PVC Cooler/Freezer Instructible

This idea came to me after packing my cooler for a 4 day weekend trip. I usually pack the cooler with frozen and refridgerater items with layers of plastic bags in between to separate the frozen items from those that are to be kept cold.

● Cooler 48qt (use whatever size you desire, adjust measurements accordingly)
● Inside measurements:11 1/2" wide X 21" long X 11 1/2" high
● Acrylic sheet 18' X 24’ (.093" thick) cut in two pieces. First piece11 1/2” X 10" second piece 11 1/2" X 10" with cut out
● (1) 1/2” PVC PIPE 1 piece at 9 1/4", 2 pieces at11 3/4", and 4 pieces at 7 1/2"
● (2) 1/2” Elbows 90 degree
● (2) 1/2" 90 degree Inside outlett socket x socket x socket
● Ice as needed
Some of the above supplies can be found at your local home improvement store.

Measure the inside of the cooler for estimate of how much PVC PIPE you will need. ( I happened to have some 1/2" PVC PIPE). The PVC extends about (estimate) 2/3rds across the inside of the length of the cooler.
The height is 2/3rds of the way up from the bottom. This will be determined by what size cooler you have. Of course, if you are using the size I have, then use my measurements

Cut your PVC according to the desired length, outlined in the supply list. To start I cut mine about 1" longer to allow for extra play. After the first-time I assembled the PVC then measured for the final height which is the measurement shown. Assemble the PVC, I did not use any glue because you will want to be able to take it apart for easy cleaning and storage. If you are using a different size cooler make the necessary measuring adjustments in your measurements

I Cut the Acrylic sheet to the desired measurements, outlined in the supply list.
Note: One of the sheets has a cut out, this happy accident allows me quick access to ice for my drink.
I used the two pieces of the acrylic sheets to slide them over top of one another. This separates the freezer section from the refrigerator section. I slide the one with the cut out over for easy access to my frozen food or drinks.
The top part allows for the refrigerator items. Such as mayonnaise, ketchup, butter, eggs, lettuce, bread etc.

Insert the PVC then start packing your freezer food. I packed frozen hamburger patties, frozen water and sweet tea, anything you want to keep frozen. Ice will go over the top of my freezer section. I placed the 2 Acrylic sheets on top of the PVC. For the food that I wanted to keep cool, not frozen. I use shallow plastic trays (as shown in the photo) to hold sticks of butter/margarine and romaine lettuce. Also wrapped eggs up in paper towels and placed those on the trays. If you want more refrigerator space just cut the PVC Legs shorter.
NOTE:(Keep in mind that I stopped at the gas station bought 3 seven pound bags of ice). I only needed to use 2 and a little over the half of the third bag, Lift up the acrylic sheets, place your ice on top of the freezer items. Replace the Acrylic sheets and place a little bit of ice around your refrigerator items. This helps to start the cooling process. The rest of the ice I placed in another small cooler to use for my drink for the trip.

After 4 days and 3 nights, check out how well the food survived, there is frozen ice still visible.
I found that this set up works really well, much easier to use than layering plastic bags over your food stuff. Not to mention battling the ice melting and everything just getting mushy. The next time I go camping I will pack my eggs a little bit better, I had one egg that had a crack in it.I found this freezer/cooler great for long weekend of camping, I hope you enjoy this instructable, it made my camping experience more enjoyable. My food stayed cold and I didn't have to deal with it moving around and getting mushy.