How To Keep Water Out Of A Cooler

[+russell_53040]

I used a cooler for a container on a cache. I noticed that water is getting inside. What I was going to do is drill some holes under the handles and put a screen over it. Does anybody have another idea really don’t want to do that but looks like that is what has to be done. Also what about putting the stuff in a plastic bag and not drilling the holes? Thanks Russ

[+StarBrand]

Use a plastic bag - It had to have been opened in the rain or it was opened on a hot humid day and later when it cooled down the water condensed out of the air.

[+Sonoran Privateers]

Replace the cooler with something else. Seems easier than drilling and stuff.

[+TeamK-9]

From what I understand, you want to drill holes to allow it to drain itself?

 

But at the same time, wouldn't those holes be allowing even more water in?

 

I'd say just put everything in plastic bags. I do that with 90% of my trade items no matter what the container..

[+russell_53040]

I guess I will try the plastic bag first. What I was gonna do was drill holes under the handles to help the warm air escape and cover the holes with screen but Im just gonna do the bag thing first. Sounds like that will be the best from your responces.

[+treasure_hunter]

From what I understand, you want to drill holes to allow it to drain itself?

 

But at the same time, wouldn't those holes be allowing even more water in?

 

Hmmm ..... Good point!

[+wimseyguy]

I always fill my coolers with beer. Then there isn't any room for the water bottles.

 

Seriously, coolers are watertight, but have an awfully big opening. It would probably be easier to just swap containers.

[+BlueDeuce]

Oh please don't wrap your cache in a plastic bag. It'll be nasty inside and out.

 

A. If the container cannot keep out water, don't use it.

 

B. If the container has to use baggies to keep the contents dry, don't use it. (See A.)

 

C. If the container gets wet (or damp) from condensation, don't use it. (See A.)

 

There are caches that are submerged in water that work just fine, so there are probably better selections out there to use as a container.

Edited June 21, 2005 by BlueDeuce

[+Ltljon]

Every cooler I own will take on water if left out in the weather. They're not designed to be totally waterproof/airtight. More holes allow more moisture.

 

I'd fill it with beer also & invest in a cheap ammo box. Hard to go wrong with those things.

Good luck tho!

[+Mopar]

What the last 2 posters said!

[+sbell111]

The cooler will always get water in it within a few hours because the ice will start to melt. That's why I always use dry ice!

[+cache_test_dummies]

Good advice from some of the previous posters.

 

Now, can anybody tell me how to keep beer in my cooler? I keep putting beer in it, and shortly afterwards, all the beer seems to be gone.

[+BlueDeuce]

Good advice from some of the previous posters.

 

Now, can anybody tell me how to keep beer in my cooler? I keep putting beer in it, and shortly afterwards, all the beer seems to be gone.

See Muggles, definition 2.

[+sbell111]

Now, can anybody tell me how to keep beer in my cooler? I keep putting beer in it, and shortly afterwards, all the beer seems to be gone.

Maybe you need a new cooler. Get a nice big one...

[+Jeremy]

Coolers are meant to keep things cool. You're looking for a watertighter.

[+Big Dawgg & Cardinal Girl]

Coolers are meant to keep things cool. You're looking for a watertighter.

 

 

Where do you get watertighter's anyways, I could use a few??

[+tabulator32]

The same places that sell ammo boxes also sell grenade cases and, although not as big as a full-sized cooler, they are a lot closer in size.

[+glowstick]

Replacing the cooler with a tupperware or sumthing seems like the best idea.

[+tabulator32]

Good advice from some of the previous posters.

 

Now, can anybody tell me how to keep beer in my cooler? I keep putting beer in it, and shortly afterwards, all the beer seems to be gone.

Just tape a paper sign to your cooler that says "Three of these beers are poisioned! Guess which ones!"

 

[+russell_53040]

For this cache it has to be big enough to hold a lot of things. The cache is the lost toy box. Tomorrow I will check on a big garbage can or something like that. I did check at the army surplus store for a amo container but the ones they have open at the end.

The Lost Toy box

[+The red-haired witch]

Garbage can? I don`t think that would be watertight. Plus if muggles throw garbage in your cache, you can`t really complain...

 

I`ve seen Rubbermaid containers of about 3 feet by 2 feet by 2 feet though, those look watertight... well, at least the cover snaps in place, so it should keep water out than a garbage can lid. Those contaners are cheaper than a garbage can too.

[+vree]

hmm, check out this website. i'm sure shipping would be painful, but there are watertight large containers out there.

this one is 31" X 12" X 19"

[+wimseyguy]

Good advice from some of the previous posters.

 

Now, can anybody tell me how to keep beer in my cooler? I keep putting beer in it, and shortly afterwards, all the beer seems to be gone.

That's because all of your beer cans/bottles have holes in them.

[+rusty_tlc]

hmm, check out this website. i'm sure shipping would be painful, but there are watertight large containers out there.

this one is 31" X 12" X 19"

I have one of those I got from the local surplus store. $25 as I recall, I use it for my emergency box in the truck. The biggest problem with using them for a cache will be getting the thing open.

 

If I close mine on a warm day then try to open it on a cool day it's a struggle.

 

Some of the air transport containers I'vve seen have a bleeder valve to solve this problem.

[+Deneye]

wow..posted to wrong thread.

Edited June 23, 2005 by Deneye

[+halffast]

I have a 2 gal. water cooler full of goodies and ready to place this weekend but now I might think of another container instead.

[+hikergps]

hmm, check out this website. i'm sure shipping would be painful, but there are watertight large containers out there.

this one is 31" X 12" X 19"

I have one of those I got from the local surplus store. $25 as I recall, I use it for my emergency box in the truck. The biggest problem with using them for a cache will be getting the thing open.

 

If I close mine on a warm day then try to open it on a cool day it's a struggle.

 

Some of the air transport containers I'vve seen have a bleeder valve to solve this problem.

If you drill a hole in the side of it, they aren't effected by temp or pressure diffs.

[+Robespierre]

If it's just condensation and not serious water, how about those humidity packs...... can't think what they're called.

[+hikergps]

I had to open an old shoebox to remember. It's called silica gel. I saw a post earlier today where someone uses packets of it as a sig item, looks like they are custom printed. Too tired and lazy to go back and find it and post a link, sorry.