I hear ya and I have mine in the sun all the time. I didn't really clarify in the video but the point is to avoid leaving it in full sun for days or weeks at a time. That seems to be when people see warping the most. A full day on the boat or a weekend camping shouldn't be an issue.
My ORCA has done really well in the back of my pickup truck. And I'm way out in the hot as F desert where you really need a durable cooler . Dry ice works the best .
Another tip . . . don't store the cooler with the lid down and the latches clamped down tight. Instead place a small towel over the rim of the cooler and let the lid rest down on that. This protects and prolongs the life of the freezer gasket around the lid and keeps it from getting compressed and losing it's effectiveness. This also keeps the inside of the cooler aired-out while being stored.-
You can also put baking soda in it. Towel in lid vents and wicks moisture, baking soda helps keep fresh. I only do the baking soda with my expensive 70 qt, which might only do a few trips a year, but damn it’s nice to just grab it and just use it after sitting for months.
One of mine stays in my work truck year around. When it's hot, I have a towel I put over the top of it and I wet the towel most of the time. Makes a huge difference in keeping ice
Awesome video, as an avid trunk cooler guy it makes me want to rotate them every three days instead of once a week when they run out of ice. Even though they’re not in direct sunlight it maybe just as damaging as it due to the hot temperatures in the trunk. My friends that have had warping lid issues in the past may have been due to them leaving the coolers on the back of trucks so maybe that explains the lid warping. Even once dry I like to throw in two paper towel sheets in my cooler to absorb any other lingering moisture.
This was great . I just picked up a Lifetime 55Q and though it wasn't as much as a Yeti I still want to get the most from it . Great video you have a blessed one .
Reflective bubble wrap can help with a lot of these. I live in Vegas and I use coolers just for grocery shopping. That bubble wrap is a cheap and useful addition to you cooler: Main use, fill in space inside the cooler to help with ice retention and cooling Cover the top for the same reason and after watching this, prevent sun warping I’ve melted a cooler before by using it as a fire side seat, so I’ll use the wrap as a heat shield. Also bubble wrap is a more comfortable seat
Okay, some good tips, warping the lid never occurred to me. TSP phosphate from your local paint store will also clean up the plastic real well and will not harm surfaces.. Mix it with water, spray or bush it on and scrub it with a kitchen scrub pad.
My RTIC 45 lid warped like in the video. To fix it I placed a small piece of plywood maybe 4” wide I’m the front under the lid. Then I used a ratchet strap and wrapped it around the lid and body but towards the front as close as it would go without slipping off. It bowed it back in opposite direction and after a day in the Texas heat it’s back to normal. I had horrible ice retention and that prompted me to investigate. I also replaced the gasket with thicker one. This cooler is 7yrs old. Works like new. Great video.
@@Erick-ie8ll Awesome, I’m glad it worked for you. Unfortunately for me I’ve had to do it to this rtic again. Seems like once a year I have to do this to fix the bowed lid. I’m storing it in my shop, so maybe I try in the house and see if it keeps the lid good.
Another tip is I always leave my drain open when storing our coolers to prevent any mold or weird smells, though if you have mice in your garage that may not be the best idea. Just remember to make sure it's closed the next time you use it!
Another great video! Sadly, it makes me wonder about using a cooler on the beach. The sand on southern beaches, and even the sand dunes in Colorado, can be so hot that you can't walk barefoot on them. Might not be good for a cooler. Not much shade either, and truck beds get really hot. Ditto the abrasion. I took to collecting certain water jugs from the late 1950s, and you can clearly tell when a plastic bottomed one has been dragged on abrasive surfaces. It takes off the hard outer surface (think gelcoat), and the plastic becomes spongy. Sounds like it's best to leave your rotomolded at home, unless you don't mind hemorrhaging cash.
Fantastic insight! Thanks for sharing. I think the hot surfaces thing is legitimate, but mostly applies to prolonged periods of time. I'm still gonna set my cooler on the sand at the beach for a few hours, but leaving it on asphalt for a whole weekend or in your truck bed all the time is gonna deform it sooner or later.
