Going on a camping expedition in summer can be a hot affair. Having the best coolers with wheels can give you the assistance to transport your cooler to and from your vehicle to the camping spot. You need to enjoy cold water or wine as you watch the sunset. Coolers are compactly built and are very sturdy. Ensure you get one that can stand the abuse and rigors of camping.
There are plenty of wheeled coolers available on the market today, making it that much harder to choose between them all. Some of these coolers can run you a pretty penny while others are more budget-friendly. To make this whole buying process easier for you, we’ve thoroughly tested eight of the most popular camping coolers with wheels so you can get the most for your money.
How to choose the best camping coolers with wheels
Consider the following features and characteristics when choosing the right camping cooler with wheels for you:
Wheel size
It is essential to consider the size of the wheels on your cooler, which becomes especially important for the types of terrain you’re planning to camp on. Smaller wheels are hard to push through rough and rocky surfaces, and you can forget about taking the cooler through any soft dirt or sand. It is advisable to have larger wheels, which make pulling through rough and rocky surfaces easier. Heavy-duty wheels can also last many trips through sand and mud if the occasion calls for it.
Thermal insulation
Arguably the most critical factor to consider when choosing a wheeled cooler is the insulation ability; in other words, can your cooler keep your stuff cold. Some coolers keep things cold for a long afternoon, while others are capable of keeping things cold for well over a week.
Choose a cooler according to your preference and how long the adventure will take. Most coolers have foam insulation that delays the absorption of heat, while others are made to keep the heat out.
Cost
It is crucial to choose a cooler that is within your budget. It is best to conduct thorough online research to get the most affordable wheeled cooler. Be sure to purchase a cooler that is worth the price you are paying, but keep in mind that a larger investment today on a better product can mean not having to pay again for another cooler in the future.
Handles
Having the wrong handle can make the trek with your cooler a nightmare, even with the best wheels. The cooler handles need to be firm enough to withstand some abuse, yet easy to hold for some time. It would help if you got a firm and comfortable grip to hold. Many offer a telescopic handle that allows for adjustment of length, to make it easy to pull.
Best Camping Coolers with Wheels Highlights
| Best camping cooler with wheels | Best for |
| YETI Tundra Haul Portable Wheeled Cooler | Best overall cooler with wheels |
| Igloo 110 Qt Glide Pro Portable Large Ice Chest Wheeled Cooler | Best value cooler |
| AmazonCommercial Rotomolded Coolers | Best Amazon cooler with wheels |
| Coleman 40-Quart Wheeled Cooler | Best cooler for short durations |
| Coleman 100 Quart Xtreme 5 wheeled cooler | Best large, affordable wheeled cooler |
| Coleman Rolling Cooler | 50 Quart Xtreme 5 Day Cooler with Wheels | Best looking cooler with wheels |
| Blue Coolers Ice Vault – 55 Quart, Roto-Molded Ice Cooler with Wheels | Best for mid-size budget |
| Coleman 62-Quart Xtreme 5-Day Heavy-Duty Cooler with Wheels | Best for 2 day camping trips |
| Coleman 42-Can Soft Cooler with Removable Liner & Wheels | Best cooler with removable liner |
9 Best Camping Coolers with Wheels Reviewed
YETI Tundra Haul Portable Wheeled Cooler
- Rotomolded Construction makes it armored to the core and vitually indestructible
- The Haul is the first-ever YETI cooler on wheels. Perfect for taking the Tundra's legendary toughness and unmatched insulation power the extra mile
- NeverFlat Wheels – A solid, single-piece tire construction that is impact- and puncture-resistant. Note: Tundra Haul is not compatible with the dry goods...
- StrongArm Handle – A durable welded aluminum arm with comfortable grips. The curved design tracks left or right for heel-friendly towing
Overall best camping cooler with wheels
If you haven’t heard of YETI coolers, you most likely haven’t done much research on camping coolers yet. YETI has set their brand apart from many other cooler manufacturers thanks to their innovative design which keeps the temperature in the cooler for up to 10 days in certain conditions.
