Rubbermaid Thermo-Electric Travel Cooler and Warmer Instruction Manual

Thermo-Electric
Travel Cooler™
and Warmer
VEC213RB
OWNER’S MANUAL
& WARRANTY INFORMATION
IMPORTANT SAFETY INFORMATION, SAVE THESE INSTRUCTIONS
THIS MANUAL CONTAINS IMPORTANT INFORMATION REGARDING THE
OPERATION AND WARRANTY OF THIS PRODUCT. PLEASE READ CAREFULLY
BEFORE USE AND RETAIN FOR FUTURE REFERENCE
www.vectormfg.com
Rubbermaid®is a registered trademark of Rubbermaid,Inc. used under license.
All rights reserved. 2005 Rubbermaid, Inc.
VEC213RB_Manual_011305.qxd 1/17/05 2:52 PM Page iv

8
•Cooler/warmer is not cooling or heating, but fan is turning.
Cooling unit is defective. Call Customer Service department (800) 618-5168 for
return/replacement instructions. This unit is not user-serviceable, it must be
returned to manufacturer for professional service or repair. Any attempt to service
by user will void warranty.
•Travel Cooler/Warmer takes longer than 30 minutes to reach desired temperature
inside
– Low battery or supply voltage.
– Unit will attain desired temperature more efficiently if items are pre-heated
or pre-chilled.
– Fan area is blocked – move unit or object.
SPECIFICATIONS
Capacity: 16 can / 12 liter / 3.1 gallons (US)
Operating Voltage: 12 volt DC
Low Voltage Cut-Off: Automatically shuts off (down) when vehicle battery
voltage drops below 10.7 volt DC
Power Cord: 7', with fuse protected (5-amp) plug
Amperage Draw: Approx. 3.7 amps (45 watts)
Cooling Performance: Cools to average 40ºF (22ºC) below ambient
temperature
Warming Performance: Warms to average 120°F (48.8ºC)
Cold/Heat Transfer: Temperature efficient, aluminum-coated liner
Insulation: CFC-free polyurethane liner
Heat Dissipation: Built-in fan (long-life, brushless motor)
Warm/Cool System: Non-wearing thermo-electric
Dimensions: 9.76"W x 18.9"D x 12.5"H
Weight: 8.85 lbs.
1
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Important Safety Information . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1
Introduction . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1
Important Suggestions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2
Features . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3
Using the Travel Cooler/Warmer as a Cooler . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4
Using the Travel Cooler/Warmer as a Warmer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5
Connecting to a Portable 12 Volt DC Power Supply, for Use Away From Vehicle . . . 6
Fuse Replacement . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7
Care and Maintenance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7
Troubleshooting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7
Specifications . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8
IMPORTANT SAFETY INFORMATION
•This cooler/warmer is not a toy, keep it away from children.
•DO NOT allow this unit to become wet. Operate only when dry.
•This unit does not automatically turn on and off.
•The interior of this unit gets quite hot in warming mode. Keep small children from
opening unit when warming.
•DO NOT operate unattended for extended periods of time.
• This cooler/warmer has a built-in low voltage cut off. When operating from a
vehicle battery, make sure you check the LOW VEHICLE BATTERY LED indicator
on the cooler after 3-4 hours of operation. You may have to start your engine to
recharge the vehicle battery.
•DO NOT overstuff cooling/heating chamber. Airflow between food containers
keeps temperature more even.
•Allow airflow around fan area – blocking airflow will slow cooling or heating.
•Not approved for medical use.
CAUTION
To reduce the risk of damage to the DC plug and cord pull by DC plug
rather than cord when disconnecting.
Make sure cord is located so that it will not be stepped on, tripped
over, or otherwise subject to damage or stress.
INTRODUCTION
Thank you for choosing the Rubbermaid Thermo-Electric Travel Cooler &
Warmer, one of the most advanced, state-of-the-art units on the market today.
Please read this manual carefully before use to ensure optimum performance and
avoid damage to the unit itself or power sources from which it operates.
The Rubbermaid Thermo-Electric Travel Cooler & Warmer is compact,
lightweight, and portable. It provides convenient storage for cold or hot beverages
and foods, making conventional insulation-only coolers, thermal bottles and jars
and insulated chests obsolete.