I have some Harbor Freight furniture movers. When I have a party in the backyard, I'll put the coolers on the movers, then fill it up with the ice and beverages. Makes it easy to move around, without breaking your back.
From eastern North Carolina I have a rtic ultralight. Cooler has been in the back of my worktruck flatbed for like 3 years now. From this video I have treated my cooler very very bad. Been outside every day. Spray herbicides and they tend to spill on it while moving hoses around. Have been cleaning with purple power and hot pressure steamer. I always thought the lid deformed from hitting the highway😂😂😂
I had three coolers bust the outer shell by storing them in the hot storage building. I had to make room in the overfilled garage to try and prevent it again.
This talked me out of these coolers. Keep it inside, no hot no cold, rub with diaper. Nope I’ll keep my cheap igloo 120 with broken latches and only two brittle hinges left. So old it was my dads who gave it to me over 20 years ago. Thanks
I can agree with almost all stated, and possibly even storage in hot/cold garage, but you need to define in exact terms what too hot and too cold is; otherwise worthless warnings. Is 101 too hot in the summer and is 28 too cold in the winter (the common fluctuation of my garage temps during the year...yes I have monitored it). And I have an extremely cheap cooler in the garage that is still in ok condition. I would agree if 101 on Monday and 28 on Tuesday would be a too large of a variance in twenty four hours.
Great feedback! Although I'm not sure I'm qualified to answer that. That idea did cross my mind when making the video, but I can only imagine that the exact temperatures that are harmful vary by manufacturer and/or the plastic compound used for each specific cooler model. So it's gotta be a pretty complex answer and I'm not sure the outcome will be worth the effort. 🤷♂️ But I think the range you mention is pretty similar to where I live and my opinion is that's acceptable and I don't think it will lead to warping.
You're not wrong about that. If a day on the boat causes problems, I think that'd be unusual and worthy of a warranty claim. I'd just try and avoid leaving it on the boat indefinitely for storage with full exposure to sun.
I have had my yeti 65 and my 150 for 9 years, my 65 is my work cooler and is in the bed of my truck 365, my 150 is my hunting cooler and stays in a shed throughout the Florida summer. Asides from some scratches, these coolers are still in very good shape, no warps, handles, gaskets and ripper latches are 100. I paid a lot for the coolers, but I’m guessing I might end up willing them to my kids
I’ve stored my ozark trail outside for the last 5 years in direct sunlight. Winter through summer it lives on my deck. I pressure wash it and soak it in bleach every time I use it. It still works like it did new. Maybe it’s a little discolored but it hasn’t failed in any way. Maybe I’ve just got lucky? 🤔
Maybe, but that's awesome either way! Many of those Ozark Trails (also Lifetime) are actually blow molded and not rotomolded even if they're built like a rotomolded cooler. Blow molding is done at a higher temperature so they are often a bit more resistant to warping. That may also be a contributor.
@theoutdoorempire if I need to store a hot garage that’s not insulated is there any thing I can do to stop it from warping? If that’s the only option to store . Love your videos
As long as it is out of direct sunlight and not in direct contact with metal, you'll likely be alright. I do the same thing and haven't had any problems yet.
Got my yeti 65 last month from Moosejaw. Didn’t even use it yet and noticed some warping in the corners of the lid. Probably being kept in the warehouse before it was shipped to me.
Probably so. I've seen more than one report of that on forums and what not. I'd contact Moosejaw or Yeti right away. Both have excellent customer service so they should take care of you.
A Pelican Elite injection-molded cooler (Elite 30, Elite 50) or Otterbox venture won’t warp like a rotomolded construction. The lids are WAY thicker with reinforcements of plastic ribbing. Too bad Otterbox discontinued the amazing Venture.
Ya it is too bad about OtterBox. And I agree that injection molded coolers are far less susceptible to warping. Makes sense since injection molding heats the plastic up way hotter than rotational molding and uses different plastic compounds.
What is the white Coleman cooler in the video? And have you done any testing on your grandpa's vintage Igloo cooler? Found a used one for sale and was wondering if I should pick it up. Looking for something for day trips to the beach, so don't need a heavy, roto-molded cooler. I also found the Rtic Ultra-lights to leak, so those are out. Thanks! Informative videos!
