Last Updated on April 30, 2024 by Nikole
It’s time to look at coolers for your camper van because, for whatever reason, you may not be able to store a fridge in your van.
Hi, Nikole and Clark Stone here! We are here to let you know it is possible to travel in a camper van with a cooler- there is no need to waste power on a fridge. Though there are some advantages to owning a fridge, a cooler will work just fine.
We tried fridges and coolers in our Ford Transit Connect and decided the space only allowed a cooler. I can’t tell you how happy we are with our Ozark Trail cooler; it keeps ice for several days.
You don’t need a fancy and expensive cooler to keep your food from spoiling- you do need a good quality one to keep your ice from melting. Here are some recommendations we put together for you based on other van lifer preferences and ours!
This post may contain affiliate links, which means I’ll receive a commission if you purchase through my links, at no extra cost to you. Please read full disclosure for more information.
1. RTIC
This RTIC cooler can keep your food cool in your camper van for several days thanks to its 3-inch thick closed-cell foam insulation. The cooler has an R-value of 7, which is rated high for the industry.
Closed cell insulation is exactly what it sounds like- the cells are pressed tightly together so air and moisture cannot find their way into the foam. Because of this, closed-cell insulation makes for a more durable and long-lasting cooler.
You can use this cooler for a bench, stool, or fridge as part of your camper van kitchen accessories– it’s that durable. Vanlifers have chosen this cooler as the best cooler for food storage.
If you use the cooler right- keep the lid shut when possible, use block or freeze-dried ice, and open it less- the cooler can last up to eight days. Some claim the ice only lasts a few days, but this highly depends on how you use it.
Capacity: 20-65 quarts
Outside Measurements: 45 quarts– 26.5 x 16.5 x 15.87 inches
Weight: 45 quarts=22 pounds
Price: 45 quarts-$179.99
2. Pelican Elite
The Pelican Elite is one of the sturdiest coolers on the market; in fact, the company will replace your cooler if it breaks at any time- that’s how sure they are of their unbreakable product.
Enjoy the drainable cup holders on top of the cooler and the sturdy handles for easy carrying. There are also lockable latches and a sturdy gasket, so you know your food will stay cold and safe.
Many customers say this Vanlife cooler will last between 3 and 10 days. Some complained the ice only lasted two days.
Capacity: 30 Quart (other sizes are offered)
Outside Measurements: 25.3 x 19 x 18.5 inches
Weight: 21.67 Pounds
Price: $199.96
3. Rugged Road
We are not affiliated with Rugged Road; however, we thought the brand was worth mentioning for a few reasons.
These coolers are some of the lightest on the market -50% less weight than other brands- making them perfect for not weighing down your camper van.
We also love that these coolers can float upright in the water, which makes them suitable for kayaking.
The company claims the ice will last up to 5 days, depending on how much you open the cooler.
The only downside to this Vanlife cooler is its durability. Many customers were saying that these coolers were not as sturdy as Yetis. You may consider other options if you are rough with your coolers.
Capacity: 9.92 gallons
Outside Measurements: 27X18X15.5 inches
Weight: 13 LBS
Price: $349.99
4. Igloo Polar 120 Qt. Vanlife Cooler
The Igloo Polar cooler is perfect for those traveling in a camper van with more than two people. The large capacity of this cooler allows for more food storage.
The Ultratherm insulation allows ice to last up to 5 days in your van life cooler, making it perfect for long adventures.
What is Ultratherm Insulation?- It’s an insulation board that combines thermal properties and a vapor barrier to create a longer-lasting barrier for holding ice in a cooler.
Some complaints were made about the clasps on the cooler; they weren’t locking well, which could leave your food exposed and your ice melting quickly.
Capacity: 114 Liters
Outside Measurements: 38.31″ L x 17.38″ W x 17.75″ D
Weight: 19.9 pounds
Price: $109.00
5. Ozark Trail Coolers for Camper Vans
Ozark Trail coolers, in my opinion, are comparable to Yeti coolers, only cheaper. You get the biggest bang for your buck with these coolers!
Again, we are not affiliated with Ozark Trail, but I thought these Vanlife coolers needed mentioning due to their cheap price tag and superior quality.
The cooler I mentioned in the link above has a 73-quart capacity, perfect for long-term travelers or families.
Keep your food safe with a stainless steel locking plate, and enjoy some drinks on the go with a built-in bottle opener.
One of my favorite features on these coolers is the latches, they never seem to break and lock easily.
Capacity: 73-quart
Outside Measurements: 30.50 x 19.20 x 18.30 Inches
Price: $194.00
6. LIT Coolers
LIT are some of my favorite coolers aside from Ozark Trail. We use our 32-quart LIT Cooler on short weekend trips.
These coolers come with superior ice packs that the company calls ice legs. You can slide the legs onto the cooler’s walls so it doesn’t take up space. Unfortunately, the ice packs don’t last, but one day, so you will need to get some ice by day two.
Capacity: 8 Gal.
Outside Measurements: Length: 13 1/2in.
Width: 11 in.
Height: 13 1/2 in.
Price: $349.99
7. 12 volt Camper Van Cooler
If you aren’t interested in using ice and draining a cooler, try a 12V cooler like the BougeRV 30-quart camper van cooler.
