TOP 12 COOLER SETUPS FOR THE THE DUNES

COOLER SETUPS FOR DUNES

Some of our favorite ways to stay hydrated in the sand By the staff of Dirt Wheels

Dune season in the Southwest is just getting underway, but no matter where you might dune, hydration is essential. You’ll need something to keep those sports drinks cool while slinging sand. There are standard coolers that tend to slide out of the straps holding them in place, and then there are coolers designed for extreme acceleration and big-air landings in the sand. Some are manufactured to fit specific side-by-side brands and models; others are made with multiple ways to strap them down. And, for the sport quad riders, you can still get the classic six-pack rack for your small Playmate cooler. Here are our favorite cold-hydration options for ripping through the dunes.

AO CARBON SERIES STOW N’ GO

The AO Carbon Series Stow N’ Go coolers are perfect for side-by-side vehicles. Their low-profile design seamlessly fits tight spaces, while robust insulation keeps contents cold during long rides. These coolers can handle up to 38 cans with ice. Lightweight and compact, they ensure easy storage and portability with a padded handle for comfortable carrying. The leak-proof liner prevents spills, even on bumpy trails. D-rings allow for secure strapping down in your vehicle. Available in Carbon Black or Carbon Silver, they match any vehicle’s colorway. The HD model features even thicker insulation and reinforced seams for added durability.

Price: Starting at $139.95

Contact: www.aocoolers.com

ASSAULT INDUSTRIES COOLER/CARGO BOX

The Assault Industries cooler/cargo box’s primary function is to keep your beverages and food cold with space for up to 36 cans or dry storage for essential gear. Built with durable materials, it withstands the rigors of off-roading in harsh environments, ensuring contents remain secure and cool. The cooler features a tight seal and heavy-duty latches, preventing dust and sand intrusion. The top MOLLE panel provides additional cargo-strapping solutions. Designed to fit a variety of sport side-by-sides, including Polaris, Can-Am, Honda, Kawasaki and Yamaha models, the cooler comes with steel brackets for a permanent mount, so straps aren’t required. Its easy installation ensures it stays in place, making it an ideal accessory for dune adventures. 

Price: $399.95

Contact: www.assaultind.com 

ASSAULT INDUSTRIES RUXAK COOLER BAG

Manufactured using denier vinyl, the RUXAK features a 24-can capacity with room for ice, sturdy handles and secure latches, making it easy to transport aboard any UTV or strap it to your ATV rack. Its sleek, tactical design includes a dry storage pocket. Ideal for off-road enthusiasts, camping trips and outdoor events, the RUXAK cooler combines functionality and fade-resistant style, providing reliable cooling in the most demanding environments.

Price: $94.95

Contact: www.assaultind.com

CAN-AM LINQ 4.2-GAL. COOLER

The LinQ 4.2-gallon cooler is an insulated cooler designed for use with most Can-Am ATVs and side-by-sides. With a capacity of 4.2 gallons, it features double-wall construction to keep contents cold longer. The cooler is equipped with the LinQ system for quick and secure mounting and removal, and a handle for convenient transport. Its rugged design includes a durable exterior, a secure latch system and a drain plug for easy cleaning. This is an excellent solution if you own a Can-Am and don’t want to mess with unstrapping your cooler whenever you need to open the lid.

Price: $369.99

Contact: www.can-am.brp.com

DRT UNIVERSAL RIGID TACTICAL COOLER

Ideal for any two- or four-door side-by-sides and anywhere else you require cold storage, this cooler features heavy-duty latches, reinforced handles and a carbon fiber lid. Insulation keeps contents chilled for extended periods, while the storage space accommodates up to 36 cans and 20 pounds of ice. The cooler also includes an integrated tie-down system for secure transport with your UTVs anchor points. Its ruggedness and functionality make it a reliable choice for camping, fishing and other demanding activities. 

Price: $125

Contact: www.drtmotorsports.com

POLARIS LOCK & RIDE COOLER BOX

The Polaris Lock & Ride rear cooler box is a versatile and convenient storage solution for outdoor enthusiasts. Available in three sizes—23, 48 and 51 quarts—these coolers are designed to fit seamlessly into the Polaris RZR. The durable construction and high-quality insulation ensure contents stay cold and secure during rides, with a 48-hour ice-retention capability. The quick and easy Lock & Ride system allows hassle-free installation and removal. 

