The 7 Best Coolers for Road Trips That Everyone Wants
When it comes to road trips, a reliable cooler is a must-have. Whether you’re planning a weekend getaway or a cross-country adventure, you’ll need a cooler that can keep your food and drinks cold for days on end. But with so many options on the market, it can be hard to know which one to choose. That’s why we’ve put together this list of the 7 best coolers for road trips.
1. Yeti Tundra
The Yeti Tundra is one of the most popular coolers on the market, and for good reason. Known for its exceptional ice retention, this cooler can keep your food and drinks cold for days on end. The rotomolded construction and extra thick walls make it one of the most durable options out there, and it even comes with tie-down points to keep it secure in your vehicle.
Pros:
- Excellent ice retention
- Durable rotomolded construction
- Tie-down points for secure transport
Cons:
- Pricey
- Heavy
2. Pelican Elite
The Pelican Elite is a heavy-duty cooler that’s designed to withstand extreme conditions. It’s constructed with rotomolded polyethylene, which makes it one of the most durable options on the market. It also comes with a built-in fish ruler and a tie-down point for secure transport.
Pros:
- Durable rotomolded construction
- Built-in fish ruler
- Tie-down point for secure transport
Cons:
- Pricey
- Heavy
3. Engel Drybox Cooler
Another popular option for its exceptional ice retention, the Engel Drybox Cooler is a reliable choice for road trips. Its rotomolded construction makes it extremely durable and it also comes with tie-down points to keep it secure in your vehicle.
Pros:
- Excellent ice retention
- Durable rotomolded construction
- Tie-down points for secure transport
Cons:
- Pricey
- Heavy
4. RTIC Ultra-Light Hard Cooler
The RTIC Ultra-Light Hard Cooler is an option that’s known for its impressive ice retention and durability. It’s rotomolded construction and extra thick walls make it a great choice for road trips. It also comes with tie-down points to keep it secure in your vehicle. A true stand out on this list of the best coolers for road trips.
Pros:
- Excellent ice retention
- Durable rotomolded construction
- Tie-down points for secure transport
Cons:
- Heavy
5. Igloo MaxCold
A classic option for outdoor adventures, the Igloo MaxCold is a great choice and is the cheapest cooler on this list of the best coolers for road trips. Its Ultratherm commercial insulation in the body and lid will keep ice for up to 5 days in 90 degree weather. It also has a fish measuring ruler on the lid and tie-down points to keep it secure in your vehicle.
Pros:
- Affordable
- Excellent ice retention
- Fish measuring ruler on the lid
- Tie-down points for secure transport
Cons:
- Not as durable as rotomolded coolers
6. Coleman Steel Belted Cooler
The Coleman Steel Belted Cooler is a classic cooler that’s known for its durability and performance. It has a rust-resistant steel exterior and can keep ice for up to 4 days. It also has a hinged lid with a built-in bottle opener and tie-down points to keep it secure in your vehicle.
Pros:
- Affordable
- Rust-resistant steel exterior
- Built-in bottle opener
- Tie-down points for secure transport
Cons:
- Not as durable as rotomolded coolers
- Not as good ice retention as rotomolded coolers
7. Orca 20 Quart Cooler
The Orca 20 Quart Cooler is known for its durability and ice retention. It’s rotomolded construction makes it extremely durable and it also comes with tie-down points to keep it secure in your vehicle. It also has a built-in ruler and a bottle opener. This is my favorite on this list of the best coolers for road trips.
Pros:
- Excellent ice retention
- Durable rotomolded construction
- Built-in ruler and a bottle opener
- Tie-down points for secure transport
Cons:
- Pricey
- Heavy
Frequently Asked Questions
How long can a cooler keep food cold?
It depends on the type of cooler and the conditions it’s being used in, but most high-quality coolers can keep food cold for several days.
What is the difference between rotomolded and injection-molded coolers?
Rotomolded coolers are made by heating and molding plastic in a rotational mold, while injection-molded coolers are made by injecting plastic into a mold. Rotomolded coolers are generally more durable and have better ice retention.
How do I clean my cooler?
It’s recommended to clean your cooler with warm soapy water and a mild detergent. Be sure to rinse it thoroughly and leave it open to dry before storing it.
How do I keep my cooler cold for longer?
To keep your cooler cold for longer, pre-cool it before you load it up with food and drinks. You can also add ice packs or block ice to help keep the contents cold. Also, try to limit the amount of times you open the cooler, as this can cause the temperature inside to rise.
How do I choose the right size cooler for my road trip?
Consider the number of people you’ll be traveling with and the length of your trip when choosing the size of your cooler. A larger cooler will be able to hold more food and drinks, but it may also be more difficult to transport. Be sure to also consider the available space in your vehicle, and choose a cooler that will fit comfortably.
In conclusion, there are many coolers available in the market, it’s always best to do some research and consider your specific needs before making a purchase. The above list of the best coolers for road trips are known for their durability and performance, and are a great choice for road trips. Always keep in mind the size, ice retention and durability while making a purchase.
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