The white Coleman is the Coleman Xtreme Marine cooler. It was incredible, held ice as long as a Yeti. But they discontinued it last year. If you see one, get it! I did test my Grandpa's old Igloo in the first ice challenge I did. You can find that video on the channel. It's the one with the most views.
Yeah, there's a good chance a rotomolded cooler would get deformed in an outdoor shed in those temps. If you get an injected molded or blow molded plastic cooler you might be alright. They can withstand higher temps, but still a risk.
How hot is too hot to store my cooler? I have a new 64 qt Igloo cooler with wheels and a handle like a roller suitcase. Currently it is stored in my garage. I live in the southwest. It is currently 114 degrees outside and 100 in my garage. My house is small. The cooler is large. Not a lot of storage inside, and we don't have basements here. So, is the garage too hot to store my cooler? Thanks!
In my opinion, no it's fine. As long as it's out of direct sunlight. In a perfect world it'd be at 60 degrees all the time but that's not gonna happen.
As I understand it, these coolers are made at temperatures between 250-400 degrees F. If you put hot food in metal pans directly in the cooler without anything in between, I imagine it could melt the plastic. Or if you left them in there for several days at temps over 200, maybe it could cause some warping. But if your transporting hot food for a few hours or a day, I doubt it'll hurt. But I don't have any personal experience with it.
Is there a cooler that does better then others in direct sunlight? Coolers on the back decks of boats are part of the norm where im from . Im curious to what cool is the most resistant.
I have never undrstood colored coolers. Yea they look cool. However, they absorb heat. My parents have a white Yetti cooler and even in the sun it's cool to the touch. Charter fishermen use white coolers for this exact reason. They hold ice longer and don't heat up in the sun. If your colored cooler is going to be in the sun cover it with a white towel. It will stay much cooler.
I definitely hear you on how hot they can be to the touch. I've seen conflicting information on the impact it has on ice retention so I'm thinking I need to do a test of my own.
I've wondered if lining the inside of a cooler with one of those mylar emergency blankets (the ones that look like foil) would help extend ice life by keeping the heat from radiating in 🤔
never had a cheap coleman or igloo cooler warp in the sun. maybe thats just the roto molded coolers that do that. if the sun warps a cooler then its pretty much useless to me and a garbage cooler.
I've seen reports of it happening on those types too, but it's true that rotomolding plastic is done at a lower temperature than injection or blow molding so it makes sense to me that rotomolded coolers might be more susceptible to becoming deformed. But none are invincible!
I've thought about that too and I'll usually do that for a while after a trip to let it dry out well anyway. Not sure how much of a difference it will make in the long run to the gasket though. I have noticed on some coolers like my Pelican that the gasket folds over and creases funny so that can't be good. I think the most sensible thing to do is just to close the lid, but not latch it.
You don't. But use the cooler anyway. Just get one with a good warranty. Most reputable companies will replace or repair it if it warps and is still under warranty. Orion has a 10 year warranty, Yeti 5 years, Pelican lifetime. I break that down better on my best rotomolded coolers video. Cheers!
Dang! That's too bad. I haven't heard of a way to fix it other than to replace it unfortunately. You could try getting a thicker freezer gasket at Home Depot or something and see if that will fill the added air gap, but I don't think you can un-do the warping.
@@outdoorempirecom spoke to artic…told me to flip the cooler onto the lid and let it sit for a bit and it should help…also when storing the cooler they say to leave the drain plug open
My RTIC has been sitting outside on my south facing deck for 3 months straight and it's just fine. Before that it spent a year on a patio at my parents house.
It's sad to spend $100+ and plastic can't even tolerate the sun. At least the light color ones should. Midous well by cheap ones, much less of a loss if it warps.
If by old ones you mean the cheaper blow molded types, they're not immune to warping but they do it less because of the kind of plastic they're made of which has a higher melting temperature.
I'd try an injection molded cooler like the RTIC Ultralight or the new Engel Ultralight is pretty cool too. That kind of plastic tends to hold up to heat a little better as far as I understand. Plus they're cheaper than the fancy rotomolded coolers.
