A cooler is an essential item for outdoor enthusiasts, making it convenient to transport cold beverages and food for picnics, camping trips, and other adventures. However, lugging a heavy cooler around can be quite cumbersome. One solution is to put wheels on your cooler, making it much easier to transport. In this article, we will discuss three ways to put wheels on a cooler.

1. Purchase a Cooler with Built-in Wheels

The simplest way to obtain a wheeled cooler is to purchase one that comes with built-in wheels. Several cooler brands offer models with rugged wheels designed for various types of terrain. These coolers are typically equipped with durable handles for easy towing. Investing in a cooler with built-in wheels saves time and effort compared to retrofitting an existing cooler.

2. Install an Aftermarket Wheel Kit

For those who already own a cooler and want to add wheels, aftermarket wheel kits are available online or in outdoor supply stores. These kits typically include all the necessary hardware to attach the wheels securely to your cooler along with detailed installation instructions. Before purchasing a wheel kit, measure your existing cooler’s dimensions and weight capacity, ensuring you select the appropriate kit for your specific needs.

Step-by-step installation process:

– Identify the best mounting positions on the bottom of your cooler for optimal balance and maneuverability.

– Using a power drill with the appropriate bit size, create holes in the specified mounting positions.

– Assemble the wheel kit’s components according to the manufacturer’s instructions.

– Attach the wheel assembly to your cooler using bolts, washers, and nuts provided in the kit.

– Ensure all connections are tight and secure before using your wheeled cooler for transportation.

3. DIY Cooler Wheels

If you possess handyman skills and enjoy DIY projects, you can create your own custom set of wheels for your cooler.

Materials needed:

– 2 durable swivel casters with brake system (sizes vary based on cooler size and weight capacity)

– 2 fixed casters (sizes vary based on the cooler size and weight capacity)

– 8 bolts with nuts and washers sized to fit casters

– Power drill with appropriate bit size

Installation process:

– Measure and mark the positions for each caster on the bottom of your cooler, ensuring they are evenly spaced and will provide proper balance while moving.

– Drill holes in the marked positions using a power drill.

– Attach the swivel casters with brake systems to the front end of the cooler, aligning their holes with those you drilled earlier. Secure with bolts, washers, and nuts.

– Attach the fixed casters to the back end of the cooler. Secure these as you did for the swivel casters.

– Tighten all connections securely before testing your DIY wheeled cooler.

In conclusion, adding wheels to a cooler can significantly improve its mobility and convenience. Whether you purchase a model with built-in wheels, install an aftermarket wheel kit, or create your own custom set of wheels, these options will make navigating your outdoor adventures more manageable.