6 Best Cooler Wheel Kits and Carts

Last Updated October 7, 2023
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Modern coolers are tougher, better insulated, and generally nicer than ever before. No matter how good the coolers themselves get though, there’s always the problem of humping them across sand dunes, campgrounds, and ball fields. A cooler wheel kit lets you convert your top of the line cooler into a much more mobile and manageable situation. Today we’re reviewing the best cooler wheel kits to help you find the one that not only fits your cooler, but gives you the performance you demand.

Best Cooler Wheel Kits and Carts

Cooler wheel kits have only been around for a little while. Beach carts have been a thing for decades, with many pulling double duty as cooler carriers, but purpose built cooler wheel kits and carts are new.

In just the last few years a bunch of really nice options have cropped up. The problem is picking out the best cooler wheel kit for your cooler and your needs.

Our list covers some of the toughest, most intuitive, and easiest to roll cooler kits and carts available, you can also read our best wheeled cooler guide.

Rambler Wheels Cooler Kits

Rambler Wheels Cooler Kits
The Rambler cooler wheel kit product picture

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As an avid outdoorsman who thrives on hiking, camping, and embracing the wilderness, I’ve always sought gear that can withstand the rigors of the wild while offering convenience. The Rambler Wheels Cooler Kit has been a revolutionary addition to my outdoor escapades. The variety of wheel kits designed specifically for the YETI coolers, a brand I swear by, caught my attention. I got the X2LT wheel kit for my YETI 35, and the experience has been nothing short of exceptional.

Installation was a breeze. The instructions were clear, concise, and I had the wheels on in no time. The first trial was during a camping trip, and maneuvering my cooler over uneven terrain was effortless. The 8” flat free solid tires are a brilliant design, offering excellent ground clearance. I love the fact that they can be adjusted for different terrains; level for clear grounds and elevated for rough terrains. It’s a feature that came in handy during a beach outing where the sandy terrain would have otherwise been a challenge.

The telescoping handle is another feature that resonates with my love for convenience. It slots perfectly into the YETI molded cooler handle, extends to two different lengths suiting my stride, and folds down flat against the cooler when not in use, a design I find neat and thoughtful.

I can’t help but appreciate the ease this wheel kit brought to my beach trips. The optional upgraded tires for sandy terrains are a consideration for the future, but even with the standard tires, rolling my YETI across the sandy shores was a breeze. It was not only a back saver but also a conversation starter, with quite a number of folks inquiring about the wheels.

On a recent weekend getaway to a nearby forest reserve, the Rambler Wheels Cooler Kit proved its mettle. Having packed my YETI 45 with refreshments, the journey from the parking area to our campsite involved navigating through a mix of gravel paths and grassy trails. Initially, I had reservations about how the wheels would perform, but they tackled the varied terrains with ease. The adjustable settings of the wheels allowed me to maintain a level cooler despite the uneven grounds, making the trek less cumbersome. The telescopic handle was a charm, providing a comfortable grip and ease of maneuverability as I weaved through the trails. It was a solitary journey, with the early morning mist still hovering above, and I couldn’t help but appreciate the solitude, made more enjoyable with the convenience of my wheeled cooler trailing along. The ease of moving my cooler allowed me more time to soak in the serene environment, and less time worrying about the burden of carrying refreshments. By the time I reached the campsite, I was less fatigued, and ready to kickstart the day’s activities. It was not just a win for me, but a nod to the ingenious design of the Rambler Wheels Cooler Kit.

While the cost is on the higher side, the value it adds, especially for someone who spends a significant amount of time outdoors, is immense. It’s a worthy investment that has not only eased the maneuverability of my cooler but also sparked interest among fellow outdoor enthusiasts. Now, I’m eyeing a second set for my other YETI cooler dedicated to the kids’ drinks during our outdoor adventures. The Rambler Wheels Cooler Kit is a blend of functionality, convenience, and durability, a trio that every outdoorsman would appreciate.

