Changing the Center Console to a Cooler..

So I drive a 2002 stepside prerunner. I have had many thoughts of changing the center console (or at least the comparment below the center console) into a cooler/icebox.. Has anyone else thought of this idea? Any suggestions on how I can make this happen? I have several ideas. One is to foam out the bottom comparment put a balloon in it blown up and let it set then pop the balloon and take it out and drill hole so the water can drain and filling it with ice. Next idea was to find a small electric cooler bout the size of that space and put it in there.??

 

Something like this?: http://bputah.com/LR3/Land_Range_Rover_Sport_Center_Console_Cooler_Box_B.jpg

Range Rover.

 

Sorry I'm not of any help but just had to say BRILLIANT!!!!!!
and wanted to ask about how much room you'd have for drinks in it?

 

my wife bought me one of these a few years ago.. we love it and holds a few..beverages... mine holds 6...

Clicky

 

I like that idea there st Andrew . I need to just take out that whole console and compartment and measure I and go from there !

 

I had a small portable one that plugged into the cigarette lighter. It was both a cooler and you could switch it on to a heater. I would just buy one those and be done with it.

 

That thing is cool!
where did you get that cooler/ heater??

 

Its made from Koolatron. Overstock.com has them cheaper than anywhere else.


http://www.overstock.com/Sports-Toy...pspla&ef_id=UevjHAAAABUcajxw:20130724170940:s

 

I really like this idea alot THANKS!!! The only thing that bothers me about this is that I will have to cut the console thats already in the truck to make this fit, then I would be loosing my console. Im gonna keep doing some research and see what else I can find. I will most definitely keep this suggestion in my mind and more than likely make this work!! Thanks again!!!

 

It actually fits very neatly behind the passenger seat in the rear so you can grab and go from the drivers seat.

 

Just checked into the thread and never thought about that, i have one of those heating/cooler fridge, i usually just keep it in the back but great idea!

 

I think I have come to a conclusion that will work best for my truck. I just cant seem to part ways with the center console. Plus I need the "backseat space" (haaa like there really is any). I think I have decided to get a toolbox that fits nicely and is deep and just install the cooler/heater in there so It will be safe and not take up the "backseat space" (haaa gets me everytime), run some power back there and bam I'll have killed two birds with one stone, Toolbox/Cooler/Heater... LOL Now this has become a tedious task of reading forum page and google page after another trying to locate a toolbox that will fit in my truck. I have the 2002 xtra cab prerunner stepside Tacoma.. The stepside truck beds are built smaller and tighter than the normal tacos. Can anyone help link me up to a good site that sells some boxes. I realllllllllly dont wanna spend $300 plus I want a black box... Suggestions needed!!!

 

Putting it into a toolbox probably isn't the best idea unless you cut vent holes where its fan hole is. It's not gonna be able to exchange heat effectively for very long and your toolbox is gonna get pretty warm

 

I agree. I couldn't imagine trying to pack any kind of sandwich, meat, or fruit and not have it spoil or contaminate within hours from the August temps. Personally I don't think it's a good idea, but hey it's your truck. Also the temps on the outside of our truck in the summer are easily in the triple digits of +100 degrees. Your ice wouldn't stand a chance either.

 

In Phoenix, most days my truck is 145-155° (My ultragauge screams at me when I turn the truck on), even seen 168°. That is with the sunroof opened all day to vent out the heat and the windshield visor in place. From experience a tool box can get much hotter than that. That is why there isn't a lot of tried and true coolers that can handle the heat. The cheap ones wont last more than a summer and the good ones are $$$.

OP, although I like your original line of thinking, I think your only real option, if you live in a warm climate, is to get an ARB (or similar) frig and take up the seat in the back. Or stop for ice often enough.

 

I was thinking of getting one of these a while ago for the back seat...

 

where can i get one and how much^

 

I found it on Ebay. I could not find any more info about these or anywhere else to buy one.

http://www.ebay.com/itm/Genuine-Toy...cessories&hash=item257495633b&vxp=mtr&afsrc=1

 

Gonna keep my eyes on this.

 

Wow! That toyota console is exactly what Im looking for!! Plus I live in the south and It can get hot here and humid. I was gonna find a way to vent the cooler but I think now for the $$ That cooler console is awesome. I work for a Dealership and Imma try and find me a part number for this Toyota ice cooler box console thingy! If anyone can beat me to the punch have at it Im gonna find out that part number! Thanks everyone for your input on this!!