When it comes to life on the open road, truckers know that staying refreshed and hydrated is crucial for both comfort and safety. During those long hauls, having a reliable cooler can make all the difference, keeping your meals fresh and your drinks cold. This is why we’ve compiled a list of the 3 best coolers for truckers, helping you select the perfect roadside companion for your journeys.
These coolers are no ordinary coolers they are rugged, efficient, and above all, designed with a trucker’s unique needs in mind. From keeping your food at the right temperature to fitting perfectly in your cab and enduring the rigors of the road, the following coolers are up to the task. So buckle up as we dive into the world of the best coolers for truckers. Enjoy the ride!
What Features to Look for When Choosing the Best Coolers for Truckers
Before we get into our top picks, let’s take a look at some essential features to consider when selecting the best cooler for truckers.
Size and Capacity
The size of the cooler plays a crucial role, especially in the confined space of a truck cab, look for a cooler that fits comfortably in your designated space without compromising on capacity. It should hold enough food and drinks for your journey.
Insulation
The primary job of a cooler is to keep things cool! Opt for a cooler with excellent insulation that can maintain the right temperature for extended periods. This feature is particularly useful for long-haul journeys.
Durability
The cooler is going to be your constant companion on the road. It should be capable of withstanding the rigors of travel, including constant movement and changes in external temperatures.
Ease of Cleaning
Look for coolers with removable liners or smooth interior surfaces that make cleaning easier. A cooler should be able to resist odors and stains.
Power Source
If you’re considering an electric cooler, ensure that it can be easily powered using your truck’s power outlet and that it won’t drain your battery significantly.
Type
The soft cooler boasts a lighter design compared to its hard counterpart, and naturally, it offers a different capacity as well. Soft coolers tend to have smaller capacities, making them ideal for travel without adding unnecessary weight. On the other hand, the hard cooler offers a larger capacity, typically used for family and friends travels that require a cooler with ample space.
Additional Features
Factors like having a lockable lid, in-built bottle openers, or cup holders could add convenience. Some high-end models might even offer features like a USB port to charge your devices, or a divider to organize your items.
Remember, the best cooler for you ultimately depends on your specific needs and preferences as a trucker.
Best Coolers for Truckers Reviewed in this Article
Let’s now take a closer look at the 3 best coolers for truckers on the market. We’ve carefully selected these based on their effectiveness, durability, and practicality for truck drivers.
Ivation Electric Cooler & Warmer with Wheels & Handle
- Thermoelectric Cooling/Warming: Keeps drinks icy cold at 40°F and maintains hot food at 130°F.
- Spacious Interior: 45-liter compartment holds approximately 60 cans or 6 two-liter bottles and 15 cans. Easy-clean design for quick maintenance.
- Dual-Function Cooler: Switch between cooling and heating modes effortlessly. Keep pre-chilled beverages cold or maintain the heat of pre-cooked foods. Built-in fans and one-button hot/cold switch for convenient operation.
- Portability Features: Smooth-rolling wheels and integrated handle for easy transport. Handle extends and folds away for hassle-free transfer and storage. Airtight and watertight lid cover with ergonomic grips for quick open/close access.
- Versatile Power Options: Hideaway AC power cord for standard wall outlet. DC adapter for plugging into car/truck cigarette lighter.
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Featuring a spacious 45-liter interior compartment, it can hold approximately 60 cans of soda or 6 two-liter bottles, along with 15 additional cans of soda or beer. With enough space to accommodate dozens of bottles, food trays, dishes, and to-go containers, its easy-clean design allows for quick wipe-downs in seconds, without any costly maintenance.
Say goodbye to ice runs with our innovative dual-function cooler. With a simple flip of a switch, you can keep pre-chilled beverages icy cold or maintain the heat of pre-cooked foods for as long as you have access to an AC or DC outlet. The built-in fans and one-button hot/cold switch ensure safe and effortless operation.
Designed for cool portability, this cooler is equipped with smooth-rolling wheels on the bottom and an integrated handle that easily extends and folds away for stress-free transfer and tidy storage. Its airtight and watertight lid cover includes ergonomic grips for quick open/close access, providing convenience on the go.
BougeRV 23 Quart Portable Freezer Compressor Cooler
- Warranty: Comes with a 2-year warranty. Contact BougeRV for after-sale service.
- Fast Cooling: Compressor technology for rapid cooling. Cools from 77℉ to 32℉ in 20 minutes. Compact and lightweight (22.6812.6012.97 in, 22.27 lb).
- Low Power Consumption: Energy-saving mode operates below 36W. Compatible with 12/24V DC power.
- Low Noise Operation: Runs quietly for a peaceful environment, Shock-proof design for stability on uneven roads.
- Voltage Battery Protection: 3-level battery monitor prevents complete battery drain. Adjustable shutdown voltage for added battery protection.