Pros:

  • Easy Installation: Clear instructions that make the setup process a breeze.
  • Adjustable Wheels: Adaptability to different terrains is a significant plus, especially for varying outdoor adventures.
  • Telescoping Handle: Provides a comfortable grip and ease of maneuverability, folding down neatly when not in use.
  • Enhanced Mobility: Makes transporting a loaded cooler much less of a chore, saving energy for other outdoor activities.
  • Compatibility: Perfectly designed for popular YETI cooler models, ensuring a snug fit without the need for additional tools.

Cons:

  • Price: The cost may be prohibitive for some, although the value it adds is undeniable.
  • Additional Cost for Sand Tires: If you frequent sandy terrains, the extra cost for specialized tires could add up.

Badger Wheels Cooler Kits and Carts

Badger Wheels Cooler Kits and Carts
The Badger cooler wheel kit product picture

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Badger Wheels is another custom manufacturer that produces a line of awesome cooler wheel kits. They have a more general focus to their designs, with most of their kits fitting a variety of the most popular coolers on the market today.

Their flagship product is a single axle 2 wheel offering that’s adjustable to fit the bulk of the YETI Tundra line of coolers. It uses an extendable axle system that allows you to strap it securely to most standard rotomolded coolers.

It snaps into place using the non-slip cooler feet and a tension rod. If you’re heading over really rough terrain you can also pop on the included secondary locking system using a locking plate and bolt.

It doesn’t come with a handle extension but we found it pretty comfortable to use with the cooler molded handle. This is especially true for the larger coolers. If you prefer you can also pick up two sets and use them as a 4 wheel platform.

They offer both a solid and a telescoping handle you can pick up if you want one. While we did find this to be a really worthwhile add on, we really would have liked to see it included.

Overall the Badger Wheels cooler wheel kit is a great product that gives you a lot of flexibility. You can use it as either a 2 wheel or 4 wheel set and adjust it to your liking.

Mighty Max Plus One Cart for Coolers

Mighty Max Plus One Cart for Coolers
The Mighty Max cooler wheel kit product picture

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The Mighty Max Plus One cart is a weatherproof wheeled cooler carrier developed out of a successful KickStarter campaign. It’s designed to hold a variety of coolers through an expanding deck system with lock poles and a ratcheting strap.

Your cooler rests on a durable polycarbonate cart with 4 large and bulbous wheels. This allows it to travel easily across rocks, sand, dirt, and even beach conditions.

The cooler sits level on the cart and is securely latched in place. This allows you to move it pretty much anywhere while still giving full access to the interior.

The Plus One has a telescoping handle that extends out as much as 34” and allows you to comfortably pull your cooler with your left or right hand. One of the things we love most about this cooler cart is how versatile it is.

You can use it to tow your cooler out to the beach, drop it off, and come back for chairs, umbrellas, and anything else you need. It’s so sturdy you can actually tow it behind a lawn tractor if you want to haul a seriously large cooler. It’s definitely larger than many other cooler wheel kits but it provides a lot of value for that extra size.

All in all the Mighty Max Plus One is one of the most affordable multi-cooler wheel kits available. It will fit just about any cooler from just about any manufacturer, and offers considerable flexibility in where you go and how you get there.

Sherpa Wheels Cooler Cart

Sherpa Wheels Cooler Cart
The Sherpa cooler wheel kit product picture

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The Sherpa Wheels Cooler Cart is a ruggedly built cooler wheel kit designed to fit some of the most popular coolers on the market. It’s rated to hold YETI, Rtic, and Kong coolers up to about the 160-quart range.

The cart is made up of a pair of wheeled axles that slot onto either end of the cooler. They ratchet securely into place and give you a stable platform to move your cooler.

It uses pneumatic tires with a 10” diameter. They’re quite thick, providing excellent mobility on just about any surface.

Snapping the wheels into place takes just a minute once you get the hang of it and makes it really easy to remove them once you arrive at your beach spot, campsite, or other location.

The axles are made from stainless steel and use sealed bearings. It’s durable, long-lasting, and rolls great.

