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Best ATV/UTV Cooler: Stay Chill While Offroad With These Top Picks
Powersports are a ton of fun. You have the freedom to go just about anywhere, so it becomes rather easy to get away from it all. But there is a slight problem with being away from it all, as that also means being away from somewhere to stop in and get a bite to eat or something cool to drink.
There is a solution to this issue though. And that is tracking down the best ATV cooler! Once you strap a cooler to your ATV/UTV, you’ll be able to take that food with you no matter the destination.
In this article we’ll start off by looking at 6 of the top models on the market. Not only will we highlight where they are strong, but also inform you of any areas that they come up a little bit short. After that we’ll look at a few ways to mount your new atv cooler.
Best ATV & UTV Cooler – Our Top Picks Compared
Firstly let’s do a quick summary of the most important facts in this comparative table.
editors-choice | Best Product | Best Value | ||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Image | Not found. | |||||
item-title | Yeti Tundra series | Polaris Northstar Cooler | Polaris RZR Lock & Ride Cooler Box | LinQ 4.2 Gal (16 L) Cooler | Kwik Tek ATV Deluxe Pack | Nelson Rigg RG-006L Black Mountable Insulated Cooler Bag |
item-review | read review | read review | read review | read review | read review | read review |
Best for | Best ATV Cooler | Best UTV Cooler | Best Cooler Box | Best Can-Am Cooler | Best Soft-Sided ATV Cooler | Best Mountable Insulated Cooler Bag |
Type | Type Rotomolded | Type Rotomolded | Type Molded | Type Molded | Type Soft-sided | Type Soft Cooler Bag |
Size | Sizes 20-350 qt | Sizes 30, 60, 105 qt | Sizes 48, 51 qt | Size 4.2 Gal | Size 3,200 cubic inches | Sizes 12, 24 Pack |
td-btn-amz | Check Price at Amazon | Check Price at Amazon | Check Price at Amazon | Check Price at Amazon | Check Price at Amazon | Check Price at Amazon |
editors-choice | Best Product | Best Value |
ATV / UTV / Powersport Cooler Reviews – Which is the Best?
We’ll start out by looking at some of the top PowerSports coolers on the market. It is important to note that some of these have options on one link for different sizes while others list different sized options in different links, but among other things we will let you know what your size options. Remember when it comes time to place your order, double check the size to make sure it is the one you like.
After a brief description of each cooler we will list off some of the pros and cons of that particular model. We’ve also noted what our pick for the best product is, but you might find another option is better for your particular needs.
Yeti Tundra Best ATV Cooler
- Type: Roto-molded
- Sizes: 20 – 350 quarts
Coming from one of the most well-known premium cooler brands, the first entry on our list is the Yeti Tundra series. Yeti makes this particular line of coolers in a vast array of sizes from 20 qts all the way up to the massive 350 qt options.
However, we feel that with an ATV in mind the 45 qt Yeti Tundra is the standout of the line. The 45 qt model will run you approx. $350.
This size lets you take plenty with you, while not being overly heavy (22 pounds empty weight). The Tundra line all come with a dry storage basket, so you no longer have to worry about your sandwiches getting soggy from sitting in ice water all day, but they’ll still stay chilled.
You will no doubt notice how thick the walls of this cooler are, that helps to keep your ice in the form of ice, but it is also made so that your cooler is bear-proof, which can be a major boost depending on where you are headed. There is no doubt that this one gets the nod for our pick for best product.
Pros:
- Your choice of three different color options
- Keeps ice frozen longer than other models
Cons:
- This is a rather heavy model
- Quite an expensive option
Polaris Northstar Best UTV Cooler
- Type: Rotomolded
- Sizes: 30, 60, 105 quarts
If you are looking for what is probably the best high-end rotomolded ATV/ UTV cooler out there today, you’ll want to consider one in the range of the Polaris Northstar Cooler.
These coolers sport a wall that is a full 2 inches thick of insulation, meaning that your cold food will stay cold for quite a while if stored properly. And then, at the end of your outing you will surely find the easy out drain system a great set up to get all of the water out of your cooler.
The bottoms of the feet feature a no-slip surface, so even if you have to toss it somewhere less than level you don’t need to worry about it sliding off.