VEC213RB_Manual_011305.qxd 1/17/05 2:52 PM Page 8

7
Note: When used with a rechargeable power supply, a full-charge on the power
source is recommended for optimum performance.
FUSE REPLACEMENT
The power cord is fuse-protected against short-circuiting, by a 5-amp fuse located
in the tip of the 12 volt DC plug. If the DC socket is powered, but the unit does not
operate, then the cooler/warmer fuse may be open.
To inspect or replace the DC Power Cord Fuse:
1. Unscrew the end-cap of the power cord plug.
2. Remove fuse, inspect it for an open element, and replace with a new 5-amp
fuse, if needed.
3. Re-attach the end-cap to the plug.
4. If new fuse opens, call Customer Service department at (800) 618-5168 for
further instructions and possible return/replacement. This unit is not user-
serviceable, it must be returned to manufacturer for professional service or
repair. Any attempt to service by user will void warranty.
CARE AND MAINTENANCE
The Rubbermaid Thermo-Electric Travel Cooler & Warmer is ruggedly
constructed to provide years of dependable service.
•After each use, clean the unit, inside and out, with a soft cloth and mild soap
solution.
•Do not scrape, scratch or puncture the surface of the cooler with sharp objects or
abrasives.
•Dry the unit properly and store in a cool, dry place.
•Always make sure the power cord is disconnected before storing.
•Never allow the cooler/warmer to be immersed in liquid.
TROUBLESHOOTING
Problem/Possible Cause/Remedy
•Travel Cooler/Warmer is not functioning as cooler or warmer (fan is not
turning).
Accessory outlet of DC power supply is not functioning – check by plugging
in a 12 volt DC appliance. If not, clean accessory outlet and re-connect the
Rubbermaid Thermo-Electric Travel Cooler & Warmer.
•Fuse or circuit breaker in accessory outlet is open. Reset breaker or check fuse,
and replace fuse if necessary.
• Ignition is switched off – start engine or switch ignition to “accessory” position.
• Fuse in unit’s power plug is blown – see Fuse Replacement section for location of
fuse and instructions for checking and replacing fuse.
•Cooler/warmer is not cooling or heating properly (fan is not turning).
Fan is defective. Call Customer Service department (800) 618-5168 for return/
replacement instructions. This unit is not user-serviceable, it must be returned to
manufacturer for professional service or repair. Any attempt to service by user will
void warranty.
2
For extended use:
Plug the Rubbermaid Thermo-Electric Travel Cooler & Warmer into
vehicle’s12 volt DC accessory outlet to keep food and drinks cold or warm. No
more digging around in melting ice and water for soggy foods and dripping drinks.
No need for ice, dry ice, or cold/hot packs. Ideal for use in a:
• Car
• Truck or SUV
• RV, mobile home, camper
• Boat
• Home or motel – use with the VEC004ARB AC/DC Converter.
• At the beach, on picnics, at the campground – use with battery power.
Completely portable:
Take the Rubbermaid Thermo-Electric Travel Cooler & Warmer with you,
wherever you go, to keep cold or hot food and drinks at just the right temperature.
IMPORTANT SUGGESTIONS
Rubbermaid Thermo-Electric Travel Cooler & Warmer cools like a
refrigerator and warms like an oven. For best performance, plug in the unit
approximately 2 hours before loading to give it time to warm up or cool down.
Always try to fill your unit with pre-chilled or preheated food or beverages, as the
unit will always perform at its best when you do this. Generally, your unit will cool
to as much as 40°F below the surrounding temperature. To ensure optimum
performance, always keep the unit out of direct sunlight when running on the cold
cycle. When the unit is running on the warm cycle, it will warm to approximately
120°F. On cold days, the unit will need more time to reach the maximum warm
temperature. To promote your unit’s cooling ability on warm days, try reusable
frozen ice packets. These are particularly helpful in keeping your unit cold while
unplugged. Contact Technical Support toll free at (800) 618-5168 for further
information.