There is no point in having a cooler if you are not going to use it. I do not abuse my possesions and I have to call BS on 1 or 2 of your items. It is an effing cooler, not a chair! I believe far more coolers out there have warped lids from being sat on than from being left in the sun. Perhaps being left in the sun and then sat on would be the worst. You figure sitting on it by the fire is ok. It is not, again, it is not an effing chair. Keep it clean, keep it dry when not in use, don't pile heavy shit on it, most of all do not allow anyone to sit on it and it will provide years of trouble free enjoyment.
The coolers that would be affected by these issues are obviously defective coolers and I don't want any of them. Do you have a list of the coolers that would be affected negatively by these conditions?
Pretty much any cooler made of plastic (i.e. any cooler) COULD be susceptible, but it doesn't always mean they will have a problem. And in most cases they're fine. I wouldn't avoid them, per se. I'd just take care of whatever you got or get and all will be well!
They aren’t waterproof. A channel did a toture test on the Rtic wheeled cooler and just basic slosh test. It didn’t even pass that and water sloshed out everywhere. If it wouldn’t keep it in then it’s not going to keep the air out either.
Interesting video… but my cooler isn’t a garage queen. I look at it like a tool and tools are meant to be used. The Yeti rides in the back of the truck bed, and gets used nearly daily throughout the hot months and is in all weather. If it’s time for a cleaning, a dose of bleach and the garden hose does the trick. Probably not going to get the longevity you’re shooting for, but for the money I expect it to be able to take the abuse.
I hear ya! And good point on how it should handle the abuse for the money. I think daily cooler users like you get their money's worth more than the occasional campers that want their Yeti to last forever.
@@outdoorempirecom No problem. Btw, I know you don't like telescopic handles, but I'd love to see a comparison of Yeti Roadie 60 vs Tundra Haul. Maybe include a Kong cooler in some tests? Thanks for the videos!
Now hear me out. If the heat warps it and for the price tag of some of them. Why do none of them try to prevent that? If it’s molded plastic wouldn’t they be able to put some kind of metal reinforcement in the mold like concrete workers do with rebar? I work out of a truck everyday and my cooler just can’t be out of the sun. I just use a cheap igluu and buy ice daily. I’ve always been a yeti fan but don’t feel like spending that money just for it to warp.
@2:22: For those who are lazy and let stuff rotten in their cooler: Use a mix of water and hydrogen peroxide to completely remove the entire smell of the cooler - like never existed. Same trick applies for - any - bad food smell regardless as to where it resides. This trick i've learned working in a meat department in a supermarket. Also same trick works for dog or cat smell. Pretty much anything that comes from a living thing as bad smell, with hydrogen peroxide you can easily remove the smell or fresh blood stains.
The real crime is buying a cooler that’s more than $100. I’ve had my $55 Igloo 60 quart Latitude Roller for 3+ years now with no issues. It has spent the past 2 years outside in my backyard in the elements, in direct sunlight during the summer months, subfreezing temperatures during the winter months, and everything in between, and it hasn’t deformed, lost shape or cooling effectiveness. I just cleaned it up the other day, it was disgustingly dirty and took me a while to clean, but it’s as good as new and no issues. A quality cooler shouldn’t do what you’re describing in this video. If it’s built right it will and should last. If you’re looking for the exact cooler I’m describing you can find it on Dick’s Sporting Goods website for $55 in multiple colors. Best cooler I’ve ever owned!
These coolers are trash lid warped within a day. I'm sorry but u should be able to put a $300 cooler on the sun. I wouldn't take one of these coolers for free. No exaggeration
Respectfully, I'm pro sit on your cooler. For $400 I better be able to use that chunky thing as a step stool, fishing platform, or seat. And most manufacturers of the heavy duty ones support that.
If your going to spend that kinda money on a cooler that is touted as tje toughest out there. And this kind a BS happens , I would be pissed off. My plastic kayaks , canoes , paddle boardes dont suffer these kind of failures after decades of abuse. Something doesnt add up here. Clearly a rip off in action unless the manufactures back up there big talk...
