A truck cooler is a vital piece of equipment for truck drivers, when temperatures in your truck rise, it is necessary to keep cool, and a good cooler will help you do so.
And the best thing about a cooler is that it is very portable, Hence, you can take it on your road trips or camping trips and can be easily stored in a truck or trailer.
But when you want to buy the best cooler for trucks, you need to understand what makes a good truck cooler.
And that’s why we’ve done the research for you and compiled a list of the 8 best 12-volt truck coolers for the money and a buying guide to help you find the best truck cooler for your needs.
Best 12v Coolers For Trucking – Our Top 8 Picks!
The best cooler for trucks is one that has a long life, is sturdy, and has a decent warranty. We chose the best truck coolers based on these criteria, we selected the 8 best coolers and gave detailed reviews on each of them.
They have a large capacity and a low price, which makes them a great option for truck drivers. Let’s check out:
1. Koolatron Voyager Cooler
Our Review:
The Koolatron Voyager is one of the best portable coolers for trucks, made up of durable plastic that offers good protection from the elements and will keep your stuff safe and protected.
This is an excellent 12v cooler for truckers as it consumes only 12 volts DC power which allows it to run on almost any truck battery, this is a must-have for truckers who are seeking to maximize their travel experience.
It has a high capacity of 48 cans, which is great for keeping a large amount of food and drinks while you are on the road. The cooling process can take several hours, so your snacks and ice will stay cold.
You can easily carry it and put it anywhere in a truck whether it is in the truck, the back of the truck, or even the cab of the truck. Moreover, this cooler can be used horizontally like a chest or in a vertical position, like a fridge.
The best part about this cooler is that it is very easy to operate, the handle of the cooler is ergonomic for comfort while carrying it around. It has a convenient lid that you can open and close easily.
After using it, we found that this cooler comes with an easy-to-use sliding door lock to keep the air inside it so that it can stay cold or warm for a long time, so things are not spoiled.
Additionally, it works on both warming and cooling so that you can choose whether you want to keep your drinks warm or cold.
The power cord is long enough to reach from the back of the truck to the cooler and it can be easily plugged into the truck. Certainly, this is one of the best coolers for truckers.
All in all, it is a lightweight, durable cooler that has a large capacity that has a durable brushless motor that works on 12 volts. If you are looking for a great cooler for trucks, then we highly recommend it.
2. Wagan Cooler
Our Review:
The Wagan Cooler is a very useful gadget for truck drivers who are always on road trips. It is a compact best 12-volt cooler for truckers that will make road trips comfortable and stylish, made up of durable material that can withstand harsh roads and rough terrain.
This cooler is very easy to use and is dense enough to fit anywhere in your truck, it can be easily transported to and from your vehicle through its adjustable nylon carrying strap. That makes it more convenient to carry the unit from your home to your vehicle or anywhere.
A power cord storage compartment is available on the lid, so it is easy to store this power cord when not in use, so it will not be lost. And this cooler comes with 2 cup holders that allow you to hold everything securely in place as you drive.
Large internal storage is also designed in such a way that it can be used in the summertime as well as the winter easily, and you can put large bottles of 2 liters in it without any hassle.
Simply slide the switch to select either the cooling or warming function, depending on your preference. You can choose between a hot or cold unit, depending on your needs.
Furthermore, this 12v cooler/warmer is also useful for anyone who needs to keep certain medicines cool.
Overall, Wagan is extremely adorable and convenient equipment for truck drivers who need to keep their drinks chilled and fresh.
3. Donmende Cooler
Our Review:
Donmende is the best electric cooler for truckers, equipped with compressor cooling technology that provides fast and efficient cooling to help keep your food and beverages fresh.
The Grey glossy finish and compact size make this product perfect for any type of truck owner. There are side handles on the cooler so that you can easily carry it and place it wherever you wish.
It is an awesome truck cooler that can cool down your drinks in just a few minutes and comes with a large-capacity ice cube tray. So, you can keep all of your ice cubes inside the cooler without having to throw them away.
The digital control panel is very useful and convenient, allowing you to set the desired temperature according to your food, For example: if you want to put wine in it, you can set it to 14 degrees Fahrenheit through precision temperature control.
The strong and sturdy aluminum alloy shell of this cooler is capable of keeping drinks cold even in the toughest environments. Its inner body is made of plastic that prevents moisture from seeping in, also easy to clean up.
The lid of this cooler has a durable rubber seal that can keep drinks and ice cold for a long time. These seals will also protect your food from any contaminants that might come along during your run.
This is a 54-quart stainless steel ice chest that comes with a thermostat control. It can keep your drinks cold for up to four hours after disconnecting the power cord. Hence, if you are on a long road trip, you can put your drinks in it and they will stay fresh and cold.
