Relaxing with an ice-cold beverage in a comfy chair outside the RV is one of the best parts about camping. But without an RV cooler, you have to going in and out, in and out, in and out of your cabin. Which means your cool RV air is also going (you guessed it) in and out. The usefulness an RV cooler isn’t hard to understand. But who’s got the best RV cooler? You know, the one that’s right for you.
As you might expect, not all camping coolers are the same. When shopping for the best RV cooler for you, you definitely want one that performs when the heat is on. That means it should keep ice from melting, be sturdy, and actually be practical for RV living. Since everyone has their own way of using a cooler when they RV, we looked at two basic types of coolers: ice chest coolers and thermoelectric coolers. Between those two categories, we’ve listed our four favorites.
So, let’s take a look and see which is the best RV cooler for you!
Why You Need an RV Cooler
Sure, we can already hear some of you: “But my RV has a fridge!” Need we remind you of the importance of airflow and cool air retention in the summer? But, for those of you who need a nudge, let me lay this out.
- Keep beverages handy. Relaxing with an ice cold beverage outside the RV is one of the best parts about camping. Having an RV cooler allows you to keep beverages and snacks at hand when you’re chilling in your favorite camping chair.
- Supplemental storage. Sometimes you need extra food storage. Like when you’re feeding a crowd. (Think of family reunions.)
- Multifunctionality. Multifunctional items can save space in the RV. So, a cooler that’s sturdy enough to be an impromptu seating or a step stool to reach high cabinet shelves makes a lot of sense for RV life..
- Energy conservation. Coolers that cool with ice can save propane or electricity so you can stay out camping longer.
- Just in case. Even though most RVs already have a fridge, having a cooler offers a means of keeping food from spoiling in the event of a fridge malfunction.
3 Incredibly Chill Ice Chest Coolers
Ice chest coolers offer the simplest means of keeping beverages cold and food from spoiling. Load them up with two parts ice to one part food, and you’re good to go for at least 72 hours — no electricity required. Quite simply, they’re a practical choice for either day trips or weekend camping getaways, but they’re also very portable. (They’re great for picnics too.)
The following three are the best of three categories: small, large, and wheeled.
Best Small Cooler: YETI Roadie 24
The YETI Roadie 24 Cooler is the perfect sidekick for a road trip. This small cooler holds up to 36 cans — or enough food and beverages for one or two day trippers. But there’s more to love here too. Even though this cooler tucks away easily behind the driver’s seat, it’s tall enough to store wine bottles. Not only that, but its sturdy construction allows it to be used as extra seating when needed.
Features
- Ten (10) color choices
- Holds up to 36 cans, 11 bottles of wine, or 26 pounds of ice
- Polyethylene insulation keeps ice for up to 72 hours
- Removable carry strap and built in handles make it easy to carry around
- Has a drain plug for easy drainage
- Holds most wine bottles and two-liter soda bottles upright
- Sturdy construction, never-fail hinges, no-slip feet, and an anchor-point tiedown system
- Perfect height to act as a side table, spare seating or a step stool
- 5-year warranty
Specs
- Weight: 13 pounds
- Exterior measurements: 16.6 inches (W) x 14 inches (D) x 17.4 inches (H)
- Interior measurements: 10.8 inches (W) x 8.1 inches (D) x 13.4 inches (H)
- Price at YETI.com: $250.00
Best Large Cooler: RTIC 52 Quart Ultra-Light Cooler
A large capacity cooler lets you pack food and beverages for multiday adventures or multiple travelers. This is where the 52-Quart RTIC Ultra Light Cooler excels. This large cooler combines extended cooling capacity and light weight. It’s engineered to keep ice cold for days, but it weighs just 21 pounds. And lightweight doesn’t make it flimsy either. It’s strong and sturdy enough to stand on or sit on.
