What is the best picnic cooler...

[Creighton]

Hello All,

I do some camping and can't bring the v56 along so what is a good choice? The current fleet of colemans just don't have the same mojo :-)

Thanks and best,
Creighton

[racerx45]

Hi Creighton,
 The one I use is a Acton Deluxe made for Coca-Cola in the 50’s. They are pretty easy to find and not too expensive. The one I have is aluminum, but most are steel. One nice feature is that it has latches (1 on each end) separate from the handles; this prevents the top opening if the handle gets pushed on during travel. It also has 3 handles, 1 on each end that fold down and a long one that runs the length of the cooler. It has a built in bottle opener and a drain on the side. It holds about 36 10oz bottles so should be good for a weekend trip; I don’t think you will find many vintage coolers much bigger than this (there is one that holds 48 bottles).
   If you are looking for WOW factor Acton made a ”coolerette” stand that you would set you cooler (either a Acton standard or giant) on, this raises it 21” off the ground and has a space under it for storage.
Hope this helps out,
Steve

[Creighton]

Hi Steve,

Helps a bunch, Thanks! The search for one (or two) is on.

Regret the 21" is just about bear nose height. Haven't seen one yet that could open a bottle though, wild pigs and possums maybe :-)

I should have checked sooner, but are there pictures of these coolers? Will take a look now.

Thanks again!!!
Creighton

[Creighton]

Steve,

Could you please post a photo of your cooler?  Search of this site and internet in general isn't finding anything on Acton Coolers. No doubt I'm missing something somewhere...

Thanks,
Creighton

[racerx45]

I can post a pic. It might be a few days to dig it out of storage.

[Creighton]

If you get a chance that would be great.
Best,
Creighton

[MoonDawg]

We have all seen the reproduction 6-pack picnic coolers, selling for about $130.00. They were probably designed for the guys at the car shows. Nice but don't hold much.
The full size coolers are much better for camping, but get pretty heavy when full.  Plus, after purchase and restoration, could cost $300 to $400.
Just discovered a "Low Boy" reproduction has been made.
 Ebay # 3602662383.

[racerx45]

Creighton,
 Here is the picture of my Acton Deluxe, as you can see it is sliver not red, that is because it is aluminum. The steel ones are painted red and have the “ribbed” sides, but I think the steel is smooth instead of the “crinkle” finish the aluminum one have. It is a very useable cooler and if you can find one of the aluminum ones that will help with the weight issue.
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[Creighton]

MoonDawg,

Thanks for the information, that helps!

racerx45,

That is a really nice cooler!!! Looks to be perfect. Thanks for taking the time to get a pic. Great start to the new forum.

Best to all,
Creighton