After testing it, we found that it consumes a 12-volt truck’s battery and it has three battery protection modes to save the refrigerator and the battery of the vehicle. It is one of the best portable refrigerators available in the market, that’s why we recommend you choose this one.
4. ARB 10801472 Fridge Freezer Series Cooler
Our Review:
The ARB 10801472 Fridge Freezer Series is a perfect gift for all truck drivers. This cooler is made from solid metal and has a metallic finish that will certainly make it a stylish addition to your truck.
The fridge comes with two shelves for storing food and beverage cans and a nice-looking ice dispenser at the front. You can manage your food items in a convenient and user-friendly way.
It is a must-have fridge/freezer combo if you are looking for an innovative solution for your refrigerator. Because of the dual purpose, you can store all your food items in the fridge, while keeping your beverages cold.
It is the best option for your next camping trip, road trip, or vacation and beneficial for truck owners too.
There is a backlit control panel on the top of the fridge that allows you to easily access all the necessary buttons for controlling the functions of the refrigerator. This panel is great for controlling and monitoring your cooler.
Moreover, this Fridge Freezer Series Cooler is equipped with a customizable dimmable display that can be easily controlled by the user and a Bluetooth connectivity option is available also to control and monitor it.
We are very much impressed with the ARB Cooler, it’s a great product for anyone who wants to enjoy cool and refreshing drinks on a hot day out.
The only drawback of this product is, this fridge does not operate on battery, the plug must be connected to a 110V or 12V outlet, otherwise, it is a good choice.
5. Igloo Cooler
Our Review:
The Igloo Cooler is the ideal solution for outdoor activities, picnics, parties, and camping. It provides a secure and safe place to store food and drinks. As it is designed to keep your items cold even if you’re in a hot climate or direct sunlight.
With a locking lid, it can be prevented from opening accidentally and it can be easily removed when you need to access your items. You can put it in your truck, car, or boat and it will keep your items cold.
It has a plastic body that is resistant to impacts, scratches, and damage and the metallic-fiber material used in this Cooler makes it durable whether you are using it on the road or at home.
This is the perfect companion for long drives in the summer as it is designed to keep your beverages cool for hours. It has a swing-up handle that makes it easy to lift and lower, and you can carry it with ease.
A quiet brushless motor and a fan are available for bz so that your items stay cold even when you’re on the road in the direct sunlight.
Further, it has a capacity of 26 liters, which is enough for a couple of people to use it and keep their items cold.
We found a long power cord on this cooler that can be plugged into any 12-volt DC receptacle. Also, it is compact, convenient, and can fit into almost any vehicle without any issues.
6. Coleman Cooler
Our Review:
Coleman is a great cooler for truck drivers and other outdoor enthusiasts. It is an extremely useful product that can be used to keep drinks cold or warm in a truck. It’s a very handy accessory to have in the truck.
The motor can be turned off and on easily with the plug and keeps contents up to 40 degrees colder or warmer than the surroundings, making it perfect for camping or long road trips.
Its door can be opened from either the left or right side with a handle easily and protectively, the cooler is built to last, and the best part is that it’s affordable.
Chill or warm your food and drinks at the push of a button with this compact and stylish cooler, this small cool box is made from high-quality material that is durable and lightweight and consumes 12 volts only of the truck’s battery.
We found that it is an amazing cooler that is designed to cool/hot your beverages more efficiently than conventional coolers, holding up to 40 cans, which is more than enough for most people.
However, the cooler doesn’t include any handles for easier portability but that is not a problem because it is a very light cooler and is very easy to carry around. Also, it can be placed chest and upright, which makes it easy to place it in the truck.
Finally, Coleman coolers are very affordable, and the motor is very long-lasting and will give you years of service.
7. AONI Cooler
Our Review:
The AONI is a compact and stylish Refrigerator freezer that is a great addition to your truck or any type of vehicle you have. This product is an ideal companion for long-distance trips where you can cool yourself with chilled beverages.
It comes with 32 Quarts capacity which means it can store up to 18 liters of drinks. It has a beautiful black and orange color contrast design and will make your truck look classy and sleek.
This compact cooler can be easily stored in any car and you can carry it from the trunk to the front seat. The ice maker of this freezer is made of cubed ice so you don’t have to worry about getting clogged ice cubes.
You can carry it anywhere with you; camping, on boats, on road trips, even you can use it during home parties. Because it is portable and comes with two hidden handles on both sides so it is easy to take it around.
The LED control panel of this cooler allows you to monitor the temperature of the ice and the water inside. This is a must-have cooler for truck drivers who need to keep their drinks cool in the harsh conditions of the road.
We found that this cool and convenient device is lightweight and easy to use. Just plug in this portable cooler to the USB port, then connect it to your car or truck’s 12V DC power outlet, and turn on the device.