One thing I neglected to address in the video is that some of these plastic coolers will warp a bit in extreme heat or sun exposure, but then resume their original shape once cooled down. The risk comes with extended periods of sun exposure. And even then the cooler will likely still be mostly functional, but if the air seal around the lid is breached then they won't hold ice for nearly as long. Chances are some other plastic products like kayaks suffer some deformation as well at times, but it doesn't impact their functionality like it does on a cooler so you don't notice it and it's just not a problem.
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Best Wheeled Coolers 👉 ua-cam.com/video/GEskj_pzKXg/v-deo.html
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My cooler must be able to be in the sun at the beach or on a boat. Otherwise it is useless.
I hear ya and I have mine in the sun all the time. I didn't really clarify in the video but the point is to avoid leaving it in full sun for days or weeks at a time. That seems to be when people see warping the most. A full day on the boat or a weekend camping shouldn't be an issue.
My Cabela's cooler has been outside for over two years in Wisconsin hot summers and cold winters. The rubber straps were just replaced.
My ORCA has done really well in the back of my pickup truck. And I'm way out in the hot as F desert where you really need a durable cooler . Dry ice works the best .
True
My Kong cooler has been outside since August of 2022. No warping or anything.
Another tip . . . don't store the cooler with the lid down and the latches clamped down tight. Instead place a small towel over the rim of the cooler and let the lid rest down on that. This protects and prolongs the life of the freezer gasket around the lid and keeps it from getting compressed and losing it's effectiveness. This also keeps the inside of the cooler aired-out while being stored.-
Love that tip! Upvote. 👍
You can also put baking soda in it. Towel in lid vents and wicks moisture, baking soda helps keep fresh. I only do the baking soda with my expensive 70 qt, which might only do a few trips a year, but damn it’s nice to just grab it and just use it after sitting for months.
Funny my yeti I just bought states to keep it shut and latched when not in use.
You mean just place an open container of baking soda in the cooler, or sprinkle baking soda on the cooler’s inside?
One of mine stays in my work truck year around. When it's hot, I have a towel I put over the top of it and I wet the towel most of the time. Makes a huge difference in keeping ice
I've heard that a few times now. I'm gonna have to try that. Thanks for sharing!
Oh yeah.... I store my cooler in my air-conditioned living room....My wife loves it! I always tell her its for the best.
Love it! 😄
Awesome video, as an avid trunk cooler guy it makes me want to rotate them every three days instead of once a week when they run out of ice. Even though they’re not in direct sunlight it maybe just as damaging as it due to the hot temperatures in the trunk.
My friends that have had warping lid issues in the past may have been due to them leaving the coolers on the back of trucks so maybe that explains the lid warping.
Even once dry I like to throw in two paper towel sheets in my cooler to absorb any other lingering moisture.
Great call with the paper towel truck I'll have to use that one! And ya long term the heat of that trunk might wear on it.
This was great . I just picked up a Lifetime 55Q and though it wasn't as much as a Yeti I still want to get the most from it .
Great video you have a blessed one .
Good choice! And thank you very much for tuning in!
Reflective bubble wrap can help with a lot of these.
I live in Vegas and I use coolers just for grocery shopping. That bubble wrap is a cheap and useful addition to you cooler:
Main use, fill in space inside the cooler to help with ice retention and cooling
Cover the top for the same reason and after watching this, prevent sun warping
I’ve melted a cooler before by using it as a fire side seat, so I’ll use the wrap as a heat shield. Also bubble wrap is a more comfortable seat
Great hack, thanks for sharing!
You're doing a great job with these review videos.
I appreciate that! Glad you like them.
Okay, some good tips, warping the lid never occurred to me. TSP phosphate from your local paint store will also clean up the plastic real well and will not harm surfaces.. Mix it with water, spray or bush it on and scrub it with a kitchen scrub pad.
Great tip, thanks for sharing!
Instructions unclear my generic blue white lid is now puffy 😂
Great video , just bought a Yeti Tundra Haul and this will help with the longevity of my cooler
Great cooler. Enjoy!
