A few things we do before our trips. I freeze water bottles and put in freezer and fridge. The empty hot space is displaced with the cold items and then cools down quickly. Remember to use the fridge fan. Moving air is how these things work best. My meat is frozen before its put in the freezer. As the system cools then replace the water bottles with the food. Any water bottles left in will continue to help cool and or be ready to drink upon arrival. We use the water foam sticks cut to size to wedge things in the door or inside, works amazingly well and light as air. Also used is the cupboard bars for the fridge, we've had no problems. Our model has just the one fridge and not the cooler though. Good luck, happy camping!