How to Use a Coleman 12-Volt Cooler

Connect the cooler to a portable battery. Plug the cooler's cigarette-lighter cord into the battery clip adapter. Clamp the negative and positive terminals on the adapter onto the battery's negative and positive terminals. Never allow the positive and negative clamps to touch, as this will cause a dangerous electric shock.

Connect the cooler to your automobile or recreational vehicle by plugging the cord from the cooler into your vehicle's cigarette lighter.

Use a 120-volt DC power supply to use the cooler in your home. Plug the cooler's cigarette-lighter cord into the power supply. Plug the power supply into a power outlet to start the cooler.

Place your food in the cooler. The cooler will automatically start to operate and cool your food. If you use a battery, the cooler will work for 27 to 48 hours, depending on the power of the battery. For example, if the battery's rating is 1625 amps, the cooler will operate for approximately 48 hours. Check the battery's charge capacity before purchasing it. A high level of amps means that the cooler will work longer. The food and drinks will chill in three hours.