This Iceless cooler will need a power source, such as your camper van battery, but it will continuously cool your food without filling it with ice.
The cooler operates on 45 watts, which will save you power. It also has an automatic shut-off when it senses your camper van battery getting low- now it won’t drain your battery.
You can keep the cooler in your van or move it outside for grilling time. The cooler is portable- you can take it anywhere there is a 12V plug-in nearby.
Capacity: 30 Quart
Outside Measurements: 12.6″D x 15.55″W x 22.44″H
Weight:
22.4 pounds
Price: $209.99
Camper Van Cooler Buyers Guide
There are many aspects to consider before purchasing the perfect cooler for your camper van. Coolers come in all shapes, sizes, and materials- some materials hold ice better than others- and some materials are more durable than others.
Below, we will help you choose the right type of cooler for your camper van adventures because not all coolers are built for the rugged road ahead of you.
Hard Vs. Soft Coolers
Hard and soft coolers serve one purpose, to hold ice so your food stays cold. These coolers are extremely different in how they achieve this purpose.
Hard-sided coolers are made of materials such as plastic and typically have the best insulation for holding ice. These coolers are perfect for van lifers who are on the road for more than a day or two.
Soft-sided coolers are made of a cloth-like material such as nylon. Behind the nylon walls, you will find foam insulation.
Typically you will see lunch boxes or picnic-style coolers made with softer materials. These coolers don’t hold ice very well and usually last up to one day. You may find these coolers useful for day trips only.
Size
Size matters when trying to fit a cooler in your camper van. Too big of a cooler may take up living space, and too small of a cooler may leave you without lunch and dinner for a day.
If you are a full-time traveler in a camper van, in other words, you live in your van; you may want to consider purchasing a large cooler like the 120-quart Igloo cooler mentioned above. Large coolers are also suitable for big groups traveling together.
If you are a weekend warrior or you travel for a few days at a time, you should look into getting a smaller cooler. Small coolers are perfect for singles or couples traveling together in a small to medium-sized van.
Don’t know what type of van you have or what kind of van to get? Check out our best types of camper van guide.
When it comes down to it, you get to decide what size cooler will fit best in your camper van.
We have two coolers we switch out according to how long our trips are. If we go on longer trips, we opt for the larger cooler; for short trips, the small cooler- you get the gist.
Wall Thickness
Wall thickness is important when considering which cooler suits your camper van life the best. But what’s more important is the insulation behind the walls.
Here is some typical insulation you may find behind the walls of your coolers.
Vacuum Insulation
One of the newest insulation methods for camper van coolers is simply removing the air from the space between the walls. This type of insulation slows the spread of heat from one wall to the other. Yeti is one of the few brands to do this type of insulating and claims the new insulation can hold ice 50% longer than their regular coolers.
Polyurethane Foam
Polyurethane foam has tiny air bubbles making the material dense enough to insulate better than styrofoam. This material makes the cooler heavier and more durable; you will find that most bear-proof coolers are made of this material. Coolers with this type of insulation will typically hold for five days or more.
Styrofoam
Styrofoam is the cheapest option for insulation, and it shows in the price and quality. Styrofoam doesn’t hold ice for very long. Most of these coolers don’t have insulation in the lid and are inadequate for holding ice on long trips.
Handles
Handles can be super frustrating when hauling a heavy cooler in and out of your camper van. Ropes make for the easiest grip and are easy to carry with a partner. Handles built into the side of the cooler also work.
Make sure you test the handles before you buy. We bought a cooler with slippery handles- we struggled to get a grip on the cooler and we often dropped it.
Wheels or No Wheels
Wheels are great for going to and from your destination, especially if the cooler is loaded down. Wheels may not be a good idea for a camper van because it may slide around while you are driving.
Wheels are a personal preference but should be taken into consideration.
Durability
If you are anything like us when traveling in your van, you know how rough it can be for a cooler. Coolers often get tossed, slid, and tipped while roughing it.
If you are setting your cooler outside, make sure you get a cooler that is bear-proof- not just because of the bears, but other wildlife too.
Drains
Drains need to be sturdy. We have had coolers where the drain broke, and it leaked melted ice into our van and ruined some of our equipment.
We have never experienced problems with drain plugs that are threaded.
Tips for Keeping Ice Longer
Do you know how sometimes people can keep ice in their cooler longer than others? That’s because they know how to preserve their ice. Here are some steps you can take to help extend your ice life.
Store in Shade
Be aware of where you store your cooler. If you have it outside your van, use shaded areas to store your cooler.
What to Do with the Water
Do not drain the water from your cooler when the ice melts because the water will help keep the remaining ice cold.
You should keep food out of the water, and you can do this by getting separate baskets to hang in the cooler. Here is an example of what a cooler basket looks like- make sure the basket fits your brand of cooler.
Add Food When It’s Cold
Only add food and drinks to your cooler when they are cold. If you add items when they are warm, those items will melt the ice.
Use the Right Ice
Dried ice or ice blocks will keep the longest. Typical bags of ice you would find from the store may not stay cold as long.
In Conclusion
The best cooler for camper vans is the Ozark Trail brand because it offers you the biggest bang for your buck. These coolers are comparable to Yetis but with a lower price tag.