Now we feel that the Northstar 60 qt cooler is probably the best bet for an ATV, however, if you are looking for a different size you can always check out the Northstar 30 qt cooler or the Northstar 105 qt cooler. The 60 qt model weights 26 pounds and will set you back about $230.
Pros:
- Natural choice if you own a Polaris ATV/UTV
- Sports an integrated travel lock system
Cons:
- Rope handles might get snagged on something while riding around
Polaris RZR Lock & Ride Best Cooler Box
- Type: Molded
- Sizes: 48, 51 quarts
In looking for a cooler for your ATV you’ll need to consider how to mount it to keep it secure. One way to makes sure that everything will work well together is to go with a cooler/ cooler box combo, such as the Polaris RZR Lock & Ride Cooler Box.
This set up gets you both a 48 qt cooler that has been designed to keep your ice in its frozen state for a full 48 hours, but also a cooler box that you can mount to your Polaris ATV.
And after your box is mounted you can easily pull the cooler out to use it both on a ride but also for anything else that you might need an ice chest for. And if you don’t need to take your cooler on a particular ride, you will have a nice secure place to put some other gear that you want to bring. This particular combo pack will cost you approx. $380.
Pros:
- Combo comes with both the cooler and mounting system
- Cooler and mount can be used separately as desired.
Cons:
- This set up is designed to only work with certain Polaris ATV models.
LinQ 4.2 Gal (16 L) Best Can-Am Cooler
- Type: Molded
- Sizes: 4.2 Gal
Sometimes you come across a cooler that really has a cool trick up its sleeve. That is the case with the LinQ cooler and perhaps the Best Can-Am LinQ cooler is the LinQ 4.2 Gal (16 L) Cooler.
This set up comes will all of the heavy duty cooler body goodness that you would expect from a quality cooler, but it also has a mounting system built right in. This allows you to easily hook it to your ATV and hit the trail.
And when you get to your destination you can unlock it and carry it to a lunch spot with the convenient top handle. As it is set up this one will end up costing in the neighborhood of $280.
Pros:
- This cooler comes with a built-in mounting system
- The insulation offers excellent ice retention
Cons:
- This cooler doesn’t offer any side handles for multiple grip options
Kwik Tek ATV Deluxe Pack
- Type: Soft-sided
- Sizes: 3,200 cubic inches
Not every cooler option for an ATV has to be a hard-sided cooler to sit on the back of your ATV. If you are looking for the best ATV front & rear racks soft cooler, you’ll want to check out the Kwik Tek ATV Deluxe Pack.
This cooler design is broken up to 3 separate pouches that can each be accessed independently giving you a total of 3,200 cubic inches of space. That means that you can end up fitting about 24 12 oz cans into this cooler pack. Also, the system has its own straps and buckles that will allow you to strap your goodies nearly anywhere on your ATV that you might feel like.
Pros:
- Soft-sided design makes for easier storage between uses
- Separate pouches mean that you can divide food into different groups
Cons:
- This is not as durable as a quality hard-sided cooler
Nelson Rigg RG-006L Best Mountable Insulated Cooler Bag
- Type: Soft Cooler Bag
- Size: 12 Pack, 24 Pack
Perhaps the best soft cooler for an ATV/ UTV on the market today is the Nelson Rigg RG-006L Black Mountable Insulated Cooler Bag.
These bags are made from ballistic nylon, so there is no need to worry about your chilled goodies staying nice and secure. They also support a 4 point tie down system that has a quick release, allowing you to quickly grab your back and head away from your ATV without having to fight with straps and mounting systems.
The company offers both a 12 Pack Insulated Cooler Bag and a 24 Pack Insulated Cooler Bag, so you have an option of how much space you need to bring your snacks with you. At a price point of about $50 for the 12 pack, it is no question as to why this one takes our pick for the best value.
Pros:
- Integrated strap system means that you always have a mounting option
- Crafted from durable materials for long useful lifespan
Cons:
- Won’t keep food cold for as long as a hard-sided model
ATV/UTV Cooler Mounting Options
One thing that you’ll want to consider once you pick out your cooler is just how are you going to attach it to your ride. No matter what anyone else tells you, duct tape should not be an option here. We’ll take a look at the 4 best methods to mount an ATV cooler.