Additionally, it has a portable cup holder that is a compartment for cups and glass, you can also put other accessories in it.
Overall, if you’re looking for a modish, convenient, and efficient cooler for your truck, then the AONI Cooler is the best option for you.
8. BougeRV Cooler
Our Review:
The BougerV Cooler is an excellent cooling device that will keep your truck cool on long trips without having to worry about using the additional battery.
This is a great device for those who want to travel with their drinks or for people who are on the go and need to keep themselves hydrated on the road.
This cooler is made of durable material that comes in light Grey color and matte finishing which provides it a strong and sturdy construction and graceful look, easy to use.
The smooth running compressor can compress the air inside the cooler and cold your food and drinks for a long time even when not plugged into the battery. You can enjoy cold beverages on your road trips or camping trips, without having to worry about batteries.
In order to make sure that the compressor is working properly, you can also check the battery level with the built-in LED light. And its Precise Temperature control will let you update about the temperature also you can set it according to your need.
The large capacity makes it possible to keep several bottles of beer or soda in the cooler. So it lets you store a lot of food and drinks inside it during a long journey, very good refrigerator for truck drivers.
This stylish cooler provides a shock-proof design to keep your device safe from any kind of damage when you travel on uneven rocky roads. Moreover, it is equipped with a low noise compressor to make sure of good sleep after long driving on the trip.
We recharged our cell phone through this refrigerator as it has a USB port on the panel. You can easily charge your cell phone if your mobile phone battery is low during traveling.
All in all, this 12v portable freezer could achieve 16 min fast cooling, it can be easily fit into the truck or truck trailer, also has a large capacity and low noise compressor, which makes it the perfect option for truck drivers.
What To Look For When Buying Best 12v Cooler For Trucking?
Many models and designs are available in the market but we have to choose one of them which will fulfill our needs. Some points you have to keep in mind when you go to buy a cooler for a truck, like:
1. Capacity
If you’re looking for a 12-volt cooler that has a large capacity, you may want to look into the larger options that have a capacity range of 24-40 quarts. This range is usually sufficient to keep a wide variety of food items cool.
2. Construction
The next thing you’ll want to think about is the construction of the cooler. Most models are designed to be lightweight and durable, so you won’t have to worry too much about them breaking or getting damaged because they are shockproof. Also, you have to look at the type of form it is built on chest or vertical.
3. Features
If you’re looking for a model that has a few extra features, then you may want to consider the following:
1. A drip tray
2. An insulated container
3. A separate ice compartment
4. A removable ice bin
5. A water-proof lid
4. Weight of Cooler
When you’re thinking about purchasing a cooler for your truck, it’s important to know how much weight you’re dealing with and what kind of cooler you want.
For your cooler for trucks, you can go with a lightweight option if you’re just planning on taking it on a short road trip or camping trip.
However, if you’re planning on using it as a full-time refrigerator, then you’ll want to consider something a little heavier, up to 50 pounds.
Final Verdict!
This post was all about choosing the best 12 volts cooler for trucks. As a truck owner, You will find these products are very helpful to keep you cool and hydrated during the summertime.
We reviewed the 8 best coolers and also shared some great tips to choose the best cooler for your truck.
All the above products are good but we recommend you to choose AONI Cooler because it is perfect for truck drivers and can be used anywhere, it has a very colorful look.
We hope that this article can help you find the best 12 volts cooler for your truck. If you have any questions about this article, please feel free to share your comments and opinions with us below.
FAQs
How long will a 12-volt cooler run on the battery of a truck?
A typical 12-volt cooler will run for about 4 hours on a single charge. However, higher-end models tend to run longer than lower-end models.
The general rule of thumb is that the more powerful the cooler, the longer it can run on battery. A 12-volt cooler will run for about 40 hours on a single battery, depending on its size.
Do 12-volt coolers work well?
It’s no secret that 12-volt coolers work well. They’re a great way to keep food and drink cold for long periods of time and they can be used for everything from picnics to road trips to boating.
In trucks, how efficient are 12-volt coolers?
These coolers are very efficient in trucks, especially long-haul trucks. The great thing about these coolers is that they use a minimal amount of power and allow truckers to keep their food cold throughout their trip.
What’s the difference between the 12V and 24V refrigerators?
They have a smaller capacity than the 24V refrigerators, have more power, and can keep a larger amount of food items cool. But 12 volts are best for vehicles because they consume less power to run.
Related Resources:
I am Baker Hughes and I live in the USA. I am an electrical engineer and work with 12 Volt products. I want to explore this section more because it is an area of interest for me that has been developed over time. I have 10 Years of experience with 12 Volt products, specifically wiring, installation, guide, reviews, and troubleshooting.
