Organizing the Food/Beer in Your Fridge

[tdesanto]

So, after several months with my new ARB fridge, I still haven't found the perfect way to organize my food. For a multi-day journey, I typically have the thing filled all the way to the top or close to it. When it's this full, I like the fact that the beer bottles and other items don't bang against each other and I don't have to worry about broken beer bottles.

However, the downside is that it's also difficult to get to those items on the bottom, such as steaks, lunch meat, etc.

Finally, as I start using some of the food and the fridge has less stuff in it, then the beer bottles and such start banging against each other.

So, I'm looking for some suggestions on the following:

1. How to organize the food in such a way that it's easier to get to when I want that specific item on the bottom or packed in the middle, and

2. How to prevent beer bottles from clanking, etc. when there's not as much food in the fridge.

Many thanks for your suggestions.

Regards,

TD

:chef:

[pwc]

We found these nesting bins, about half the width of a 45 fridge. They have flip out sides so that they will stack, instead of nest. This gives us half the fridge for those (small things fit in them perfectly) and then half for milk/drinks. On top of the drinks you get some stuf, but not a lot. I'll see if I can find pictures of the flip out things, they are quite handy

[Ursidae69]

Cans are more forgiving, so I try to use them when I can. I need to get better with packing my fridge too. :o

[stevenmd]

This has got to be the best thread EVER. Yes, how do you keep those beer bottles from clanking around and breaking? My palate does not like the nectar of the god's in an aluminum holding case - no offense to my aluminum beer holding drinking brethren.:sombrero:

Perhaps wrapping a small towel around then as you pull food out????

[teotwaki]

As I pull out other stuff I stick in extra plastic water bottles or soda cans to cool them down. It also should help the fridge to run less as it is not trying to chill the empty space filled with air. Air won't stay chilled as long as a container filled with a liquid. Another time I took a clean towel and set it in there to minimize containers hopping on bumpy high-speed roads.

Love my fridge!!

[toyrunner95]

try getting some of those freezer ice pakcs that have jelly inside, put them in at room temp so they are plyable, then they will gel up as they get colder, which will hold the bottles in place, AND keep the fridge cooler so it wont have to run so much.

[tdesanto]

I realize that I didn't mention this as a requirement, but I'm also not looking to take up too much of the precious space in there with anything I'm not going to eat, so I'm not sure about the ice blocks. I'd also considered buying those neoprene 6-pack holders, but I also figured they would keep warm beer warm longer when placing warm beers in the fridge to be cooled down.

Currently for the beer bottles, I'm simply using the cardboard dividers that come in the case boxes when I buy beer by the case. I've cut some of the divider pieces off so that it will hold between 12-16 beers. This actually works pretty well for my 2nd requirement, but doesn't necessarily do anything for my 1st requirement. Plus, after about the 2nd or 3rd trip, the cardboard starts falling apart.

Does anyone know where I could get sheets of thin, pliable plastic? I could use that to make the same or similar divider system for the bottles. Then all I’d have to do is figure out what to do to organize the rest of the food so that it’s easier to get to the coldies at the bottom of the fridge after a hot day on the trails.


We found these nesting bins, about half the width of a 45 fridge. They have flip out sides so that they will stack, instead of nest. This gives us half the fridge for those (small things fit in them perfectly) and then half for milk/drinks. On top of the drinks you get some stuf, but not a lot. I'll see if I can find pictures of the flip out things, they are quite handy

PWC, let me know if you find any pictures or URL’s where I could find these? I’m interested if they don’t introduce a lot of dead/wasted space.


Cans are more forgiving, so I try to use them when I can. I need to get better with packing my fridge too.

I’d gladly use cans (but pour it into another container to prevent the aluminum taste) if my favorite beers came in cans.

Many thanks for all the suggestions; I'm convinced that if we put our heads together we can get there in style.

[adventureduo]

I bring canned beer. Not only for this reason but also for trash packing. I hate hauling bottles out.. regardless if it's a few or a 12 pack.

Have you thought about some socks? I mean clean ones, not the socks you've been wearing all day at work. You could just slip them over the bottoms of the bottle.. maybe like a sport low cut womens sock? Just an idea.

