coleman cooler problem

Jack_Berry · Mar 1, 2010

bought a 12v unit back in jan. been having issues with it ever since. it gets plugged into an aux power receptacle in the dash fused at 20 amps. draw for the unit is 5 amps.

when plugged into a y connector the end of the y connector was melted. when plugged directly into the receptacle the plug gets very warm. i mean very warm. twice it has melted the fuse.

i have not had it tested for draw yet.

should this get returned? is there a better unit of this type out there? would i be better off wiring it to house batteries?

Darmstadter · Mar 1, 2010

I have one of those and I just plug it directly into the receptacle. It has gotten only slightly warm after running for a few hours. Had it for years and never had a problem. I'd take it back.

LDB · Mar 1, 2010

Same problem with a Koolatron unit that's probably the same thing with a different label. The customer service department told me it has to be plugged in well or it will overheat. I know it was plugged in fully but that was their solution, that I hadn't plugged it in tightly.

Big Al · Mar 1, 2010

I would return the item if possible; however, if that's not possible I would take it apart to see if the motor is binding or the fan is rubbing.
It's pretty straight, just take out the screws and leave the wires in the terminal block and run the motor also it should almost be completely quiet. We've had our for several years and replaced the motor once. It will draw over 5 amps if anything is binding.
I don't believe that Coleman sells the motor any more but if you do some research you should be able to find it somewhere.

Big Al

aukinet · Mar 2, 2010

We gave up on inexpensive coolers and bought an Engel 14 qt refrig/freezer. Its the size of a cooler(sits between the seats).We wired it directly into the fuse panel instead of using the lighter adapter. Its run 24/7 for four years without a hiccup.It keeps everything icy cold and is very quiet.

chefdennis · Mar 2, 2010

I'd take it back, and get a refund and do as aukinet said, buy a frig...i haven't had an issue with my frig freezer at all...and it runs of the inverter and the house bank....

ebsprintin · Mar 2, 2010

Mine ran at 4 amps draw 24/7.

I am now carrying around an engel. It is so sweet. It sips the power and is always at the set temperature. It turns on for about 30 seconds at 1-2 amps and then it goes back to sleep.