Now let’s talk about the wheels: they’re great! The wheels are heavy duty, solid-piece construction. In other words, you won’t have to worry about wheels going flat or denting because these wheels are built to endure all kinds of rough terrain.
We tested this camping cooler over rocks, pebbles, and even mud and had no complaints. The only downside to this cooler is that it’s a YETI so it will be much more expensive than any competitors. If you are considering this wheeled cooler as your choice, just know that this is an investment so the price will be worth it in the long run.
Pros
- Holds items cool longer than other tested competitor products
- Puncture-resistant, heavy-duty wheels
- Strong and comfortable arm handle
- Very durable and strong build
Cons
- Expensive compared to most models
- Color options are muted
- Large insulation areas means actual storage space is less than competitors
- Heavy
Igloo 110 Qt Glide Pro Portable Large Ice Chest Wheeled Cooler
- UV inhibitors and infrared technology protect cooler against sun damage.
- Thick Ultratherm foam in body and lid provides MaxCold 5 Day performance.
- Another Igloo Industry First: Horizontal telescoping handle requires 50% less lifting effort.
- Soft-ride wheels for easy transport & smooth ride.
Best wheeled cooler value
The Igloo 110 QT Glide PRO wheeled cooler provides lots of storage space thanks to the whopping 110 quart capacity. We’ve named this wheeled cooler our best value, but don’t think that just because it has a reasonable price tag that this cooler can’t perform. This ice chest can keep your camping meats, ice, drinks, and all other necessities for several days with plenty of use.
This cooler also has sleek, oversized sport rally wheels and a useful telescopic handle. This combination allows for easy maneuvering around tight corners and can be pulled uphill with minimal effort. The cooler can fit a lot of food and drinks which is very convenient for large camping groups. The latches are also premium quality which means your lid stays shut.
Pros
- Rugged polyethylene shell
- Slide and lock telescoping handle
- Sport style wheels for easy rolling
- Large storage space
- Strong hinges and latches
Cons
- Retains ice for 2-3 days
- Only comes in white
- Gets dirty quickly
AmazonCommercial RotoMolded 45 Quart Cooler
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Best Amazon cooler with wheels
AamzonCommercial joins the club in making a camping cooler with wheels with their Rotomolded, 45 Quart towable edition. The wheels on this cooler are the best in the bunch, making it the easiest to transport no matter what weight is in this cooler. Also featuring a molded tie-down means your stuff stays colder for longer, especially if you don’t plan to open it too often.
This 45 quart design can stuff in 48 cans, though that is without any ice. The towing handle is very good quality and does not jiggle or show signs of wearing down with prolonged use.
Pros
- Very high quality cooler with ice retention for 3-5 days longer than non-rotomolded coolers
- Smooth and durable wheels
- Excellent towing handle
- Can fit additional cargo on top and use as a miniature dolly
Cons
- Only comes in tan or white
- Giant AmazonCommercial branding on the front
- Awkward size can make it difficult to remove from your car trunk or truck bed
Coleman 40-Quart Wheeled Cooler
- High capacity rolling cooler box ideal for large outdoor gatherings and camping trips
- Tow handle and heavy duty wheels for easy, reliable transport across almost any terrain
- 40 quart capacity holds up to 59 Cans
- Large molded side handles for controlled, comfortable lifting and carrying
Best for shorter duration trips and outings
The Coleman 40-Quart Wheeled Cooler is designed explicitly for the grab and go kind of people. In other words, if you’re looking to keep your drinks cold for an afternoon at the park or a day at the lake, this is it. At one of the lower price points, you can expect that the cool retention of this Coleman is not meant for several days use, but for a quick day-trip, this should work just fine.
The Coleman 40 QT is a large cooler and can handle up to 59 cans (with minimal ice). The wheels are there and yes you can tow this thing but don’t be too rough or you’ll end up with a tipped cooler and a loose wheel rolling down the driveway.