While it doesn’t come with a handle the height of the wheels allows you to use the rope handle included with most rotomolded coolers quite easily. It’s not a perfect solution but it does work pretty well all things considered.

Camco Cooler Cart Kit

Camco Cooler Cart Kit
The Camco cooler wheel kit product picture

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The Camco Cooler Cart Kit is a camping and outdoor focused add on for your rotomolded coolers. It fits any cooler currently on the market with up to a 17.5” width.

It relies on a pair of 12” wheels that snap into place with a few screws and a pair of straps. This gives you great ground clearance, but not a lot of traction on beaches and other areas with less than solid ground.

The Camco Cooler Cart also lacks a handle. The large wheels make it easy to grab a rope handle on higher-end rotomolded coolers but make it less easy to use on less expensive models.

One of the best features of the Camco Cooler Cart is its price – Substantially less than most similar cooler wheel kits on the market.

Is the Camco Cooler Cart the best cooler wheel kit? Not by a long shot. But its combination of basic functionality, durable construction, and low cost make it a viable choice.

Sea Striker Beach Cooler Cart

Sea Striker Beach Cooler Cart
The Sea Striker cooler wheel kit product picture

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The Sea Striker Beach Cooler Cart is a specialized cooler wheel kit designed for shore fishermen. It’s designed to hold your cooler plus several rods, reels, nets, and other important beach tools.

It has a pair of large and very thick pneumatic tires that roll well across sand and mud without slowing you down on firmer surfaces. It’s level at rest and uses a rigid metal handle with two spots to grab onto it.

The cart can fit coolers up to 54 quarts with space left over for other essentials like a tackle box. It has 6 round rod holders that can also be used as attachment points for various add ons. Our personal favorite is an upright cutting board that lets you quickly fillet your catch and put it on ice without slowing down your day’s fishing.

The Sea Striker Beach Cooler Cart is an excellent choice for anyone who frequently finds themselves at the beach. This is especially true for those who like to try their luck at catching a few fish off the shore.

Best Cooler Cart Comparison Table

Buyers Guide to Buying the Best Cooler Wheel Kits and Carts

Comparing cooler wheel kits and carts comes down to wheel features, sizing, and weight limits. You need to know what kind of cooler you want to use it for as well as the type of terrain you’ll most frequently be taking it across.

Price

Cooler wheel kits are pretty consistently priced across the board. The majority start around $120 and rarely go above $200.

There are a few outliers of course, but they’re generally either feature heavy or focused on a very specific cooler.

Cooler Compatibility

If you’re thinking about buying a cooler wheel kit you’ve probably already got a cooler to use with it. Double check that any cooler kit you choose will work with your cooler.

Most manufacturers provide a list of compatible coolers, but it’s not a bad idea to see if they post the accepted dimensions as well. This makes it a lot easier to find out if your cooler will fit properly.

Another thing to keep in mind is the durability and weight tolerance of the cooler wheel kit. You want it to handle the weight of a full cooler without difficulty.

Wheel Size and Thickness

The size and thickness of a cooler’s wheels plays a major role in where you can take it. If you only need to wheel your cooler around on pavement or other smooth and level surfaces any size wheels will do.

For most of us though we’re a lot more likely to bring a cooler to a campsite, grassy ball field, or sandy beach. Large and thick wheels make it a whole lot easier to maintain traction while moving your cooler across these surfaces.

You should also consider whether you want solid core tires or pneumatic (air-filled) ones. Solid core tires require less upkeep but will be noticeably heavier as tire size goes up.

Pneumatic tires can be a lot bigger and a lot thicker without adding on more weight. It gives you the added benefit of being able to adjust the air pressure for conditions.

The downside is maintenance. They need to be inflated to the proper air pressure and can be susceptible to punctures. If you pick up a nail out on the beach you’re going to have to drag a your cooler back on a flat or carry it yourself.

Versatility

Some cooler wheel kits are compatible with a variety of different coolers. Others are specialized to fit perfectly on one model or a few sizes of a single brand.