The Rubbermaid Thermo-Electric Travel Cooler & Warmer can be used
with most food and beverages, either cold or hot. Use with standard household
containers or ready-to-use food and drink packaging. Ideal as a:
Cooler:
• Beverages – sodas, beer, wine, juice, milk, iced tea or coffee, shakes, thirst
quenchers, water and more – in cans, bottles, cartons, pouches,
sport bottles, etc.
• Food – salads, sandwiches, deli meats, hamburgers, hot dogs, meat or
fish, buns, condiments and dips, etc.
• Desserts – puddings, fruit cups, yogurts, etc.
• Snacks – fruit, candy, chocolate, cookies, fruit bars, chips, etc.
Warmer:
• Beverages – hot coffee and tea, cocoa, milk, etc.
• Food – leftovers, pre-packaged/pre-heated meals, take-out foods, soups,
covered dishes, stews, casseroles, etc.
VEC213RB_Manual_011305.qxd 1/17/05 2:52 PM Page 2

3
FEATURES:
•Compact, lightweight, completely portable – use with vehicle or boat’s
12 volt DC accessory outlet, or appropriate 12 volt DC power supply
•Non-wearing thermoelectric system cools to approx. 40ºF below surrounding air
temperature or warms to approx. 120ºF
•Built-in holder for two cups or two cans
•Use with standard household containers or ready-to use packaging
•Rests on vehicle seat or floor for easy access
•Padded lid
•Extra-long, 7-foot, 12 volt DC power cord with built-in 5-amp fuse protected plug
to protect the unit and power source
•Convenient, detachable shoulder strap for easy portability
•Durable, weather resistant construction with easy-open and close lid
•Environment-friendly, CFC-free, polyurethane liner
•Cold/heat transfer to foods via temperature-efficient liner
•Built-in heat dissipation fan with long-life, brushless motor
•HOT/OFF/COLD sliding power switch
•Automatic shut-off to prevent overheating of unit
•“COLD” and “HOT” LED indicators
CAUTIONS
• This unit is intended for use with a 12 volt DC power source that can
provide at least 4 amperes of current. DO NOT attempt to use with any
other power source.
• NEVER operate unit in an enclosed space. ALWAYS ensure that there is
adequate ventilation and free flow of air around the unit, so that air
expelled by the fan is effectively dissipated.
• When operating the unit in a vehicle or boat cabin, adequate ventilation
must be provided by an air conditioning system or open window. In a car
with windows up, air temperatures can reach 150 degrees F.
• This unit is intended for portable use only; it is not designed to be built-
in or recessed – this would interfere with the unit’s air dissipation system,
and could cause a fire or other safety hazard.
• Use only with the supplied power cord. If cord becomes worn or
damaged, discontinue use and call Customer Service department at
(800) 618-5168 for authorized replacement.
• Never allow the cooler/warmer to be immersed in water or other liquid.
This will void the warranty.
6
in the warmer be pre-heated. This will assist the warmer in reaching the
maximum temperature as quickly as possible.
• The warmer will continue to operate as long as the vehicle battery
provides power.
• If the vehicle engine is turned off, the unit will continue to draw power
(a minimal 5-amps or 60-watts) from the vehicle battery.
• If the engine is switched off for a long period (overnight) it is
recommended that the warmer be disconnected from the accessory
outlet to avoid draining the vehicle’s battery.
WARNINGS
• Food will stay warm for some time after the unit is disconnected or
turned off.
• Observe common sense hygiene rules, as with any warming unit. Do not
eat or drink perishable items that may have spoiled or become
contaminated.
CONNECTING TO A PORTABLE 12 VOLT DC POWER
SUPPLY, FOR USE AWAY FROM VEHICLE
•Make sure that the unit’s HOT/OFF/COLD switch is in the OFF position.
•Insert the 12 volt DC plug on the power cord into the AC/DC power adapter
socket.
•Continue with steps 3-11 for cooler or warmer function. Observe all
CAUTIONS AND WARNINGS.
Note: The unit will operate for approximately 2.5 hours from a fully charged 12 volt
DC portable power supply.
CONNECTING TO AN AC/DC CONVERTER (SOLD SEPARATELY)
• Plug converter’s (VEC004ARB-120V) power cord into standard 120 volt 60 HZ
outlet
• Make sure that unit’s HOT/OFF/COLD switch is in the off position
• Insert the 12 volt DC plug on the power cord into the AC/DC power adapter
socket.
