Ice from the Sun.

[whoofit]

This thing has been a joy. For longer trips freezer space is always too small. I run this off the solar panel and will enjoy ice in the desert. Also cool drinks on the road.

 "What ever happened to roughing it?" my kids ask. "It's your turn." I reply...


http://www.amazon.com/Dometic-CF-018DC-Portable-Refrigerator-Personal/dp/B0030G7Y64/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1459865295&sr=8-1&keywords=dometic

[admin]

How long does this take to make ice with 80-90 degree temps? I just took the leap and purchased that Pelican cooler but I'm alway on the lookout for something that decreases my need for a resupply.

Out of curiosity have you ever attempted to run something like this [a href="http://www.walmart.com/ip/Igloo-Portable-Countertop-Ice-Maker/31136425?action=product_interest&action_type=title&item_id=31136425&placement_id=irs-106-m2&strategy=PWVAV&visitor_id&category=&client_guid=3fbedaf5-3aa6-43d1-8d49-01e6e0e246fb&customer_id_enc&config_id=106&parent_item_id=13308699&parent_anchor_item_id=13308699&guid=e156cbfc-8d94-4b77-be85-8dc8f9d17bf0&bucket_id=irsbucketdefault&beacon_version=1.0.1&findingMethod=p13n"]portable ice maker[/a]? It looks to take 160W of AC power and does not require a water line. At 26lbs of ice in 24 hours it seems like something that could be run every couple of days depending on the ice consumption.

[whoofit]

Sean, that Pelican cooler is amazing. This fridge/freezer is no substitute in my opinion. Two different tools for two different jobs. Capacity alone tells it. You are feeding a growing Army after all!

As you describe it, this freezer should freeze 1 gallon of water in ice cube form in 9 hrs while using 40-50 amp/hrs of power. It would then cost ~ 24 aH per day to maintain it. This Dometic multiplies our freezer capacity by 140%.

That 110V icemaker you linked to looks like it can do if the power is available. As you know supporting that while boondocking is a tougher challenge. The little Dometic is 35W max. But if you need the large volume the larger maker is probably more efficient both in time and power consumption.