These specialized cooler wheel kits are more common for high-end rotomolded coolers such as YETI, Rtic, Engel, Orca, Pelican, etc. If you’ve got a fairly standard Coleman, Igloo, or other cooler there’s a good chance you can pick up a cooler wheel kit that will work with a variety of different models.

2 or 4 Wheels

This one really comes down to the size of your cooler, the quality of its seal, and how you want to move it around. Two wheeled cooler mobility kits require you to tip it over onto its side to roll.

If you’ve got a small or empty cooler this isn’t a big deal, but if you’re rocking a 100+ quart cooler loaded down with ice and drinks it’s a lot more of an ordeal. This also applies if your cooler doesn’t have the best seal around the lid.

Tipping it over can cause water from melted ice to drip down the side of your cooler. This can get on the upholstery of your car if you aren’t careful.

Four wheeled models offer better stability and can be easier to move, but they do have some drawbacks. If you’re going up any stairs with a four wheel model you’re going to have to stop and carry your cooler up them.

If you’re bringing a cooler onto a boat or other less than stable surface you have to lock the wheels on a four wheel kit. Otherwise you might find your beverages drifting around the deck.

Make sure you consider these factors before making a purchase.

Telescopic Handle

A telescopic handle is one of the best features to look for in a cooler wheel kit. It allows you to adjust the height of the handle to your own height and stow it away when not in use.

This is especially useful if you’re loading your cooler into a car or boat for transport. A long handle sticking out of the top permanently can be a real drag.

Weight and Portability

The weight and size of your cooler wheel kit can affect how portable it is. This especially matters when talking about kits that you’ll frequently remove and store.

Some are designed to strap right onto your cooler while others rely on a frame system. This really comes down to how large the cooler they work with it.

Heavier coolers require heavier duty wheel kits.

Ease of Assembly

If you’re rolling with a cooler cart assembly is as easy as dropping your cooler on top and taking off. Cooler wheel kits though are designed to attach securely to your cooler without actually damaging its body or feet.

Some cooler wheel kits require the use of tools and attachment plates to get your cooler ready to go. This is great from a durability standpoint but don’t allow you to easily adjust the wheel position or remove them for easier access to the contents.

Depending on the manufacturer there are also kits that rely entirely on the tension applied to the handle and feet of your cooler. These give you a pretty solid connection for most uses and are easy to take off and put on, great if you’re using your cooler on a boat or other moving surface.

Extras, Add-Ons, and Bonus Features

Some cooler wheel kits provide you with wheels, a strap, and a handle. That gets the job done, but it does leave a little to be desired for certain beach goers, fisherman, and other cooler users.

If you’re willing to pay for it there are a lot of really cool extra features you can find for different activities and purposes. One of the most popular when talking about high end rotomolded coolers are related to fishing.

You can get cooler wheel kits that provide you with everything from rod holders, net stands, and even cutting board slots. This allows you to carry basically everything you need for a day of beach or pier fishing in one easy to haul package.

FAQs: Best Cooler Wheel Kits

Welcome to the Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) section, where we address common queries and provide valuable insights into choosing the best cooler wheel kits for your outdoor adventures. When embarking on camping, hiking, or survival trips, a reliable cooler equipped with a wheel kit can be a game-changer. No more lugging heavy coolers across rugged terrains or sacrificing essential supplies due to weight limitations. In this section, we aim to address your concerns, guiding you through the essential factors to consider, installation tips, maintenance suggestions, and more. Let’s dive into the world of cooler wheel kits and discover how they can enhance your outdoor experience, making your journeys more convenient, enjoyable, and unforgettable.

What is a cooler wheel kit, and why do I need one?

A cooler wheel kit is a set of wheels and accessories designed to be attached to your cooler, transforming it into a portable, easy-to-transport cooler on wheels. Having a cooler wheel kit is especially beneficial during camping, hiking, and survival trips as it eliminates the need to carry a heavy cooler over rough terrain, making it more convenient to transport food, drinks, and essential supplies.

