Originally Posted by Ray (Post 455641)

I keep my cooler in the house so it stays cool, then cool all my drinks and meats in the fridge or freezer. Then I put them lil blue cold block things from the freezer around the edge of the cooler and throw the drinks and meat in it. Then cover with ice. It will last days like that. Just don't open it 20 times a day, and when you do open it, close it quick, and latch it.
It's different for the fish cooler. Not going in the house. If you use block ice, it lasts a lot longer.

Originally Posted by Gerald (Post 455669)

Ice expands about 10% when it freezes. When using any "open top" container, the top of the water will freeze first. When the remaining water freezes, it will expand "downward" and usually crack the bottom of the container.

To help prevent breaking the bottom, two things can be done.

1) only put about 2-3" of water in the bucket. This will allow the water on the top and bottom to freeze about the same time and with only a couple of inches to freeze, there will not be as much expansion. When the the water is frozen, add a couple more inches of water to the bucket. Repeat until you have as much as you want. Using cold water from the refridgerator will speed up the freezing time.

2) put a lid on the bucket. The lid creates an air space inside the bucket which slows down the freezing process on the top part of the water. This allows the water to freeze from the bottom and expand upward.

You will have to experiment some [and probably break a bucket or 2] until you learn what is the max amount of water you can freeze and not break the bucket.

I freeze water in 5 quart plastic container that ice cream comes in. To fill up the container takes adding water 3 times.

Originally Posted by RaginCagin (Post 455832)

The second i buy a Yeti or k2 it will get stolen. I'll stick with the xtreme. I dont need an ice chest to hold ice for 5 days as i dont go camp in the wilderness away from civilization. I'll use my $50 cooler and get free ice from work.

Originally Posted by Xpress21 (Post 455854)

Its not just the fact they dont hold ice that well, I keep an 85 qt in the boat as my fish box and im gonna have to start keeping a pry bar on board to get the dam thing open...

Originally Posted by Raymond (Post 455801)

How you close the door if ya Meats in the fridge??????????:*****:

Originally Posted by fun w son (Post 455327)

thanks for the info! i really like the yeti and k2, but i just can't see spending 300-400 dollers to save $10 worth of ice! i'm gonna go check out the "extreme's"

Originally Posted by Top Dawg (Post 455922)

It's not about saving money on ice. It's about never having to buy another icechest ever. We had a brand new 120qt igloo off the shelf at wal mart this year. Brought it to Toledo and filled it up to the top with white perch. When we lifted it to put it in the truck both the handles came off and the plastic separated from the foam insulation. Junk. Won't have that problem with a high end cooler.

Originally Posted by bigtuna895 (Post 455940)

I got 99 problems and my ice chest aint one....

Originally Posted by kenner18v (Post 455959)

I just bought K2 30cube and it is a very well made and holds ice great. The only problem is i have line x in the bed of my truck and the k2 slides around like a bowling bowl!!! Will need to keep it on a piece of rubber, I wish they came with some type of rubber feet.

Originally Posted by Top Dawg (Post 455971)

Yetis do

Originally Posted by SaltyShaw (Post 455992)

get out of here with that non sense hahaha

maybe glue a peice of rubber matting on each corner
i think the 21qt and 30qt K2 are the only ones without the rubber feet on the bottom