Factory Ready Cooler Box
Perhaps the best fitting option is to go with a Factory Ready Cooler Box. Many manufacturers make specialty boxes that work with the coolers they make. This is great since you don’t need to worry about the set up being too loose and your cooler bouncing around or too snug to get the cooler in and out.
They will also tend to keep your cooler well protected, so if you are going through some rough areas you don’t need to worry about your cooler taking a beating. The prices on this kind of solution will vary greatly depending on the company and size of the cooler, for example, this Polaris RZR Lock & Ride Cooler Box for a 48 qt cooler runs about $380.
A downside to this solution is that since it is made for a specific cooler, you’ll have to find a new mounting option if you swap to a new cooler.
LinQ System
There are a number of cooler systems that work with the LinQ Mounting System. This can be found on a number of different coolers, like the LinQ 4.2 Gal (16 L) Cooler.
The beauty of this system is that the mounting is built into the cooler, so it can be latched down onto your ATV with no additional mounting system. This means that you can just make a single purchase and be able to drive off with no problem.
One downside to this set up is that if this system malfunctions in some way you’ll still have to find another way to mount your cooler.
Can Am LinQ Cooler and System in action.
Rack Cargo Basket Carrier
If you have a few different coolers that you might use, it may not be a bad idea to look at a cargo basket carrier. While these will run about $100 and up they have a lot of versatility build into their design. At the end of the day these baskets, like the Universal ATV Ice Chest Carrier or the ATV UTV Universal Rear Drop Basket Rack, are just baskets you and use them to carry any number of things with you on your rides.
If you go this route make sure the basket you are looking at is the right size for the cooler you have in mind. Also, they do have the drawback of needing to be securely mounted, so they aren’t the easiest to quickly remove.
Tie Down Strap Kits
Another option is always to just use a set of ratchet tie downs. Most people have at least one set of these somewhere in their garage, but if you can’t find yours or its time for an upgrade take a look at the Premium Ratchet Tie Down. Often these kinds of sets can be found for less than $20.
They have the fact that they can be used for just about anything, which is a major point in their favor. You’ll be able to detach your cooler quickly and then strap down some tools or even camping gear based on what your next trip calls for. There are a few downsides though, one being that in most setups it can be hard to open your cooler without undoing the straps.
- If you need a new battery for your toy, just check out our ATV/UTV battery recommendations here.
- It is also worth checking which PowerSport winch will be the best for you!
Where to buy ATV/UTV Coolers
As you narrow down your search to the best UTV cooler you will no doubt end up asking yourself, where should I make this purchase? And with today’s technology you have a lot of different options.
One place that comes to mind would be the manufacturer’s website, and while that is a solid choice, you might be able to find a good deal on other websites.
But before you just go searching on Google for a place to make your purchase, you’ll want to consider a few things. The first though that should go with any online purchase is selecting a site that you find trustworthy. Shortly after that you might want to consider the shipping, some sites can charge a bunch, especially for an item like a larger cooler.
Now Amazon is a natural choice that checks off both these boxes and it has some other benefits as well. While you are making your decision you can find a number of reviews from other customers to get a feel for how they liked the ATV/UTV/SxS cooler that you have your eye on. Additionally, should you make a purchase and then change your mind when you see it in persat Amazon will let you easily return it so you can get the right one for you.
Remember that this is not really a good area to try to save money by going with a cheap option. Since you are likely to be taking your ATV out over some rough terrain you’ll want a cooler that isn’t going to end up getting dented and dinged if you bump it into a few tree branches along the way.
Best ATV & UTV Cooler Box – Bottom Line and Conclusion
At the end of the day, the choice for the best ATV cooler comes down to you. You’ll need to consider what works best for your needs. Do you need a hard sized model that can keep ice frozen for days at a time or are you looking for a smaller soft sided option that can keep some snacks chilled all afternoon as you are out on a drive?
We’ve gone through six of the best UTV coolers on the market to give you an idea of the range of options available to you. Remember that you will need a way to secure your cooler to your ATV, while some options come with a system others leave it to you to determine a way.
Finally, we’d love to get your input on the situation. Which of these picks did you end up going with and why? Let us know in the comments section below.
Polaris Northstar Coolers on video. Check it.
Last update on 2024-12-13 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
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