Features
- Eight (8) color choices
- Holds 76 cans or 51 pounds of ice
- Three (3) inches of insulation to keep things cold for days
- Lightweight and easy to carry due to its injection molded construction
- Two (2) drainage holes and Rapid V-Drain System for quick and easy draining in any position
- Durable T-latches clamp down lid securely
- Non-skid rubber feet that help keep the cooler in place, even on the smoothest and most slippery surfaces
- Marine-grade nylon rope handles with comfortable hand grips, molded-in side handles, and tiedown slots to attach to boat, trailer or truck bed
- Traction lid that can be used as a casting platform
- Integrated locking system that allows the cooler to be secured
Specs
- Weight: 21 pounds
- Exterior Dimensions: 27.25 inches (W) x 17.25 inches (D) x 17 inche (H)
- Interior Dimensions: 21.25 inche (W) x 12 inches (D) x 12 inches (H)
- Price at RTICOutdoors.com: $229.00
Best Wheeled Cooler: YETI Roadie 48
Let’s be real: Hauling a cooler full of goodies, beverages, and ice can get old pretty quickly. The YETI 48 allows you to tote the weight of your picnicking supplies on two sturdy wheels. Its unique collapsing handle is easy to store out of the way when you aren’t using it. A rugged, space-saving design allows for easy storage in the RV or other vehicle.
Features
- Six (6) color choices
- Rolls wherever you need it easily
- Fits 76 cans or 54 pounds of ice
- Holds most wine bottles and two-liter soda bottles upright.
- Removable dry goods basket for keeping snacks and ice separate
- Polyethylene insulation keeps ice for up to 72 hours
- Built-in handles make it easier to lift
- Has a drain plug for easy drainage
- Sturdy construction, never-fail hinges, no-slip feet, and an anchor-point tiedown system
- Perfect height to act as a side table, spare seating or a step stool
- 5-year warranty
Specs
- Weight: 28.3 pounds
- Exterior Dimensions: 16.8 inches (W) x 20.1 inches (D) x 20.8 inches (H)
- Interior Dimensions: 14.5 inches (W) x 11.2 inches (D) x 15.8 inches (H)
- Price on YETI.com: $425.00
One Exceptional Thermoelectric Cooler
Thermoelectric coolers can be a great fit for RVers or vanlifers who need a cooler for long term food or beverage storage. They’re also a great choice for anyone who wants to keep food and beverages cool without ice. Of course, you’ll need a 240-volt or 12-volt electric supply to run one of these coolers, but they use minimal power.
Dometic CFX5 75 Dual-Zone Powered Cooler
The Dometic CFX5 75 Dual-Zone Powered Cooler is the perfect ice-free solution for long camping trips and/or vanlife. Some of its best features are that it has 2twocooling zones to keep ice cream from melting and veggies from freezing. However, it’s still the right size to fit neatly onto on a slide out tray or in the back of a pickup to serve as an outdoor fridge when needed.
Features
- Twenty (20) gallon capacity holds 113 cans (great for road trips or extended nomadic travel)
- Durable exoframe design with reinforced corners and edges
- Weatherproof operating display
- Integrated USB port for recharging electronic devices
- Soft-touch buttons
- Powerful compressor with variable motor speed optimization
- Removable wire divider
- Interior light
- Temperature range of minus 7 degree Fahrenheit to 68 degree Fahrenheit
- Uses less power than a 60-watt light bulb
- Bluetooth smartphone app
- App can alert you when the lid is open
- Powered by AC (110–240-volt), DC (12/24-volt) or solar panels
Specs
- Weight: 59 pounds 12.2 ounces
- Exterior dimensions: 35.1 inches (W) x 19.5 inches (D) x 18.6 inches (H)
- Materials: 32 percent metal, 28 percent plastic, 26 percent other fibers, 14 percent polyurethane
- Price at REI.com: $1,350.00
An Ice-Cold Ace Up Your Sleeve
Summer RV adventures are all about freedom and fun and great food. There are the memories you’ll treasure for a lifetime. However, warm drinks and spoiled food can put a damper on the fun. That’s why investing in an RV cooler isn’t just a luxury —it’s a practical upgrade that’s an essential part of any road trip or camping adventure..
Whether you opt for the rugged durability and impressive ice retention of an ice chest cooler or the consistent cooling power of an thermoelectric cooler, the right choice will keep your provisions perfectly chilled. And that, my friend, is one cool ace up your sleeve for the summer.
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