My RTIC 45 lid warped like in the video. To fix it I placed a small piece of plywood maybe 4” wide I’m the front under the lid. Then I used a ratchet strap and wrapped it around the lid and body but towards the front as close as it would go without slipping off. It bowed it back in opposite direction and after a day in the Texas heat it’s back to normal. I had horrible ice retention and that prompted me to investigate. I also replaced the gasket with thicker one. This cooler is 7yrs old. Works like new. Great video.
That's the best daggum tip I've heard on that issue yet! Thanks for sharing. Glad you whipped it back into shape.
@@outdoorempirecom Thanks. I only left it out for one full work day. It was 100* I didn’t want it to bow back too much.
My yeti just warped in the heat and I used this tip! Now it’s back to normal!
@@Erick-ie8ll Awesome, I’m glad it worked for you. Unfortunately for me I’ve had to do it to this rtic again. Seems like once a year I have to do this to fix the bowed lid. I’m storing it in my shop, so maybe I try in the house and see if it keeps the lid good.
Fabulous tips thanks!
Glad you like them!
Another tip is I always leave my drain open when storing our coolers to prevent any mold or weird smells, though if you have mice in your garage that may not be the best idea. Just remember to make sure it's closed the next time you use it!
Good call!
Another great video! Sadly, it makes me wonder about using a cooler on the beach. The sand on southern beaches, and even the sand dunes in Colorado, can be so hot that you can't walk barefoot on them. Might not be good for a cooler. Not much shade either, and truck beds get really hot.
Ditto the abrasion. I took to collecting certain water jugs from the late 1950s, and you can clearly tell when a plastic bottomed one has been dragged on abrasive surfaces. It takes off the hard outer surface (think gelcoat), and the plastic becomes spongy.
Sounds like it's best to leave your rotomolded at home, unless you don't mind hemorrhaging cash.
Fantastic insight! Thanks for sharing. I think the hot surfaces thing is legitimate, but mostly applies to prolonged periods of time. I'm still gonna set my cooler on the sand at the beach for a few hours, but leaving it on asphalt for a whole weekend or in your truck bed all the time is gonna deform it sooner or later.
How about propping up an umbrella on the beach. Then put the cooler under there? Might be useful if you had to leave the cooler out for hours.
Good info. I find it very ironic the number one enemy of plastic coolers is heat. What it’s designed to combat. Lol
I guess they're kinda like penguins. So focused on the cold they're ill prepared for heat. 😂
Good tips, although it's common sense to some degree. I did learn a few things that I didn't know so, thx a bunch. I appreciate the vid. 👍
I left a Pelican in my garage attic for like 6 months ....with food in it. UGH, that was an expensive mistake!
Oh man that must've been nasty! 🤢
I have some Harbor Freight furniture movers. When I have a party in the backyard, I'll put the coolers on the movers, then fill it up with the ice and beverages. Makes it easy to move around, without breaking your back.
That's a great hack, thanks!
Grandpa's cooler is still around and kicking ass. 😎
Absolutely! Original labels and all.
From eastern North Carolina I have a rtic ultralight. Cooler has been in the back of my worktruck flatbed for like 3 years now. From this video I have treated my cooler very very bad. Been outside every day. Spray herbicides and they tend to spill on it while moving hoses around. Have been cleaning with purple power and hot pressure steamer. I always thought the lid deformed from hitting the highway😂😂😂
Haha, nice! Three years of that kind of hard use ain't too bad so far!
Thank you!
You bet!
Definitely always keep the lid open when storing it.
Indeed!
Not necessarily WIDE open though.
One more Tip: Don't let your son borrow it!
Classic mistake. 😂
Or your brother-in-law!!
I had three coolers bust the outer shell by storing them in the hot storage building. I had to make room in the overfilled garage to try and prevent it again.
Sounds about right. Thanks for sharing.
This talked me out of these coolers. Keep it inside, no hot no cold, rub with diaper. Nope I’ll keep my cheap igloo 120 with broken latches and only two brittle hinges left. So old it was my dads who gave it to me over 20 years ago. Thanks
Rub with a diaper. 😂 Keep on truckin' man!
