GoCampingAmerica.com | Posted March
    4th, 2013

               

    Expert Tip: Packing Your
    Cooler

               

    Happy Camper Blog

             

             
               
                 

    CoolerMost RVs and
    campers today are equipped with many of the comforts of home, including
    nice-sized refrigerators, and often freezers that make food storage easy. But
    even if you have the luxury of modern conveniences, you may need to
    occasionally supplement your storage if you have a long trip planned or a big
    group to feed. Or, if you don’t have the benefit of built-in cold storage in
    your vehicle, a little planning and a well-organized cooler is
    essential:

    • Choose an appropriately-sized cooler
      that’s well insulated and has a lid that locks down tight. Coolers with
      multiple lids or access points are nice to minimize “cool air loss” when the
      lid is opened and closed.
    • Use frozen foods to help keep
      your cooler cool without the bulk of loose bagged
      ice.
    • Freeze all items that won’t be damaged by freezing
      and thawing to help extend the life of your ice supply and keep your foods
      cool. Bacon, sausage, lunch meats, prepared meals and meats are great
      choices.

    Packing the
    Cooler

    • Pack foods in order of
      anticipated use to help preserve cool temperatures that will keep your foods
      at a safe storage temperature. Put what you plan to eat first or snack on
      frequently on top. Foods for later in the trip can go to the bottom of the
      cooler. If your cooler has trays or dividers, use them to keep raw foods and
      precooked or fresh foods separate to avoid any cross contamination. If you
      don’t have dividers, you can make your own by using large plastic storage
      bins that will fit inside the cooler. A plastic cutting board can also work
      well as a divider and serve as a cutting surface on the
      road.
    • If you have the luxury of space, use two coolers –
      one for food and one for drinks to keep your foods the coldest. If you’re
      using one cooler for all of your supplies, separate the food from the drinks
      so they’re easy to grab with a quick open and close of the lid. Or, if your
      RV has a refrigerator, store food inside and keep drinks in a cooler to limit
      frequent opening and closing of the fridge door.
    • When
      you’re on the road, keep your cooler in a shady spot to help preserve ice.
      Unless your vehicle is “climate controlled,” you shouldn’t keep your cooler
      inside. Drain your cooler frequently to avoid water buildup that will deplete
      your ice supply quickly.
    • In very hot climates, if you
      have access to water, try putting a wet towel over the top of your cooler to
      create an “evaporative cooling effect!”