Wheeled Coolers
Wheeled coolers that roll a full load of food, drinks and ice from the car to the beach, the campsite or the boat ramp. Our range features YETI and Coleman, from family-sized chilly bins to tough roto-moulded rolling coolers.
Big, solid wheels and a strong telescoping or tow handle make heavy loads easy to move over grass, gravel and footpaths. For carrying on your back, see our soft coolers, and keep food organised and dry with a cooler basket from our parts and accessories.
Wheel one around at our Grey Lynn concept store, or order online for tracked delivery across New Zealand.
Frequently asked questions about wheeled coolers
Are wheeled coolers worth it?
If you regularly carry a full cooler any distance, from the car park to the beach, campsite or sports field, wheels make a big difference. A full cooler with ice and drinks can be very heavy, and rolling it saves your back and arms. The trade-off is slightly less internal space and extra weight from the wheels and handle. For short carries from the car to the boat, a standard hard cooler may be enough.
Do wheeled coolers work on sand?
Wheeled coolers with large, solid wheels handle grass, gravel and firm sand well, but soft, dry sand is hard going for any wheels. On soft beaches, you may need to drag or carry it for the last stretch, or pull it closer to the waterline where the sand is firmer. Wider, chunkier wheels perform better than small, hard wheels on uneven or soft ground.
What size wheeled cooler should I get?
Wheeled coolers range from around 30 litres to large family-sized models of 60 litres and more. Around 35 to 40 litres suits a couple or small family for a day trip, while 50 to 60 litres suits family camping and longer days at the beach. Remember the cooler will be heavier when full, so choose a size you can still lift into the car comfortably.
Can a wheeled cooler double as a seat?
Many wheeled hard coolers are strong enough to sit on, giving you a handy seat at the beach, campsite or sports sideline. Check the product details, as not all wheeled coolers are rated to take a person's weight. A flat, sturdy lid is best for sitting, and add-on cushions make it more comfortable. Avoid sitting on the handle or wheel end, which is not designed for the load.
How do I keep my wheeled cooler cold for the whole day?
Pre-chill it the night before, fill it with already cold food and drinks, and use plenty of ice or frozen ice packs, with some block ice for longer cold. Keep it in the shade, and open the lid as little as possible by packing the things you will want first near the top. A full cooler stays cold longer than a half-empty one, so fill gaps with extra ice or frozen water bottles.
How do I look after the wheels and handle?
Rinse sand, salt and grit from the wheels and axle after beach trips, as they can wear bearings and cause squeaking or stiffness. Check that the handle extends and locks smoothly, and wipe it down after use. Store the cooler with the handle retracted to avoid knocks. If the wheels become stiff, a clean and a light lubricant usually frees them up.