi (35 degrees). The only thing I need to worry about is to keep the fridge temperature above freezing. Something easily done with the thermostat. At night I transfer stuff to the old 3 way and run it off propane. The flame will still blow out in the desert when it is super windy - often. I've learned to live with it. Please understand that some of us only learn in the school of hard knocks - me for example.

    • @SlimPotatohead
      @SlimPotatohead  6 років тому +9

      Hi Philip, Thanks for the great info on other options. My initial idea was for a 3-way, but I am very glad I never pursued that type of refrigerator. I found them expensive and bulky, and off propane they were very inefficient. But the propane option also was not favorable as I did not like the idea of leaving the trailer with the propane tank not turned off. Efficient compressor fridges are the way to go. SP

    • @markburnop2727
      @markburnop2727 6 років тому

      Philip Roll I

    • @tripperdonnie
      @tripperdonnie 5 років тому +3

      Philip the 12v setting for 3 way fridges is for traveling with the engine running so you can keep things reasonably cold when the propane is shut off, not meant for use while engine is off, use propane for that (or 120v plug in). A Dometic 3 way fridge does not suffer from the 40 degree below ambient problem, only the piezoelectric cheapie coolers do. If your Dometic is not cooling to 0 degrees in the freezer and 35 degrees in the fridge portion then there is something wrong with your setup, propane normally have no problem getting cold. Some things you can try are having a small solar fan on the external fins and a small internal fan that runs off the light bulb circuit internally, it will help cool it. I use both compressor fridge and standard RV propane fridge, both work well even in AZ summer.

  • @grannieannie1371
    @grannieannie1371 6 років тому +24

    Thermoelectric coolers are next to useless. They only cool things when it's not very hot. Compressor style coolers are the way to go. Make sure you have a place for the heat from the motor to go.

    • @larsturner310
      @larsturner310 4 роки тому +1

      Thanks for the heat removal tip, Annette.

  • @jodyseaman1885
    @jodyseaman1885 4 роки тому +2

    Going out on the road, I think this might be just what I need. Good info.

  • @box420
    @box420 5 років тому

    I just the c15 and I love it. I mostly use it for cooling off my drone batteries and to keep water chilled for thos hot 100+ days. Thanks for sharing slim was alot of help

  • @lisaandthekozykittykamperv7952
    @lisaandthekozykittykamperv7952 5 років тому +9

    I SUGGEST PUTTING A PLASTIC TYPE CONTAINER OR KITTY BOX UNDER THE FRIDGE. "JUST IN CASE" LEAKAGE. ✌😘👌

  • @emitissimo7618
    @emitissimo7618 6 років тому +5

    Alpicool is unavailable from Amazon. 5/2/18

    • @karinhart489
      @karinhart489 5 років тому +1

      Larry Schumacher It’s back in stock.

  • @nomadicam
    @nomadicam 5 років тому

    Thanks so much for posting this video, so much great information! I've been watching this little fridge on Amazon and haven't been able to decide whether to buy it or not, and after watching your video I think I will =) Thanks again!

  • @brucepreston3794
    @brucepreston3794 5 років тому

    Im making my cargo trailer into a camper. You do a thorough job with your videos. Thank you

  • @vagabondwahine831
    @vagabondwahine831 5 років тому +5

    Thank you for doing the experiment for us. I've thought of buying a small compressor fridge & using it strictly for freezing blue ice packs or plastic 'ice cubes.' Then buying a cheap Rubbermaid cooler to hold my perishable food, rotating the ice packs as needed. Has anyone tried this? Thoughts?

    • @moayadsalih3563
      @moayadsalih3563 3 роки тому

      This doesn't look very impressive when it comes to freezing stuff. I was going to buy one to store icecream but will probably drop the idea after watching this video

  • @rccomo1144
    @rccomo1144 6 років тому +4

    👍

  • @Mity_Moose
    @Mity_Moose 6 років тому

    Way to go Slim. Another great video. Thanks for the comparison.

  • @milo8425
    @milo8425 5 років тому

    Wow that fridge is EXACTLY what I need! Thank you!

  • @maryhenrich1777
    @maryhenrich1777 6 років тому +3

    Amazon corporation WELFARE every thing they ship cost Americans $1.50 and then end of year get huge tax breaks ,owner has mere 18 billion personal assets,sorry just kills me they ship 1,600 a day or more!!

  • @ShaunLaDue
    @ShaunLaDue 4 роки тому

    I totally agree with your assessment of the thermoelectric cooler. I'll be getting a 12 volt refrigerator asap. Like you, I learned by using the cooler. Now it's time to get a proper fridge. Great video.

  • @intlconxun
    @intlconxun 3 роки тому +1

    I’ve decided to give this fridge a try. Thank you for your video.

    • @SlimPotatohead
      @SlimPotatohead  3 роки тому

      You're welcome Maryam. I'm sure you'll love it! SP

  • @michelberard7496
    @michelberard7496 3 роки тому +1

    This Alpicool C20 is very efficient,I highly recommend it,thank you for your great report

  • @dananelson3534
    @dananelson3534 5 років тому

    Enjoyed the video. Glad you found such a good replacement. See you next time.

  • @TheGuyWho3415
    @TheGuyWho3415 5 років тому

    Very good video. I appreciate the real world testing of power consumption.

  • @genewander7140
    @genewander7140 6 років тому

    I like that fridge, ice cream looked good too, Thank You Slim

  • @Paul_Sanken
    @Paul_Sanken 4 роки тому

    Best video there is on this cooler/freezer! Thanks much!

  • @truderenken3248
    @truderenken3248 6 років тому

    Super research - thanks for all your hard work. Think I will get one!

  • @leroyjarvis5617
    @leroyjarvis5617 4 роки тому +2

    After salivating for awhile I had to go get ice cream, great video!

  • @rebeccastone8732
    @rebeccastone8732 Рік тому

    Thanks for your in depth review. Good job.

  • @gabbyvg.9067
    @gabbyvg.9067 5 років тому +2

    Thank you so much for this! I was budgeting for a Dometic, and this one is MORE - WAY MORE affordable!!