how to pack 12v fridge/freezer?

adventurebuddies

Adventurer
I just picked up a nearly new Craigslist Norcold 60 (sells under Engel and ARB brands as well). Rather than trial and error, I thought I'd get tips from folks on how best to pack it.

For example, for 5 days on Mojave Rd, my goal would be to keep meet frozen but not freeze my lettuce. The idea of taking ice cream really appeals to me as well, but it seems that the design of the cooling plates makes for very even cooling so I'm not sure how to handle this. Any tips?
 

Martyn

Supporting Sponsor, Overland Certified OC0018
adventurebuddies said:
I just picked up a nearly new Craigslist Norcold 60 (sells under Engel and ARB brands as well). Rather than trial and error, I thought I'd get tips from folks on how best to pack it.

For example, for 5 days on Mojave Rd, my goal would be to keep meet frozen but not freeze my lettuce. The idea of taking ice cream really appeals to me as well, but it seems that the design of the cooling plates makes for very even cooling so I'm not sure how to handle this. Any tips?

Is this a single unit, or does it have a separate freezer portion?
 

Rockrunner

Observer
I have the Engel 45 and pack it for 4-5 day trips too. When you pack things in the cooler try to keep the frozen items on the bottom and the perishable items on top. Even Though it does cool evenly it still cools more on the bottom than top.

We try to keep items together like cheeses and deli meats in one large Ziploc, or different meats for dinner etc. One of the reasons we do that is still form the olden days ;) When you need to grab stuff for lunch you only need to grab one bag and you can close the cooler, keeps it from cycling as much.

My advice is to try it out at home first, that way you also know how much you can stuff into the cooler. You will be surprised how much stuff you can pack into one of these great coolers.
 

targa88

Explorer
Ziplocs are a great solution - meats and veggies stay separate and take up less space. Stuff that you want kept frozen leave at the bottom.
Cycle bottles of water to keep the fridge full and every cold.
Another suggestion - get the suspended baskets (set of 2) from Sierra Expeditions. Keeps stuff at the top - easy access, doesn't get frozen - good for snacks and or drinks
 

roscoFJ73

Adventurer
I too like to take the lettuce and not freeze it. I found the best way is to chop it and put it in a small plastic container.

Its easier to package your meat in vacuum bags and keep it about freezing point or a little higher. This is easier on the battery.

In the end it will be your own personal experience.

The best way is 2 fridges ,one a freezer and the other for drinks and lettuce:D
 

Corey

OverCamping Specialist
roscoFJ73 said:
The best way is 2 fridges ,one a freezer and the other for drinks and lettuce:D
Oh do not temp me, I am so out of room now when I pack :D

I will have to look into these hanging baskets though for my ARB fridge if that helps.
Also I read here about the vacuum pack bags.
A friend of mine bought one of those Food Saver gizmos, and said I should pick one up for packing camping food in the fridge.
 

Steve_in_29

New member
My ARB came with a rubber mat (I think its for the bottom of the fridge) but I place it over the frozen items on the bottom of my fridge to separate them from the items I don't want to freeze.

Also pack the fridge in layers, frozen items on bottom with things that won't be hurt by freezing next and topped with the items you don't want to freeze.
 

FlyingWen

Explorer
We use a TwoZone to really separate our foods, but if that is not in your budget, I recommend keeping the items you want the coldest at the bottom of the fridge and your lettuce at the top.

As mentioned above, the TwoZone Basket Set is a great way to divide everything. It will not only organize things for you, but will make food easier to find inside of digging for your lunch.
 

FlyingWen

Explorer
I have been trying to find the dimensions of the Waeco-CF50 to compare it to that of the Engel MT45. The baskets were designed for the MT45, but if the CF-50 is comparable in size, then they should fit.

I won't know for sure unless I have some measurements of the inside (L X H) of the fridge
 

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