Pros
- Comfortable grips
- Cooler is very affordable
- Built-in cup holders
- Rustproof drain
- Plenty of storage
Cons
- Poor wheel quality
- Doesn’t keep things cold for more than 8-12 hours
- Hard to tow for people with less upper-body strength
- Lid can fly open easily
Coleman 100 Quart Xtreme 5 Wheeled Cooler
- Keeps ice up to 5 days at temps up to 90°F thanks to an insulated lid and extra insulation in walls
- Heavy-Duty Wheels for Easy, Reliable Transport
- Holds 160 cans and has molded cup holders on top of lid to keep drinks close and prevent spilling
- Have-a-Seat Lid Supports Up to 250 Pounds so You Have a Place to Sit and Rest
Best large yet affordable cooler with wheels
Consider the Coleman 100 Quart Xtreme 5 Wheeled Cooler the big sister of the Coleman 40-Quart Wheeled Cooler that we reviewed above. Frankly, they are very similar in performance and design, with a few caveats. The Coleman 100 Quart Xtreme 5 Wheeled Cooler is bigger and has two wheels that can accommodate more weight.
It’s hard to say whether this cooler actually outperforms the other in terms of cold retention or if the larger size means more ice is in the cooler, which means longer cold retention. In any case, if you find you or your camping pals opening the cooler often, this thing won’t keep ice for more than a couple days.
Pros
- Comfortable grips
- Affordable
- Rustproof drain
- Large cooler capacity
- Lightweight
Cons
- Poor wheel quality
- Cold retention is not adequate for its size compared to competitors
- One color available
Coleman Rolling Cooler 50 Quart Xtreme 5 Day Cooler with Wheels
- EXTENDED ICE RETENTION: Using Xtreme technology, this ice chest cooler with wheels helps maintain ice longer, acting as an efficient beer cooler for up to 5...
- LARGE CAPACITY: Acting as both a large cooler with wheels and an insulted can cooler, this portable cooler holds up to 84 cans, perfect for beach or camping...
- EASE OF TRANSPORT: With its durable wheels, this cooler on wheels can easily navigate any terrain, making it the perfect choice for a beach cooler with wheels...
- IMPROVED DRAIN SYSTEM: This camping cooler features a leak-proof drain for easy water removal, enhancing the functionality of ice chests and coolers by...
Best looking wheeled cooler
The Coleman Rolling Cooler 50 Quart is an attractive product with all black everything! Sleek design and color will make this stand out for all other campers to admire. As far as performance, the wheels work good enough and we saw no issues rolling this cooler through rocks or dirt, but we were hesitant to take it too hard. The handle is comfortable and easy to pull. At this price range, we think this is the best looking cooler and also a great buy.
Pros
- Great price range for product
- Sleek design
- Spacious and durable
- Easily accessible cup holders
- Good insulation
- Lower and sunken wheels
- Telescopic handle
Cons
- Side handles can become slick when wet
- Gets dirty easily
Blue Coolers Ice Vault – 55 Quart, Roto-Molded Ice Cooler with Wheels
- UP TO 10 DAYS OF ICE: With an industry leading 2" of insulation, the Blue Cooler Ice Vault keeps ice up to 10 days. This is the perfect ice chest for camping,...
- INGENUITIVE COOLER FEATURES: Includes non-skid feet, lockable lid, freezer style gasket, sure grip handles, a rapid drain system and much more. This large...
- ROTO-MOLDED DESIGN: The roto-molded construction ensures that each cooler is rugged and durable, has a consistent wall thickness, and is free of imperfections....
- READY. SET. JOURNEY…: The Blue Coolers 60 Quart Ice Vault will hold up to the toughest abuse due to the best in class durability. Whether you need to simply...
Best mid-budget camping cooler with wheels
The Blue Coolers Ice Vault has 2-inch insulation that keeps ice up to 10 days. A lockable lid and durable gaskets means this thing will also be safe from bears and other wildlife trying to get into your goods. As for the wheels and towing capability, it works great. Smooth towing even with a fully loaded cooler means this thing is great for camping but also for picnics, soccer games, and other outdoor events.