[articulate]

This has got to be the best thread EVER. Yes, how do you keep those beer bottles from clanking around and breaking?
Perhaps wrapping a small towel around then as you pull food out????
Ah ha!
Here is where an ol' skewl ice chest full of that pesky ice wins in the fridge vs. cooler debate.

Continue on boys, continue on.

[spressomon]

For less than full loads in my fridge-freeze when I don't want to have/hear the bottles clanking around I just picked up a small nylon stuff bag (at your favorite backpack store) and filled it with poly pillow stuffing from the fabric store. I think I spent less than $10 for both...works great.

[adventureduo]

Ah ha!
Here is where an ol' skewl ice chest full of that pesky ice wins in the fridge vs. cooler debate.

Continue on boys, continue on.

LMFAO!!

[Robthebrit]

You guys need louder trucks if you can hear bottles rattling in the fridge!

I usually leave them in the 6 pack cardboard box that they come in, this stops them from rattling but doesn't stop them from hitting hard enough to break. I have had more problems with the beer being shaken by driving on rough ground and popping the top off, or at least leaking enough to make a mess in the fridge. Maybe cans are the best way to go but you can't get good beer in a can.

Somebody needs to make a 12v kegorator, I'd buy one.

Rob

[loeky]

i didn't realize things rattle around in the cooler - between road noise from the MTRs and general loudness from the FJ60 body type, i never noticed.

that said, i just sound deadened 75% of the truck and might start hearing some things i didn't use to...

in any case, i've thrown a couple camp towels in there for use on trips, as well as those gel filled cooler things. this was two fold for use as extra cooling as well as keeping some wine bottles from breaking. never really even thought about beer bottles breaking and the fridge has ended up on it's side a couple times - doh!

ie:
http://cgi.ebay.com/LOT-OF-24-REUSEABLE-COLD-ICE-PACKS-BLUE-GEL-ICE-PACKS_W0QQitemZ270107707019QQihZ017QQcategoryZ310Q QrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem

[tdesanto]

I'm just worried about bottles breaking and also about figuring out a better way to get to the stuff I want quickly without having to remove 1/2 the contents before I can find it.

The only methods that seem practical at this point are either the small containers that were mentioned or a divider system. Cardboard 6 packs, socks, towels, etc. only solve 1 issue, mainly breaking bottles. Even then, these methods don't seem 100% reliable.

[spressomon]

I'm just worried about bottles breaking and also about figuring out a better way to get to the stuff I want quickly without having to remove 1/2 the contents before I can find it.

The only methods that seem practical at this point are either the small containers that were mentioned or a divider system. Cardboard 6 packs, socks, towels, etc. only solve 1 issue, mainly breaking bottles. Even then, these methods don't seem 100% reliable.


FWIW I have never had a bottle of beer, vodka, whatever break in my Waeco fridge/freezer. Sometimes it's full and often times it is not...but never a broken glass container.

[flyingwil]

FWIW I have never had a bottle of beer, vodka, whatever break in my Waeco fridge/freezer. Sometimes it's full and often times it is not...but never a broken glass container.


X2 Maybe it is because I do not drive a MOG! (although I want to!)

[Robthebrit]

As to the original question, I pulled the wiremesh basket and put a divider in it. If helps with small items but in some cases it can stop you getting large items in at all.

Rob

[flyingwil]

As to the original question, I pulled the wiremesh basket and put a divider in it. If helps with small items but in some cases it can stop you getting large items in at all.

Rob


I use the small plastic grocery bags and tie thing to the wire basket. works pretty well IMO. For beers leave them in the 6 pack box.

[dd113]

I have never had anything break in my 60 qt Norcold. Even when I rolled 3 times and the fridge came off the track and bounced around the inside of the truck. I replace used items with water bottles and/or lay bottles flat and stack on top of them.

I also use rubbermaid containers to hold all the little stuff and mash it all in with the upright bottles.

Side note:
When I rolled the 60 qt broke loose from its homemade slider and rolled around in the back of the wagon as we went over 3 times. It was dark and I lost all electrical so when I stopped, about 60' down hill, I was in total darkenss, injured and disoriented. Jsut as I was about to panic the compressor to the Norcold came on. Cant kill that ****er! That calmed me down enough to cut the belt and try to rescue myself...another story!