Price: $329.99–$469.99

Contact: www.polaris.com

PRO ARMOR BALLISTIC COOLER

The Pro Armor Ballistic cooler is a versatile and durable option for off-roaders, making it a great universal choice for all side-by-sides. Available in two sizes, these coolers are made with 1680-denier ballistic material featuring a tough exterior that resists punctures and abrasions. The smaller size can hold up to 24 cans and ice, perfect for day trips. The larger size can accommodate up to 36 cans and ice, which is ideal for longer adventures. With superior insulation, both sizes ensure outstanding ice retention, keeping contents cold for days. Reinforced handles and a secure latching system keep your contents safe and cold. 

Price: $99.95–$109.95

Contact: www.proarmor.com

RTIC 45 QT ULTRA-TOUGH WHEELED COOLER

Available in four color choices, the RTIC 45-quart Ultra-Tough wheeled cooler is designed for durability and convenience, making it an excellent choice for side-by-side use. Constructed with heavy-duty materials, it offers superior ice retention for up to five days. The large wheels and sturdy handle make it easy to transport by hand over various terrains. Its 45-quart/60-can capacity provides room for food and beverages. Its roto-molded design and secure lid latches ensure it can withstand rough handling. The cooler includes tie-down slots, a telescoping handle, and a drain system. It’s the perfect cooler for long adventures with your crew.

Price: $269.99

Contact: www.rticoutdoors.com

SDR MOTORSPORTS POLARIS PRO XP HI-BRED STORAGE/COOLER BAG

The tapered-style SDR Polaris Pro XP Hi-Bred storage/cooler bag is designed to enhance storage and cooling solutions for every sand adventure. It boasts a generous capacity, providing ample space for beverages, snacks and essentials. Constructed with high-quality materials for durability, it ensures your items stay cool and secure. This bag features convenient side pockets for additional storage. It also includes hard-mounting hardware for a secure and strap-free fit. Designed explicitly for Polaris RZR Pro XP, Turbo R, and Pro R models, this cooler bag integrates with the vehicle, keeping your refreshments chilled and gear organized on every ride.

Price: $277.99

Contact: www.sdrmotorsports.com

SUPERATV COOLER/CARGO BOXES

Built with durable, weather-resistant materials, SuperATV cooler/cargo boxes keep contents secure and protected from the elements. Their spacious interior offers ample storage for essential gear and refreshments, while the cooler compartment ensures drinks and food stay cold. The secure latching system prevents accidental openings during rough rides. Additionally, their easy-to-install design allows for quick attachment to various off-road vehicles, including Polaris RZR, Can-Am Maverick, Yamaha YXZ, Honda Talon and Kawasaki Teryx. These features make SuperATV cooler/cargo boxes an excellent choice for maintaining provisions and gear in the challenging conditions of sand dunes.

Price: Starting at $329.95

Contact: www.superatv.com

XFR PRO ATV COOLER RACK/GRAB BAR

This rack is designed to securely hold a six-pack cooler, ensuring your beverages remain cold and accessible during your rides. Made from 6061 high-grade aluminum, it is durable and resistant to the rough conditions of ATV adventures. It also doubles as a grab bar, providing more leverage when stuck in the sand. It features an easy-to-mount design, is compatible with most sport ATV models and includes a whip mount. Available in polished aluminum or a variety of colors, the sleek, lightweight design adds minimal weight to your ATV and is easy to install using factory hardware.

Price: $99.99–$109.99

Contact: www.xfrproatv.com

AC RACING ATV COOLER RACK

The six-pack rack grab bar from AC Racing is a versatile and robust accessory designed for ATV enthusiasts. Crafted from high-quality aluminum, this grab bar offers durability and lightweight performance. It includes a strap for mounting a cooler to many Honda ATVs and ATCs. The rack is easy to install and compatible with various ATV models, including the Yamaha Raptor 700, Honda TRX450R and Suzuki LT-R450. Its design includes a wide grab area for added stability and control, making it ideal for rough terrains. Whether on a leisurely ride or an adventurous trail, the AC Racing six-pack rack grab bar enhances functionality and safety. 

Price: $70–$95

Contact: www.acracing.com