Overview
If you're going to live in a van, you'll need a way to keep your food and drinks cool while you're on the road.
The Best cooler for van life is heavy-duty and well-insulated, so you don't have to run to the store for ice every day. You don't need to install an extensive solar system in your vehicle or buy a solar generator to utilize a cooler.
We combed through van life forums and read countless Amazon reviews to compile this list of the Best coolers for van life, as well as a shopping guide for the Best cooler for van life!
Let's get started!
- SCORE9.2
- BrandLifewit
- SCORE9.0
- BrandPelican
- SCORE9.0
- BrandIgloo
- SCORE8.6
- BrandYETI
Last update on 2023-04-02 / Affiliate links / Images, Product Titles, and Product Highlights from Amazon Product Advertising API
Cooler Types
There are several different types of coolers to choose from. There are thermoelectric coolers, ordinary coolers, and dry coolers, for example.
Capacity And Dimensions
When working with a restricted quantity of space, this is a critical consideration.
Fitting It In Your Van
Because most vans are cramped, you'll need to make sure your cooler is compact enough to fit in the available area. This entails deciding where you'll store it and measuring the space to compare it to the dimensions of the cooler you're considering.
You don't want your cooler to be overly small, on the other hand. It won't be able to hold anything you wish to store in it if it's too little, including all of your chilled meals and other drinking beverages.
Ice Retention
The second factor to evaluate is how well the cooler's insulation can perform. The general concept is that the insulation is so good and efficient that it prevents the ice from melting for days, if not weeks. This is especially vital if you're going to be out of town or on the road for several days without the opportunity to stop at a store for extra ice.
This is an extremely crucial feature to consider, and one that you should double-check before purchasing. Some coolers can only keep ice for 48 hours, while others may keep it for up to 10 days.
Portability
Is your cooler going to be in the vehicle the majority of the time or will you be taking it with you?
Handle
After you've parked your van, take your cooler outdoors to enjoy your snacks and drinks while enjoying the fresh air. However, you'll have to move the cooler from the van and outside to do so. As a result, we recommend investing in a cooler with a broad handle that is portable and easy to carry.
Waterproof
When it comes to carrying your cooler outside, it's also a good idea if it can withstand the elements so you don't have to rush back inside if it starts to rain.
Warranty
A product with a long manufacturer warranty is usually a good sign of its quality. Furthermore, it gives you peace of mind that if something goes wrong, you'll be covered and may even be able to get a replacement for free.
Our top picks
1. What brand is the Best cooler for van life?
Something is soothing about purchasing from a reputable, well-known brand. Big businesses, such as Yeti, have a reputation to uphold and can't afford to sell low-quality goods.
2. What is the best price for the Best cooler for van life?
For these reasons, we strongly advise you to keep track of costs as you shop, so you can see what features your money buys you and make an informed decision about how much you should spend.
3. What is the biggest disadvantage of a cooler over a gas or electric-powered freezer?
Ice will melt over time. Although all of the coolers listed above can hold ice for days, there are certain limitations.
Your van life excursion might be made or broken by a cooler. You'll need a cooler that's tough, sturdy, and well-insulated to keep ice cold for days if you're living in a van. We wish you luck in your search for the Best cooler for van life experiences! YETI Tundra 65 Cooler is our recommendation overall!