[KingSlug]

But I use broth and other liquids in a food saver bag to cut down on the kilinking. I get the smaller food saver bags, and seal broth, miso soup or other liquid in each bag then insert between cans and bottles. I use the wasted space between bottles and cut down on the kilinking.

I use the food saver for alot of stuff like sealing up guns for the season, first aid gear (into small packs for bee sting, eye, trama/blood loss, etc), food storage and planning.

[RoundOut]

You guys need louder trucks if you can hear bottles rattling in the fridge!

LMAO :hehe:


Does anyone know where I could get sheets of thin, pliable plastic? I could use that to make the same or similar divider system for the bottles.

I have two suggestions you may wish to try. First, most hobby shops carry sheet poly styrene that you could easily use to make a bottle grid, sort of like the inside of some boxes. Another material with which you may choose to make the same type of grid, is a semi-plyable vinyl that is used in home construction under a shower before the tile is laid as a water barrier. This can be purchased at Home Depot or any other building supply store by the yard, but may not sturdy enough for the job, unless when it is refrigerated, it becomes more rigid.

Good luck, though. :littlefriend:

[teotwaki]

I'm just worried about bottles breaking and also about figuring out a better way to get to the stuff I want quickly without having to remove 1/2 the contents before I can find it.

The only methods that seem practical at this point are either the small containers that were mentioned or a divider system. Cardboard 6 packs, socks, towels, etc. only solve 1 issue, mainly breaking bottles. Even then, these methods don't seem 100% reliable.

How about those cheap 1/8" thick neoprene bottle socks that you'd use to keep a bottle of beer cold while holding it? Then you could pack 'em in close and they're ready to hold when you pull them out!

http://www.offthedeepend.com/images/PRODUCT/large/845.jpg
or
http://www.offthedeepend.com/images/PRODUCT/large/839.jpg

[calamaridog]

First of all, leave the food at home and just pack the :beer: Problem solved:D

Second of all, use the styrofoam packing stuff you would wrap glasses in when you are moving.

I have to admit, I like Jim's idea best, since it is reuseable...

[GeoRoss]

Just sort of an FYI, but the more full you keep your fridge, the less energy it will use to maintain temp. Use filler stuff like water in plastic containers or whatnot to help buffer things in the fridge and keep it tightly packed.

[edgear]

My palate does not like the nectar of the god's in an aluminum holding case - no offense to my aluminum beer holding drinking brethren.:sombrero:
I'm with you on that one! But thankfully, Guinness, Boddington's, and a few other decent beers come in cans.
As for the dilemma of clanking (and possibly broken) bottles, I remember seeing this at REI:

http://images.rei.com/media/935220.jpg
And they carry a similar product for wine bottles.

:beer:

[Reata Rover]

Great thread Tony. I agree with the ice chest guy somewhat, although I am working towards the dual battery setup to power my new Engle.

Good Day!

[goodtimes]

You guys and all your fancy ideas are just nuckin futs. There is a simple solution....when you have extra room in the fridge, FILL IT WITH BEER!

That's right....open space in fridge = room for more beer. Just stuff it with bottles, they will stop moving around, and your problem is solved. As a bonus, you don't run out of cold beer when you have that chance meeting with an old friend along the trail somewhere.

You gotta plan ahead people, PLAN AHEAD!!!

:sombrero:

or should it be:

:friday:



Yea, OK, so now you know the "goodtimes solution to all of mans problems".... cold beer!

[DaveInDenver]

My palate does not like the nectar of the god's in an aluminum holding case - no offense to my aluminum beer holding drinking brethren.
In general, I do agree with you. Guinness, Murphy's, Boddington's and Old Speckled Hen are canned options. But, being that Colorado has it's fair share of microbreweries and fun hogs who go places where glass is verboten, we are lucky to have several options for good beer that you can have in the can.

