Back in 2001, former long distance truck driver Peter Donegan came up with a unique concept while sweltering in the truck cabin one balmy summer night – the Transcool portable cooler.
As he explained, “At the time I was doing the Melbourne to Brisbane express run. I was finding it impossible to stay cool while I was sleeping in the truck.
“On that particular night, it was especially hot, so I started drawing up some sketches and plans for a personal cooler – and it just went from there. Now we’re selling these personal coolers worldwide.”
Peter comes from a family of truckies and followed in the footsteps of his father and uncles. From driving trucks, he went on to manage the family’s transport business, while at the same time building up a new business of his own.
“Once I had the idea, I needed to get people to make the parts and then it went from there. It started as a hobby and then became a full time job within about five years.”
Based in Kyneton in Central Victoria, Peter started manufacturing the Transcool product from his garage, before eventually moving into a dedicated factory in the town.
Transcool became a convenient and low cost option for trucks without air conditioning or parking coolers. “You can use them while you sleep but you can also use them to help keep you cool while you’re driving too,” added Peter.
Transcool is a lightweight, portable and versatile cooler, which Peter describes as a “jack of all trades unit”. It can be used while stationary or on the go. Along with being a great option for inside the truck, it’s become a popular choice for camping and leisure – in four wheel drives, caravans, motorhome, tents and boats too.
Transcool is a compact and lightweight evaporative unit that you simply fill with water or ice and plug into your cigarette lighter socket, or your power point at home.
As it’s dual voltage, it can be plugged into both a 12 volt or 24 volt vehicle, as well as 240v electricity.
It has an extremely low current draw ranging from 0.7 when set on low for while you’re sleeping, through to a maximum of 1.7 amps. For added peace of mind, Transcool also features a low voltage cut-out.
Over the last 20+ years, Peter has continued to grow and build on his product, with Transcool now shipped throughout the United States of America, Europe and Asia.
“Although the Transcool is not a full refrigerated air conditioning unit that can cool down an entire area, it is an affordable portable solution that can be taken and used anywhere you need a cool fresh breeze blowing on you,” added Peter.
For more information about Transcool, please visit the website at transcool.info or call 0418 510 862.