I just had a crazy idea about an MLT and wanted some input for folks like the guy who started this thread, it may be worth considering.
First off, I'll make no bones about it... I'm on a STRICT budget... and I have no space at all to speak of. Things have to be collapsible, cheap, and simple. The main reason I haven't gone AG is that I don't have the space for a cooler... especially not a hideous orange one. And I'm not crazy about dropping $50 for something I'm going to hack into... so I got this idea.... it's a take off on an old idea, but I think it's a new idea...
I read about Papazian using two 5 gal buckets with holes drilled in the inner bucket. Not bad... but why not go one step farther... Create a manifold, just like the manifold in the Gott cooler system that guys are using... Put it in the bucket, plumbing it not through the side of the bucket, but through the BOTTOM of the bucket using some compression fittings to hold tight against the plastic bottom. Then you've got a great little MLT. But to make it even better, get a second plastic bucket. Put one inside the other, drill a hole through the outer one and run the manifold through the bottom of the outer bucket as well. Now you've got some insulation value as well... just add a valve for adjust flow and you should have a good MLT....
The cost of two 5 gallon buckets? Less than $10. The cost of a 5 gallon cooler? $40+... right? The insulation value should be about the same for the two.
So what do you think? 5 gallon MLT for under $30 should be doable...