Keep cool project

[JOENAPIER]

In the bed of my truck is a black plastic storage / tool box. In this box I keep a fly rod, waders, gear of various kinds, jumper cables, tools, etc...

In the summer this box gets hot in the sun. I worry that some of the items may not do well in the heat. I would like to modify the box to keep it cooler.

I have several ideas, some good and some kooky. I’ll reserve to disclose them and invite you to throw out ideas. What do you think?

 

[IRstuff]

White finish if that's all you can do
Sunshade

TTFN (ta ta for now)
I can do absolutely anything. I'm an expert!

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[JOENAPIER]

Would white be cooler or would covering the top with reflective material be better?

 

[JOENAPIER]

Drill air holes in the sides but not in a locations where rain can get in.

 

[JOENAPIER]

Drill air holes in one side and install a fan controlled by a thermostat in the other.

 

[EdStainless]

Build a shade for it, out of nice shinny sheet metal, and have it spaced a just bit (1/2") off of the surface.
This will reflect most sun while allowing air to circulate between then so that it does not conduct much heat to the box.

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P.E. Metallurgy, Plymouth Tube

 

[IRstuff]

I would go with white for the box and the shade. Holes are a non-starter; if there's rain, it will find its way inside.

TTFN (ta ta for now)
I can do absolutely anything. I'm an expert!

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[chicopee]

With all the above suggestion, let's try one more and that is evaporative cooling. Have a small puddle of water, perhaps a 1/4" deep on the black liner if you can keep the water from draining out of the tailgate or mount a small water tank in the back and run up a perforated hose delivery a fine spray of water on the black liner.