Are cooler wheel kits compatible with all types of coolers?

Cooler wheel kits are typically designed to be versatile and compatible with various cooler brands and models. However, it’s essential to check the product specifications and reviews to ensure that the wheel kit fits your specific cooler model properly.

What should I consider when choosing the best cooler wheel kit for my needs?

When selecting a cooler wheel kit, consider factors such as the wheel’s size and material, the weight capacity, ease of installation, and overall durability. Look for a kit that suits the terrain you’ll encounter during your outdoor adventures, as well as one that offers additional features like adjustable handles or all-terrain wheels for maximum versatility.

Can I install the cooler wheel kit myself, or do I need special tools?

Most cooler wheel kits are designed for easy installation and can be attached to your cooler without the need for special tools. They typically come with all the necessary hardware and instructions for a straightforward setup. However, it’s always a good idea to read the user manual and follow the provided guidelines to ensure a secure installation.

Will the cooler wheel kit affect the insulation and cooling capabilities of my cooler?

In general, a well-designed cooler wheel kit should not significantly impact the insulation and cooling abilities of your cooler. However, it’s essential to ensure that the kit does not interfere with the cooler’s lid seal, as this could affect its cooling performance. Additionally, choosing a kit with large, rugged wheels can help reduce friction and maintain the cooler’s mobility without compromising its cooling efficiency.

How do I maintain and clean my cooler wheel kit?

Proper maintenance and cleaning are crucial to ensure the longevity and optimal performance of your cooler wheel kit. Regularly check for any signs of wear and tear, tighten screws and bolts if necessary, and lubricate moving parts to keep them running smoothly. Cleaning the wheels and components with mild soap and water after each trip will help remove dirt and debris, preventing any potential damage.

Can I use a cooler wheel kit on other outdoor gear, such as storage boxes or bins?

While cooler wheel kits are specifically designed for coolers, some adaptable models may be suitable for use with other outdoor gear, such as storage boxes or bins with similar dimensions and weight capacities. However, always verify the compatibility and limitations of the wheel kit before using it on alternative items.

Do cooler wheel kits come with a warranty?

Many reputable cooler wheel kit manufacturers offer warranties to provide assurance of the product’s quality and durability. The duration and coverage of the warranty can vary between brands, so it’s advisable to check the warranty terms before making your purchase.

Can I use a cooler wheel kit on soft-sided coolers?

Most cooler wheel kits are designed for use with hard-sided coolers that have a sturdy structure and can support the weight of the added wheels and accessories. Using a cooler wheel kit on soft-sided coolers may not be effective or secure due to the flexible nature of the cooler’s material.

Where can I buy the best cooler wheel kits for camping, hiking, and survival trips?

Cooler wheel kits are commonly available online through various outdoor retailers, e-commerce platforms, and even the manufacturers’ websites. Be sure to read reviews and compare prices to find the best deal and a high-quality cooler wheel kit that suits your specific needs.

Final Thoughts

Picking out the best cooler wheel kits and carts really comes down to two big factors. What kind of cooler you have and where you want to take it.

You need to make sure the cart you choose will fit your make, model, and size cooler and that it can handle the type of terrain you’re moving on.

Some of the best cooler carts out there do great on sand and other shifting ground but become tiresome to move across large parking lots or campsites.

Figure out where you’re mostly going to be using your cooler and find a cart that offers the features that most match that use.

2 thoughts on “6 Best Cooler Wheel Kits and Carts”

  1. Just got the Rambler Wheels Cooler Kit for my YETI – installation was a breeze. Anyone else find it super easy to set up?

    Reply
  2. I recently purchased the Mighty Max Plus One Cart and it’s been a game-changer for my beach outings. Its ability to handle different terrains, from sand to rocky paths, is impressive. The setup is straightforward, and the durability seems top-notch. It’s a bit larger than other carts, but the versatility makes up for it. I highly recommend it for anyone needing a reliable cooler transport solution.

    Reply

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