Coleman 12v iceless cooler

Well I guess you can use the warranty and get it repaired or replaced.

 

That's sad to hear. My Coleman has lasted 17 years. Of course I'm on my 3rd replacement motor, but they each lasted many years. Mine's been a real champ. Recently semi-retired it. Bought a new truck and it had a regular refrigerator factory installed. My old Coleman (still pumping cold) is now relegated to camping and family outings. It's been a great one, though. Wonder why your not having good luck w/ the brand.

I'd contact Coleman if it was me. Something's not right. I'm taking it your fan keeps going out. Might be something in the 12v outlet you're plugging it into (maybe the output is off up or down) - or it might just be the new Coleman design sux. The new ones do look a good bit different than mine, at the top where the heat sink and fan are. I'm sorry for your troubles w/ it but for what they cost, I sure would be having a serious conversation w/ Coleman.

 

The kooltron is a much better product
Colman is junk now days

 

The new Coleman coolers are 'cooler mode' only coolers, where the old ones you could reverse the plug and turn it into a warmer, these don't. The new ones use 2 separate fans that resemble the CPU fan on a desktop computer...and are far less reliable, but easier to replace. I have had a newer style for a few years and found that these fans last little more than a year (with a 1 year warranty...big surprise). I think Aminal might be right, with a cooler going bad that often, it might be your plug...most likely the ground for the plug that is the culprit. If/when you get a different cooler, try another plug if you have one open. With the way modern trucks are wired, there is no telling where they have the wiring routed to ground it...another outlet might be off a different fuse and be grounded somewhere else.

When I had a Century Class Freightliner, I had a jumper wire made up to where I could unplug the outlet, split the wire into 2 lines. 1 side hard-wire my cooler into the power supply connector of the truck and the other side went back to the plug itself. Never had an issue after that...but most companies frown on tampering with wires in any way...so with this International...I am back to plugging it in.

But they're right, Coleman sucks. Koolatron (which use to be Igloo) is a superior product.

 

+1 on that. Very happy with the Kooltron I own.

 

My Coleman kept killing the batteries overnight and tried to melt the truck down by overheating the plug. I took it back to Wal-Mart and I said I wanted to return it. The gal asked "Is the plug overheating?" I guess it's a common problem.

 

I think someone on this forum said you have to clean/wipe the condensation off from the inside every few days or the fan freezes up because it ices. Anytime you open it it allows moisture in which then freezes in the fan which burns out the motor. I may be remembering wrong, its been awhile since I read that but it does make sense. I'm on my second Coleman, don't use it now since I drive local now. First one died pretty much as was desribed. Second one almost brand new and I read up about them. And now I don't need it. Oh well. If your in Charlotte I'll sell it for $35.

 

I've had a problem with the plug melting down. I bought a better plug and cut the old one off and is working fine now.

 

Couple of tips if you have or are planning to get a Coleman:

1. They were never designed to run 24/7/365. Mine runs all day (Or night if I'm running 3rd shift schedule) as I go on down the road. Just before I hit the bunk, I unplug it. After I get up, I plug it back in. Plus, it gets a break on my home time.

2. Whenever you do unplug it, unplug it by holding onto the plug itself and not the cord.

3. Adequate ventilation - Make sure the unit can breathe. Check the fan grill periodically and clean as necessary.

4. Check for condensation every couple of days. I have a towel placed at the bottom of mine and change it out every time I do my wash, which equates to every 4-6 days.

I've had mine going on 3 years, and it's never failed me yet. They also have rebuild kits for the fan if it goes out. They do last if know the in's and out's about them.

I eventually plan to get a Dometic built in next time I go through Georgetown, KY and have a few hrs of down time.