Coolers...what kind, size and why???....GO!

I use a Lifetime 28 for daily stuff (always need a driving drink + office lunch). Also have a big cheap (Coleman probably?) for lake/camping. Never do more than a night or two, and nowhere crazy remote (read: no need to keep stuff cold for two weeks).

Lifetime fits nicely in the back seat, and I can pack it for the week and it stays cold.

 

I've been using a Coleman Xtreme Series Wheeled Cooler (50 Quart) since 2015. I like the wheels, extending handle and plug at the bottom to easily drain water. I strongly believe that I got my moneys worth and then some, but I am starting to look for something that will keep ice solid for a longer period of time.

 

have the big Lifetime......made in Utah

nice.......$100 shipped from Walmart.......

rope handles too long.....rubber feet will not let it slide......

Bear resistant.....I'd recommend one.....

 

Had a Lifetime 55 for a couple trips...ice lasted less than 2.5 days and the lid doesn't seal at all. Got rid of it...

Picked up a Canyon Outfitter 55 for my recent 5 day trip to southern Utah...stayed in the bed under my RTT with temps in the mid 90's the whole time, and I still had plenty of ice left when I got back.

And the Canyon warranty can't be beat...

 

I looked around at all manufacturers.. and just could not justify the $400-600 for a cooler that doesnt make its own ice.. so i did some searching and I found the Lifetime 77Qt. it's rotomolded same as yeti, orca, and others, had a 9 day ice retention (when you pack it full, layering ice, and items, and ice, and items, and ice..) typically about a 1/3 of your coolers capacity is taken by ice.. blocks tend to last a LOT longer so I typically get 3-4 blocks of ice in the bottom, and 2-3 bags of chipped ice to put on top of items... works great, box is durable, I wiegh 260lbs, and can stand on it no problems, has rubber latch tabs that hold tight, and when draining I have to open the lid as it creates a vacuum (means it has a good door seal..

the smaller version 55Qt the door seal just didnt look good at all and the design fell far short of the 77QT... and the capacity made up for it..

I can easily pack enough for a decent 7 day trip.. the bottom has anti-skid pads, and the drain has a hose type screw cap (so its possible to drain ice water into another vessel for cleanup)...

cleanup is easy.... garden hose it out with the drain plug removed, and then go over it with a soapy sponge, and a tiny bit of bleach then hose it off and rinse..

the rope handles are ok, and seem sturdy enough, but if they do break there is a ledge under the sides to grasp..

for $179 I couldnt find a better one... available at any walmart across the USA...

only con I can find is although it has all this space.. there are no accessories, no bins.. no tiedown bases.. etc... so i just strap my next to the tailgate to the2 tiedowns so it is easily accessible on the trail for a drink, or mid trail lunch, or cooled snack...

 

Meats and veggies in the RTIC 20 with shock packs and beer, drinks, etc in a Coleman Extreme with ice. Costco has some good coolers for around $40-60.

 

I got the Pelican 70qt. I love it. Lifetime warranty, made in the USA. The drain spout allows you to attach a hose to it to drain your water away from camp.

 

Lifetime 55 for me. Had great success with ice retention, usually around 5 days when properly pre-chilled.

 

it is also dependant on the ambient temps outside.. dont expect any cooler to hold ice for days in the sun.. I didnt like the lifetime 55 for the door seals.. it just didnt seem as robust, and have a vacuum like the 75QT did.. that 75QT is RUGGED.. and should last me.. well a lifetime.. or at least until I upgrade to a dual zone dometic.. (SOMEDAY...)