I'm not sure if this is the right place to ask this or not. I want to have a cooler pluged in the rear power outlet and was wondering if there is a way to plug a solar panel in the front oulet to keep the battery charged. I would like to be able to leave the cooler running while hiking that way I can keep food and drinks cold. If anyone has done this or has an idea on how to do it pls post.
Thanks

Smee2003,

I think there is a better solution.

A reasonably sized, and priced, solar panel would not be large enough to generate that much power. EX: 150 bucks only buys 15 watts. Typically, solar panels are used only as trickle-chargers.

For high-drain, like your cooler, I have one of those portable jumpstart systems, available at Walmart, Sam's, etc. for about 30 smackers. It has a 12v battery with a plug that goes into the aux power receptacle to keep it charged. It has a built-in air compressor, work light, jumper cables, and its own aux power outlet. Keep it plugged in while driving to maintain charge. When parked, unplug the portable system from the car, and plug your cooler into it. That way, the cooler won't run down the main battery.

Plus, you have the light, compressor, and jump-start available, should you need to lend assistance to some hapless Scion driver.

Or just stick your drink container+beverage of choice in the freezer the night before. :) If you want to "prolong the frozen" you can put the drinksicles in a little cooler.