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Among the best Coolers for Truckers, we have the CR22 12V refrigerator with a 2-year warranty! Keep your food fresh and cool on the go with this portable and efficient car refrigerator. With compressor refrigeration technology, it achieves fast cooling from 77℉ to 32℉ in just 20 minutes, and from 77℉ to -5℉ in 50 minutes.
No need for ice, and no worries about spoiled food. This lightweight fridge (22.24*12.40*12.79in, 22.27lb) is designed for convenience and energy efficiency. With a low power consumption of less than 45W, it operates on ECO energy-saving mode.
Even on MAX mode, it consumes less than 1kwh/day. Suitable for various vehicles such as SUVs, trucks, RVs, camper vans, boats, and more. Get the CR22 12V refrigerator from BougeRV and enjoy hassle-free after-sale service. Package includes DC power cord, AC power cord, and user manual.
Koolatron Electric Portable Cooler for Trucking
- Cold Retention: Industry-leading insulation, Lid lock keeps ice frozen for 3.3 days unpowered, Outperforms competitors by a day
- Portable Cooler: 24L (26 qt) capacity, Fits 31 standard cans, Accommodates upright 2L bottles
- Power Options: Plugs into any 12V outlet (car, truck, boat),110V AC power compatible (adapter sold separately)
- Iceless Cooling: Thermoelectric technology, Cools to 36°F (22°C) below ambient temperature, No need for ice
- Manufacturing: Proudly Canadian, Over 30 years of industry-leading 12V cooler manufacturing in North America
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With advanced insulation and a tightly locked lid, this powerful cooler can keep ice frozen for an impressive 3.3 days, even without power. That’s a whole day longer than our name-brand competitors!
With a generous 24 liter (26 quart) capacity, this compact 12-volt car fridge can hold up to 31 standard soft drink cans. It’s also tall enough to fit 2L bottles standing upright, making it incredibly versatile.
Plugging into any 12V outlet, this thermoelectric cooler is perfect for on-the-go use in your car, truck, or boat. Need to use it indoors? No problem! It’s also compatible with AC power (110V adapter sold separately).
Experience efficient iceless cooling with our advanced thermoelectric technology. It can cool to an impressive 36°F (22°C) below the surrounding temperature, all without the need for ice. Say goodbye to the hassle of constantly replenishing ice and enjoy hassle-free cooling wherever you go!
Common Questions About the Best Coolers for Truckers
As truckers, you may have a few questions about the best coolers for your needs. We’ve answered some common ones below to help you make an informed decision.
Are the best coolers for truckers worth it?
Investing in a dependable 12V cooler is crucial for ensuring that truck drivers have a convenient solution to keep their beverages chilled and food preserved. However, with the multitude of options available in the market, finding the best 12V cooler can be a daunting and time-consuming task.
How Do 12-Volt Coolers for Truckers Work?
The truck cooler utilizes a Peltier plate, a semiconductor positioned between two metals. When connected to the truck battery, the Peltier plate harnesses the electric current to produce either cooling or heating effects.
In contrast to conventional refrigerators, this heavy-duty cooler-warmer consistently brings the temperature down by 40 degrees lower than the external temperature. To clarify, if it’s 90 degrees outside, the cooler will maintain a minimum temperature of 50 degrees.
The Peltier plate consumes 3 to 5 amps to ensure optimal cooler performance, which is approximately 5 times higher than that of a standard fridge. Nevertheless, it remains within a reasonable range to be powered while the truck engine is running on the road.
What is the temperature range of 12-volt coolers?
Portable 12-volt coolers have the capability to maintain an internal temperature approximately 40° below the surrounding ambient temperature. With the ability to cool down to a minimum of around 40° inside, these coolers typically lack thermostat control and operate in an on/off mode. In such instances, thermoelectric coolers can exhibit durability over the course of several years.
Video Coolers for Truck Drivers: Why They Are So Necessary?
One of the most significant challenges for truck drivers is keeping their food and drinks fresh while on the road. With long hours of driving and limited access to restaurants, having a reliable cooler is essential. In this video, you’ll explore why the best cooler for truckers is so necessary for truck drivers and how they can make life on the road more convenient.
Final Thoughts
In conclusion, the best coolers for truckers are essential investments for professional drivers who spend long hours on the road. From the versatility of the Koolatron Electric Portable Cooler to the energy efficiency of the BougeRV 23 Quart Portable Freezer Compressor Cooler, these coolers ensure that truckers have access to fresh food and cold drinks, regardless of their location or the length of their journey.
By maintaining optimal temperatures, these coolers not only keep your beverages chilled but also safeguard your health by preserving your food. Remember to consider factors such as capacity, power consumption, temperature range, and durability when choosing the best cooler for your trucking needs. With the right cooler, long hauls can become a lot more convenient and enjoyable.