Pros
- Up to 10 days of ice retention
- Solid wheel system
- Lockable lid with freezer style gaskets
- Great aesthetic and unique exterior
- Two types of handles for towing or picking up
- 2 inches of insulation for maximum cold retention
- Plenty of room for storage with 55 quarts of space
- Coupons available periodically on Amazon
Cons
- White edition will dirty quickly
- Can become heavy to pick up when fully loaded
- Towing handle isn’t telescopic and can be too short for some
Coleman 62-Quart Xtreme 5-Day Heavy-Duty Cooler with Wheels
- XTREME TECHNOLOGY: Insulated lid and extra wall insulation keep ice up to 5 days in temperatures as high as 90°F
- HIGH CAPACITY: Holds up to 95 cans
- HEAVY-DUTY WHEELS: Effortless rolling over any terrain
- HAVE-A-SEAT LID: Closed lid supports up to 250 lb.
Best for 2 day camping trips
This is not just another Coleman cooler with wheels. We were (somewhat) surprised to find that this Coleman 62 Quart Xtreme not only had a great, leak resistant drain but the wheels and towing handle were very comfortable to use. This makes for a great camping or lake cooler if you plan to keep your goods cold for 3-4 days. In fact, with minimal opening and closing of the lid, this thing will easily last 5 days of cold retention.
Pros
- Heavy-duty wheels
- Spacious and can handle up to 250 lbs of storage
- Insulated lid with built-in cupholders
- Large tow handle for easy pulling
- Attractive color
Cons
- Loose hinges
- Non-telescopic handle means one-size-fits-all
- Only one color available
Coleman 42-Can Soft Cooler with Removable Liner & Wheels
- Soft cooler with 42 Can capacity keeps food and drinks cold
- Space saving design collapses flat for easy storage
- Main compartment features heat welded seams to prevent leaks
- Antimicrobial treated liner resists formation of mold, mildew, and odor
Best wheeled cooler with a removable liner
This soft cooler resembles a rolling suitcase with zippers and pockets for more storage space. The Coleman 42 Can Soft Cooler has a treated liner with an antimicrobial coating to reduce mildew and bacteria. It can accommodate up to 42 cans, and the heat-welded seams prevent bursting. The cooler can be rolled up and has two side mesh pockets providing more storage options.
Consider this your afternoon wheeled cooler for a single day trip, or to hold those expensive beers that you don’t want jiggling around with all your other cold goods!
Pros
- Antimicrobial liner
- Easy wheeling
- Extra pockets for storage
- Leak-resistant
- Welded seams
Cons
- Does not insulate for long periods
- Wheels only work well on smooth surfaces
- Tips over easily when upright
Frequently asked questions
What size handle is best for a camping cooler with wheels?
The size of the cooler handle depends on manufacturer specifications. Often, one company will utilize the same handle across a multitude of product lines.
It is perhaps essential to consider the construction rather than length.
Are coolers with wheels sturdy enough to use as a seat?
Yes, most modern camping coolers have lids that feature the same multi-layer insulation as the main body, giving it adequate stability.
When using your cooler as a seat, pay attention to how much the top panel flexes against the weight. Constant pressure in the center of the cooler lid can lead to warping, which may affect the overall seas and lead to loss of overall insulation.
How long can my camping cooler hold ice without melting?
The cooler’s insulation rating depends on the kind of materials used in its construction and how the materials were put together. The time that ice will stay in solid form is also dependent on external factors such as whether your cooler is in direct sunlight or heat, how often it is opened, and how much ice is in your cooler.
How can I extend the cold retention for my cooler?
Pre-cooling your camping cooler is the best way to keep things colder for longer. This means adding in ice beforehand so that the environment in the cooler is already cold prior to adding in your other items. If you add in your ice and non-cooled items into a warm cooler, a lot of energy (and cold) is lost in lowering the internal temperature of the cooler, which means a lower cold retention time.
Cool It!
A camping cooler with wheels can make transporting your cooler from one spot to the next a breeze. Believe me, the last thing you want is to lug a heavy cooler without wheels to your car concluding the end of a tiring camping trip. Do yourself a favor and choose the best camping cooler with wheels so you can save yourself the energy and focus on getting your tired selves home!