I can agree with almost all stated, and possibly even storage in hot/cold garage, but you need to define in exact terms what too hot and too cold is; otherwise worthless warnings. Is 101 too hot in the summer and is 28 too cold in the winter (the common fluctuation of my garage temps during the year...yes I have monitored it). And I have an extremely cheap cooler in the garage that is still in ok condition. I would agree if 101 on Monday and 28 on Tuesday would be a too large of a variance in twenty four hours.
Great feedback! Although I'm not sure I'm qualified to answer that. That idea did cross my mind when making the video, but I can only imagine that the exact temperatures that are harmful vary by manufacturer and/or the plastic compound used for each specific cooler model. So it's gotta be a pretty complex answer and I'm not sure the outcome will be worth the effort. 🤷♂️ But I think the range you mention is pretty similar to where I live and my opinion is that's acceptable and I don't think it will lead to warping.
Kind of hard to not use a cooler in direct sunlight an a small boat. My new Rtic warps and I won’t be a happy camper… er, boater.
You're not wrong about that. If a day on the boat causes problems, I think that'd be unusual and worthy of a warranty claim. I'd just try and avoid leaving it on the boat indefinitely for storage with full exposure to sun.
Seen you had a white storage net on your rtic model Is that and how did you install it with screws or adhesive? Thanks
Came with the RTIC Ultralight with wheels.
I have had my yeti 65 and my 150 for 9 years, my 65 is my work cooler and is in the bed of my truck 365, my 150 is my hunting cooler and stays in a shed throughout the Florida summer. Asides from some scratches, these coolers are still in very good shape, no warps, handles, gaskets and ripper latches are 100. I paid a lot for the coolers, but I’m guessing I might end up willing them to my kids
Nice! I'm sure your kids will appreciate it.
I’ve stored my ozark trail outside for the last 5 years in direct sunlight. Winter through summer it lives on my deck. I pressure wash it and soak it in bleach every time I use it. It still works like it did new. Maybe it’s a little discolored but it hasn’t failed in any way. Maybe I’ve just got lucky? 🤔
Maybe, but that's awesome either way! Many of those Ozark Trails (also Lifetime) are actually blow molded and not rotomolded even if they're built like a rotomolded cooler. Blow molding is done at a higher temperature so they are often a bit more resistant to warping. That may also be a contributor.
@theoutdoorempire if I need to store a hot garage that’s not insulated is there any thing I can do to stop it from warping? If that’s the only option to store . Love your videos
As long as it is out of direct sunlight and not in direct contact with metal, you'll likely be alright. I do the same thing and haven't had any problems yet.
I put silver bubble wrap (aluminum) on both sides . on my cabellas yeti nock off. Same stuff we put in our windows here on the Sonoran desert in AZ
Nice hack!
Got my yeti 65 last month from Moosejaw. Didn’t even use it yet and noticed some warping in the corners of the lid. Probably being kept in the warehouse before it was shipped to me.
Probably so. I've seen more than one report of that on forums and what not. I'd contact Moosejaw or Yeti right away. Both have excellent customer service so they should take care of you.
I keep my rtic in the bed of my truck. It has survived the last 4 years in AZ summers
That's awesome!
Have a yeti and rtic that live in back of our trucks year round…..zero issues. Get dirty or have deer meat clean, rinse and back in bed of truck!
That's awesome! I haven't seen some of these issues firsthand either, yet. 🤞
A Pelican Elite injection-molded cooler (Elite 30, Elite 50) or Otterbox venture won’t warp like a rotomolded construction. The lids are WAY thicker with reinforcements of plastic ribbing. Too bad Otterbox discontinued the amazing Venture.
Ya it is too bad about OtterBox. And I agree that injection molded coolers are far less susceptible to warping. Makes sense since injection molding heats the plastic up way hotter than rotational molding and uses different plastic compounds.
Love my otterbox venture. It lives on the back seat of my work truck. It's been great through the hot summer.
Great video as usual
Wow, thanks man! I really appreciate that.
What is the white Coleman cooler in the video? And have you done any testing on your grandpa's vintage Igloo cooler? Found a used one for sale and was wondering if I should pick it up. Looking for something for day trips to the beach, so don't need a heavy, roto-molded cooler. I also found the Rtic Ultra-lights to leak, so those are out. Thanks! Informative videos!