Oskar Blues (from Lyons) - these beers are 100% the real deal.
http://www.oskarblues.com/brew/

http://www.oskarblues.com/images/ten_fidy.jpg http://www.oskarblues.com/images/OldChubCanGlass.jpg http://www.oskarblues.com/images/New%20can_r2_c2.jpg http://www.oskarblues.com/images/gordon_can1.jpg

New Belgium's (from Ft. Fun) Fat Tire
http://www.newbelgium.com/beers_ft.php
http://www.9news.com/money/article.aspx?storyid=90429

http://www.9news.com/assetpool/images/080422072456_04-22-08-fat-tire.jpg

Ska Brewing's (from Durango) ESB
http://www.skabrewing.com/index.cfm?fa=category.display&category_id=9

http://www.skabrewing.com/assets/Images/brewmenu/SkaCan-on-ice-copy.jpg

[tdesanto]

Great thread Tony. I agree with the ice chest guy somewhat, although I am working towards the dual battery setup to power my new Engle.

Good Day!

Yeah, but the "ice chest guy" (articulate) finally converted to an Engel as well. :sport_box

Congrats on the new fridge! On the dual batt setup, don't go with dual red tops like you've seen done elsewhere. Make sure to go with dual purpose batteries (odyssey, optima, etc). This will help prevent battery failure if you need to run one down quite a bit (it will happen at some point).

[tdesanto]

These (http://www.sierraexpeditions.com/index.php?l=product_detail&p=368)have helped out tremendously in getting to the stuff at the bottom of the fridge (steaks, seafood, dairy, etc.).

These have solved problem #1 in the initial post. For the bottles rattling against each other, problem #2, I must admit that I've taken the "goodtimes" approach of filling it to the brim with beer and drinks. If it's full, then stuff tends to bounce and shift less. It also helps the fridge run more efficiently.

[Willman]

These (http://www.sierraexpeditions.com/index.php?l=product_detail&p=368)have helped out tremendously in getting to the stuff at the bottom of the fridge (steaks, seafood, dairy, etc.).


I need to get a few of those baskets!

Thanks for the heads up!

:safari-rig:

[adventureduo]

I need to order a pair of those baskets, i keep forgetting.

Anyways, i just keep our fridge full at all times to keep from rattling things. Whenever i pull a beer, i put a fresh one in. Whenever i pull a water, i put one in. Until basically the last day of the trip... im generally full. I also have our fridge in the trailer, so if it rattles, i dont really care much.

[p1michaud]

2. How to prevent beer bottles from clanking, etc. when there's not as much food in the fridge.

Tony,
Superb thread, I don't know how I've missed it up untill now. Easy solution to problem #2, drink more/quicker so that your fridge is empty of bottles or I like goodtimes's suggestion. :sombrero:


There is a simple solution....when you have extra room in the fridge, FILL IT WITH BEER! :bowdown:



These (http://www.sierraexpeditions.com/index.php?l=product_detail&p=368)have helped out tremendously in getting to the stuff at the bottom of the fridge (steaks, seafood, dairy, etc.).

I'll have to pick up some of these as well.
Cheers,
P

[Bergger]

New Belgium's (from Ft. Fun) Fat Tire
http://www.newbelgium.com/beers_ft.php
http://www.9news.com/money/article.aspx?storyid=90429

http://www.9news.com/assetpool/images/080422072456_04-22-08-fat-tire.jpg



I am so excited to see this!! Finally one of my favorite beers in a can so I can take it camping. I don't like to pack bottles. It's supposed to come out mid June. I may have to call them and road trip up there and pick up a few cases to make sure I have it for my June trips.

[tdesanto]

Tony,
Superb thread, I don't know how I've missed it up untill now.

Thank you, Pierre


I am so excited to see this!! Finally one of my favorite beers in a can so I can take it camping. I don't like to pack bottles.

I'm stoked to see more great beers offered in cans. I'm going to start searching for them. Less trash; less weight when emptied.

[Fergie]

New Belgium's (from Ft. Fun) Fat Tire
http://www.newbelgium.com/beers_ft.php
http://www.9news.com/money/article.aspx?storyid=90429

http://www.9news.com/assetpool/images/080422072456_04-22-08-fat-tire.jpg

This is the best post of the thread!

Now...if they can do that with the 1554, I'd be set for life!

As to bottles clanking, if I dont use the six pack as the divider, I just pack lunch meat bags and such between the bottles to keep things right.

G

[Bergger]

Now...if they can do that with the 1554, I'd be set for life!


Now that's a good beer!!