Debating whether to ‘splash out’ on a fridge, or just to go for a 12/24v cool box… 
I only do 4 on 4 off, so would a cool box suffice for doing around 3 nights out, or will I have to go for an all out fridge…?
Pros and cons of each thanks…
I do 4 on too bud and I bought a Halfords 14 litre 12v coolbox. It’s perfect for what I need. Holds a fair bit and fits perfectly in my Volvo fm beside passenger seat.
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a cool box is just that, keeps things cool if your lucky, depends a lot on temp inside your cab as to how well it will perform. A compressor fridge is a different animal all together. Far superior in every way. Certain models can also be used to freeze. You will be able to use a fridge as a normal fridge to around 8 deg, a cool box will likely be double that temp. Big cost difference too. A cool box is good enough though in most circumstances.
Goldfinger:
Debating whether to ‘splash out’ on a fridge, or just to go for a 12/24v cool box…I only do 4 on 4 off, so would a cool box suffice for doing around 3 nights out, or will I have to go for an all out fridge…?
Pros and cons of each thanks…
What are you using it for? Fresh food? Frozen food? Drinks?
It’s about time all trucks were fitted with fridges as standard!
tango boy:
It’s about time all trucks were fitted with fridges as standard!
Absolutely. Would be cost efficient at the time of manufacture, its like asking if you want indicators fitted.
UKtramp:
tango boy:
It’s about time all trucks were fitted with fridges as standard!Absolutely. Would be cost efficient at the time of manufacture, its like asking if you want indicators fitted.
Not everybody uses fridges…
the nodding donkey:
Goldfinger:
Debating whether to ‘splash out’ on a fridge, or just to go for a 12/24v cool box…I only do 4 on 4 off, so would a cool box suffice for doing around 3 nights out, or will I have to go for an all out fridge…?
Pros and cons of each thanks…
What are you using it for? Fresh food? Frozen food? Drinks?
Probably just to keep a bit milk in maybe, and to try and ‘extend’ my choice of night out foods… 
Instead of relying on tinned and dried packet stuff…
Franglais:
UKtramp:
tango boy:
It’s about time all trucks were fitted with fridges as standard!Absolutely. Would be cost efficient at the time of manufacture, its like asking if you want indicators fitted.
Not everybody uses fridges…
Not everyone uses indicators either
UKtramp:
Franglais:
UKtramp:
tango boy:
It’s about time all trucks were fitted with fridges as standard!Absolutely. Would be cost efficient at the time of manufacture, its like asking if you want indicators fitted.
Not everybody uses fridges…
Not everyone uses indicators either
[Takes bow] " I, thank you! "
Goldfinger:
the nodding donkey:
Goldfinger:
Debating whether to ‘splash out’ on a fridge, or just to go for a 12/24v cool box…I only do 4 on 4 off, so would a cool box suffice for doing around 3 nights out, or will I have to go for an all out fridge…?
Pros and cons of each thanks…
What are you using it for? Fresh food? Frozen food? Drinks?
Probably just to keep a bit milk in maybe, and to try and ‘extend’ my choice of night out foods…
Milk, fresh fruit juice, cool water, will be fine in a cooler through most of the year in the UK. If youve a frozen home cooked meal or similar thatll keep for a day or two as well, it will defrost but that makes reheating easier! If the stuff you put in is well chilled before hand it`ll give the cooler an easier life.
Problem with a cool box is they have to run constantly, and you’re playing Russian roulette with getting bottom treacle, as well as draining your batteries.
If you’ve got a Merc MP4 they have a battery saver where if the batteries drop to a certain level it automatically cuts off user supply when the engine isn’t running and it can take several days to get back to full power, the rest you could be reliant on another driver getting you started, which is fine if you’re in a truckstop leaves you cream crackered though if you’re in a lay by.
Fridges once they get to the right temp only run when they need to, the drawback is the massive difference in price.
Not forgetting of course that if you leave it running all night that you could easily run down your battery and risk not starting in the morning. By turning it off at night the inside of the coolbox will equalize with the temp of the outside. Therefore the food inside will be going cold then warming up. Fridge is a far superior product. Take this from an expert.
UKtramp:
Take this from an expert.
I could think of a different adjective.
Grumpy_old_trucker:
UKtramp:
Take this from an expert.I could think of a different adjective.
Oh come on, don’t spoil it for him as that’s what he gets off on … 
UKtramp:
Fridge is a far superior product. Take this from an expert.
Priceless. !!!
I couldn’t think of a better person to give advice out on this or am I missing something here. Have you mocking birds suddenly turned into fridge experts all of the sudden? No I didn’t think so.
Theres extra choices too with fridges such as thermoelectric, absorption and compressor which get better and more expensive in that order.
First one is a coolbox with a fan. Second wont freeze your food but can usually run on 12v, 240v and LPG gas. Third one often requires 240v but is like fridge at home.
Personally I’ve tried coolboxes with fans, and absorption with massively better results on the second one when the weather warms up.
Most devices will state a max temp below ambient so your coolbox might manage 5’c below cab temp, absorption often 10’c if on gas / 240v and compressor can usually guarantee an actual lowest temp.