Peter Donegan, a second generation truck driver, knows all too well how hard it can be to stay cool in the cabin on those hot and balmy summer nights.
A former long distance truck driver, it was back in 2001, while doing the Melbourne to Brisbane express run, that Peter had a lightbulb moment.
It was while he was sweltering in his truck that he came up with the idea for the Transcool portable cooler.
“I was finding it impossible to stay cool while I was sleeping in the truck,” Peter said.
“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.
“It’s a jack of all trades unit that can be used while stationary or on the go.”
Peter has been around trucking all his life – with his father and uncles all working as truck drivers.
For Peter, he started out driving trucks and went on to manage the family’s transport business, while at the same time building up a new business of his own – Transcool.
“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 began manufacturing the Transcool product from his garage, before eventually moving into a dedicated factory there.
His unique concept is 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.
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 an evaporative cooling unit that’s really easy to use. Simply fill it with water or ice and plug it into the cigarette lighter socket of your vehicle, 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.
For more information, visit transcool.info.