• Continue with steps 3-11 for cooler or warmer function
OBSERVE ALL CAUTIONS AND WARNINGS.
VEC004ARB
(Sold Separately)
VEC213RB_Manual_011305.qxd 1/17/05 2:52 PM Page 6

5
CAUTIONS
• The cooler takes about 100-120 minutes to reach its maximum cool
temperature (approx. 40ºF below that of surrounding air). It is
recommended that items to be placed in the cooler be pre-chilled. This
will assist the cooler in reaching the lowest temperature as quickly as
possible.
• The cooler will automatically shut off (down) when vehicle battery power
falls below 10.7 volts.
• If the engine is switched off for a long period (overnight) it is
recommended that the cooler be disconnected from the accessory
outlet to avoid draining the vehicle’s battery.
WARNINGS
• Food will stay cool for some time after the unit is disconnected or turned
off, but temperature will rise to that of the surrounding air.
• Observe common sense hygiene rules, as with any cooling unit.
Do not eat or drink perishable items that may have spoiled or
become contaminated from lack of proper temperature control.
USING THE TRAVEL COOLER/WARMER AS A WARMER
1. Make sure that the unit’s HOT/OFF/COLD switch is in the OFF position. Start
vehicle, or turn ignition to “accessory” position.
2. Insert the DC plug into the vehicle’s 12 volt DC accessory outlet.
3. Move the HOT/OFF/COLD switch on the cooler to the HOT position.
4. The LED HOT indicator will light to show that the unit is warming.
5. Put items into the warmer and close the lid. Do not overstuff the warmer. The
unit’s warming system is monitored by an automatic switch that turns the heating
system on and off when excessively high temperatures are reached.
6. Keep warmer lid closed during operation, and reclose it quickly when adding
or removing items.
7. After use, turn the switch to the OFF position. Remove any food items.
8. Disconnect the power cord from the vehicle’s accessory outlet and from the
warmer.
9. Clean unit as described in the Care & Maintenance section of this manual.
10. Store in a cool, dry area out of direct sunlight.
11. Keep switch in OFF position for five minutes before switching between hot and
cold.
CAUTIONS
• The warmer is intended to maintain the temperature of pre-heated food
and beverages; it is not designed to warm cold items.
• The warmer takes about 30 minutes to reach its maximum warm
temperature (approx. 120ºF). It is recommended that items to be stored
4
USING THE TRAVEL COOLER/WARMER AS A COOLER
Connecting to a vehicle’s 12 volt DC accessory outlet,
for extended use:
1. Make sure that the unit’s HOT/OFF/COLD switch is in the OFF position. Start
vehicle, or turn ignition to “accessory” position.
2. Insert the DC plug into the vehicle’s 12 volt DC accessory outlet and the other
end into socket on cooler.
3. Move the HOT/OFF/COLD switch on the cooler to the COLD position.
4. The LED COLD indicator will light to show that the unit is cooling.
5. Put items into the cooler and close the lid. Do not overstuff the cooler, or keep
the lid from closing.
6. Keep cooler lid closed during operation and reclose it quickly when adding
items to it or removing items from it.
7. After use, turn the switch to the OFF position and empty the cooler.
8. Disconnect the power cord from the vehicle’s accessory outlet and from
the cooler.
9. Clean unit as described in the Care & Maintenance section of
this manual.
10. Store in a cool, dry area out of direct sunlight.
11. Keep switch in OFF position for five minutes before switching between hot and
cold.
BUILT-IN HEAT
DISSIPATION
FAN
PADDED
TOP
12 VOLT FUSE
PROTECTED DC PLUG
FOR USE WITH VEHICLE OR
CONVERTER POWER SOURCES
HOT/OFF/COLD
POWER SWITCH
HOT/COLD
LOW VEHICLE
BATTERY
LED INDICATORS
STORAGE
POUCH
VEC213RB_Manual_011305.qxd 1/17/05 2:52 PM Page 4
Table of contents
Other Rubbermaid Accessories manuals