Cooler Box

We don't carry much food when traveling. Grocery stores are abundant along the way. Our 'cooler' is actually the mid driver's side stow and go compartment. Being below the van floor, it stays relatively cool on its own. If we need ice for something cooler, we usually freeze a water bottle at home, or fill up a drink size bottle at a restaurant.

The first year, I divided the space only with lunchbox cooler bags. Items tended to roll around, get lost and messy.

During the winter I built a frame template from cardboard boxes, dividing the space into compartments for water, pop, and food. I covered the bottom and sides with pieces of foam, and covered the top with a couple of extra sunshades I already had. This was expected to be an improvement, and once tested, we would rebuild the frame with wood.

Yesterday, I ripped the template apart. It may just be this heat wave we've been having, but while drinks were comfortably cool last year without ice, this year they have been lukewarm. I had only intended to cut out the bottom of the boxes, but once I had them out, I discovered mold had started growing on the bottom and lower sides of the boxes. I'm not sure if it was caused by condensation, or if something was spilled through the floor. Either way, the boxes are out, and I am back to the drawing board.

First I'll give it a few days to see if the foam kept the cool outside air from entering the compartment, and I once again have cool drinks without ice. If that issue is resolved, I believe a small ice chest will be the next step.Read more