Alternative to B-Kool?

[Little Runaway]

Can anyone provide a PIREP for this cooler? Seems like it might be an alternative to B-Kool:

http://www.homedepot.com/p/Ryobi-Air-Conditioned-Cooler-P3370/301698063

Aaron

 

[kpaul]

At first glance the things I notice are:

1) this one requires a rechargeable battery vs. using the aircrafts 12 or 24v system

2) it does incorporate a pump to circulate the cold water through a heat exchanger, only pulls off the ambient air inside the cooler

3) only pushes air out the front of the lid vs. having a directable exhaust.  This would allow it to only be used in the back seat and not from the cargo area.  

Of course it is $100 cheaper and does not require the ability to plug in so there may be other uses for it.  I could not find B-Kool's empty weight but the Ryobi is 35lbs.  I would assume it would not be completely filled but 50qts of ice/water/drinks weighs an additional 104lbs.

[bradp]

I'm going to make one for about $60 in parts.  I'll let you known how it goes :-)

 

[HRM]

4 hours ago, aaronsn said:

Can anyone provide a PIREP for this cooler? Seems like it might be an alternative to B-Kool:

http://www.homedepot.com/p/Ryobi-Air-Conditioned-Cooler-P3370/301698063

Aaron

 

It's going to fill your cabin with very humid air because it doesn't have a heat exchanger, which the B-Kool does. Also, with no hose to direct air, there won't be much cooling on you, humid or otherwise, one reviewer complained about the strength of the fan.

Of course, with HD you can just buy it, try it and return it if not happy.

[Yetti]

 

[smccray]

Just saw this- will post an update in the other thread. Bought a new BKool (latest model) and it's perfect. 

[Skates97]

4 hours ago, bradp said:

I'm going to make one for about $60 in parts.  I'll let you known how it goes :-)

 

I just made one a week ago. I think I was in it for $100 in parts including the cooler plus a small rechargeable battery so that the unit is completely self contained. I will post pictures and parts later tonight. It worked well and runs for hours off the battery.

[Browncbr1]

15 hours ago, bradp said:

I'm going to make one for about $60 in parts.  I'll let you known how it goes :-)

 

I'll sell you mine already made for $50.  I'd rather sweat for a few minutes on the ramp than fool with filling it, loading, unloading.   Does good though

[Skates97]

My homemade AC. It works well but is bigger than what some others have built. I figure if it's just myself and maybe one person I just put it in the back seat (so I can reach the switch to turn it off. If there are 3-4 in the plane it goes in the luggage and someone in the back seat can reach the switch. Parts list, more pictures, and directions on my site.

Homemade AC

[Yetti]

I'll take what's a tywrap, SO Cord and silicone do for $500.00 Alex

[Skates97]

6 hours ago, Yetti said:

I'll take what's a tywrap, SO Cord and silicone do for $500.00 Alex

If you throw in in bailing wire and duct tape I think the answer is "anything."