5 Things to Know About Buying a Cooler for Your Truck Bed or Trunk

Measure your truck bed or trunk in three dimensions before buying. Brands like Yeti, Pelican, and RTIC make coolers designed to fit, but you still need to check clearance between wheel wells and under bed covers.

Truck-bed coolers are narrower or lower-profile. They slide between wheel wells and sit flush under a bed cover, with molded slots for ratchet straps and non-skid bottoms.

Trunk coolers should be shorter in height and have a flat bottom. Wheeled models like the Pelican 20-quart Elite or Yeti Roadie 24 clear the trunk lid and won’t tip over.

Drain plug placement matters. Truck-bed coolers often have drains positioned so you can empty them without pulling the cooler out.

A standard rectangular cooler works with bungee cords or tie-downs. Dedicated truck or trunk coolers are convenient but not essential—measuring your space first is the real trick.