RE: Reflective cooler covers

[Trlrboy]

 
I was looking at the bunk end cover I got from popupgizmo and wondered how that material would work as a cover over a cooler in the summer.  Since I m pretty sure Mr. PUG reads these forums maybe we could give him our opinions on this idea.  What do you think?

[TheWallRocks]

 Trlrboy
I would imagine they would have to help.  Anything to take the sun load off a cooler, or hold the cold in would work.
 
 We did just purchase one of those Coleman Extreme coolers and I m pretty amazed how long a bag of ice will last.  We now just freeze water in four 1/2 gallon milk jugs and that works great...... plus there is no water to deal with.  At the end of the trip we just dump the water out of the jugs to rinse the cooler and we re all ready for the next trip.
 
 

[tlhdoc]

 Trlrboy
They would be a good investment.
 

[Campaholics]

 Trlrboy
For many years we have been using a reflictive survival blanket to cover the coolers, both in camp and when packed in the van.  Anything to keep some of the heat load off.  BTW the difference in ice consumption between an Extreme cooler and a conventinal cooler under the same conditions is dramatic.
 
 

[sandykayak]

 Trlrboy
i was just looking at the Cherrybrook (dog supplies) catalog and they sell a relective survival blanket for about $12.95 and recommend using it on top of dog crates.

[HersheyGirl]

 Trlrboy
A couple of years ago, I read about the solar bunkend covers, but the popupgizmo guy had not started making them yet.  So, I made my own out of the heavy duty survival blankets that you can buy at Dick s.  I used one and a half for the king side of the bunkend.  I had half of the blanket left over.  I used it inside of my very large cooler and it worked great.  We spent 18 days on the road and I only needed to get ice 3 times. I got the block ice.   The cooler was always in the hot car.  The insulation inside worked great and I highly recommend this.  I have used this method since, and it works great.  I think that covering the whole cooler would be a good idea too.[8D][8D]

[vjm1639]

 Trlrboy
hmmm..these are such great ideas.  I wonder if you can sew this material? I m thinking of little " slip-covers"  for the cooler bottom and top!  LOL...

[HersheyGirl]

 Trlrboy
It sews very easily, you could make anything you wanted out of this stuff.[8D][8D][8D]

[vjm1639]

 Trlrboy
Super! I may just have to try making this....If I can sew it, it ll save a little duct tape!  []

[oldmoose]

 Trlrboy
I made covers for my Extreme s using Reflectix that I purchased at OSH. I ve seen it elsewhere also. I used 3M adhesive from the spray can to stick it together. It really makes a difference.

[vjm1639]

 Trlrboy
ooooooooo...spray sticky stuff! Even easier than sewing! I like that idea!
 
 

[Opie431]

 Trlrboy
I used a insulated cover for a hot water heater that I sewed to fit.  It took just a few mintues of work and fits perfectly.  It also works well.  I have also tied one of the very cheap insulated " blankets"  to fit over the the ice chest.  It did not work as well but did last for several trips.