Console Cooler Conversion
- Thread starter JMT
- Start date
Are you planning on putting a cooler inside the center console area? I ask because obviously if it's a cooler, it needs some insulation.
Im thinking adding a cooler inside is what @JMT meant. Otherwise it might be pointless as I feel like the heat from both outside air temp and under body temps would cause the cooling effect to dwindle pretty fast.
Is the console lid air/water tight?
The console lid is not air / water tight, no way. Wouldn't matter anyways, since the console itself wouldn't work as a cooler.
If you were to somehow fit a cooler inside the console, that would have to be one small, odd shaped cooler.
@JMT clearly left out a LOT of details with this post.
Starrs
TJ Guru
He’s already drilled the hole, found a plug, and is timing the ice melt time.
I think @JMT was speculating, you know throwing out creative Jeep ideas for us to ponder 
I like the convenience of the idea personally
I like the convenience of the idea personally
https://www.google.com/amp/s/gizmodo.com/393176/ford-adds-a-fridge-to-the-flex/amp
The Ford Flex came with a fridge option for less than $800.
The Ford Flex came with a fridge option for less than $800.
If you are willing to lose the factory console, then I could see building a cooler to fit in between the seats. In my build thread you can see how I crammed a large ammo can into that space. Add some rigid foam insulation panels and there should still be enough room for some sandwiches and drinks.
You sound like an ass bro! It has been done with a constant drain...
Not a cooler inside the console, just use the console as a cooler. Literally, drill a hole in the bottom, put a drain plug and fill with drinks and ice. I only need it for 5-6 hours.
Many coolers are not airtight
Yes, this is what I was doing. Why not, right? Even if you have to add some insulation, you could get 5-6 hours, use sealed ice blocks rather than loose ice.I think @JMT was speculating, you know throwing out creative Jeep ideas for us to ponder
I like the convenience of the idea personally
ThatsilverTJ
Member
Could you? Yeah.Trying to be open minded here..it would save you space like if you were wheeling with passengers and gear.
I've had a Twix sitting by itself in the center console on a road trip, went to grab it at some point and it was completely liquified. Point is, that area gets really hot and I don't think ice would last very long at all.
The area below the console would probably need some heat shield stuff like whats under the front carpet, and yeah those ice blocks I think would be better than ice for this. I say go for it, and let us know how it worked out and if there is anything you would do differently.
I have always been a fan of the idea of a console cooler or a glove box cooler. Though maybe that was when I lived in the endless summer...and was constantly dying of dehydration.
The area below the console would probably need some heat shield stuff like whats under the front carpet, and yeah those ice blocks I think would be better than ice for this. I say go for it, and let us know how it worked out and if there is anything you would do differently.
I have always been a fan of the idea of a console cooler or a glove box cooler. Though maybe that was when I lived in the endless summer...and was constantly dying of dehydration.
Kiwi TJ
Just asked myself if I’m crazy and we all said No
Supporting Member
Ride of the Month Winner
I think its worth a shot and it would be a COOOOOL Jeep !!!
That’s exactly my situation. I always wheel with a passenger in every seat. I’ve moved my Viair 88P under the hood. I’ve got a small toolbox that I usually place in the tiny TJ trunk area. I also have my tree saver back there. I have some room left for a cooler back there, but it’s got to be a very slim cooler or soft back hopper style. The Rubbermaid 20qt slimline (~19”x12”x7.5”) will fit the bill, but it’s a bit cumbersome to get into while wheelin. Something in the cab is ideal, but with every seat taken the only place left is the console. I may end up just getting a cooler for the rear, or even do both. The console is just so conveniently located for the front seat driver and passenger. I like the “dry ice” idea @jjvw suggested. I’ve used it before in coolers and it works very well with a layer of regular ice on top. It is a little pricey, but space is everything in a TJ, and it’s only for wheelin’ days. Any other ideas, especially for some kind of insulation? I know the driveline gets hot, so I’m going to put my hand down in there a few times this week while I’m driving around, see just what kind of heat we’re talking about.
ThatsilverTJ
Member
Throw a thermometer in there to get a better understanding on what's needed to pull this off.
ThatsilverTJ
Member
What about insulating the gaps between the inner console and outside molding, that you see..stuff it full of insulating material to slow down the heat, and while the console is out thermo mat the floor board under the console..itll save you space inside the console while your saving space outside..lol
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