The white Coleman is the Coleman Xtreme Marine cooler. It was incredible, held ice as long as a Yeti. But they discontinued it last year. If you see one, get it! I did test my Grandpa's old Igloo in the first ice challenge I did. You can find that video on the channel. It's the one with the most views.
Okay... thank you. I should not buy a plastic cooler to keep even in a ventilated shed. Going to look up steel-clad ones.
Yeah, there's a good chance a rotomolded cooler would get deformed in an outdoor shed in those temps. If you get an injected molded or blow molded plastic cooler you might be alright. They can withstand higher temps, but still a risk.
I do lawncare kind of hard to keep one out of the heat.
Then run it til it's dead! You probably get your money's worth more than most.
Secure it properly during transport… just lost my ole faithful hopefully my new one is better
How hot is too hot to store my cooler? I have a new 64 qt Igloo cooler with wheels and a handle like a roller suitcase. Currently it is stored in my garage. I live in the southwest. It is currently 114 degrees outside and 100 in my garage. My house is small. The cooler is large. Not a lot of storage inside, and we don't have basements here. So, is the garage too hot to store my cooler? Thanks!
In my opinion, no it's fine. As long as it's out of direct sunlight. In a perfect world it'd be at 60 degrees all the time but that's not gonna happen.
I live in phoenix,and leave the lifetime in the cab- seems alright.
Use it under direct sunlight, stored in the attic, paid $500 with 5 yes warranty, if it breaks I’m claiming warranty.
Amen to that.
I dont even have a cooler. Yet i was interested in clicking this video lol
Right on man! Thanks for stopping by.
Yet i… see what u did there
What about keeping food warm in the cooler I see it all the time and do it my self but could it eventually damage it??
As I understand it, these coolers are made at temperatures between 250-400 degrees F. If you put hot food in metal pans directly in the cooler without anything in between, I imagine it could melt the plastic. Or if you left them in there for several days at temps over 200, maybe it could cause some warping. But if your transporting hot food for a few hours or a day, I doubt it'll hurt. But I don't have any personal experience with it.
White shiny coolers reflect the suns rays, darker colors absorb the rays and get hot. Only white for me.
That's a good way to go. Not invincible to warping (ahem, Costco's white Coho rotomolded cooler), but definitely cooler to the touch.
I’ve had a rtic 20 qt cooler in the front seat of a semi for over 5 years no issues with the lid warping
That's awesome!
Is there a cooler that does better then others in direct sunlight? Coolers on the back decks of boats are part of the norm where im from . Im curious to what cool is the most resistant.
I'm not totally sure yet, but I think an Engel Ultralight or light color rotomolded cooler might be good for that.
I have never undrstood colored coolers. Yea they look cool. However, they absorb heat. My parents have a white Yetti cooler and even in the sun it's cool to the touch. Charter fishermen use white coolers for this exact reason. They hold ice longer and don't heat up in the sun.
If your colored cooler is going to be in the sun cover it with a white towel. It will stay much cooler.
I definitely hear you on how hot they can be to the touch. I've seen conflicting information on the impact it has on ice retention so I'm thinking I need to do a test of my own.
I've wondered if lining the inside of a cooler with one of those mylar emergency blankets (the ones that look like foil) would help extend ice life by keeping the heat from radiating in 🤔
If my cooler stinks, I always clean it out with white vinegar diluted in water
never had a cheap coleman or igloo cooler warp in the sun. maybe thats just the roto molded coolers that do that. if the sun warps a cooler then its pretty much useless to me and a garbage cooler.
I've seen reports of it happening on those types too, but it's true that rotomolding plastic is done at a lower temperature than injection or blow molding so it makes sense to me that rotomolded coolers might be more susceptible to becoming deformed. But none are invincible!
Lol… depends on which state you’re in. If the suns hot enough, it beats plastic every time.
I store my cooler with the lid up when possible to save the life of the gasket, is that overkill or wise?
I've thought about that too and I'll usually do that for a while after a trip to let it dry out well anyway. Not sure how much of a difference it will make in the long run to the gasket though. I have noticed on some coolers like my Pelican that the gasket folds over and creases funny so that can't be good. I think the most sensible thing to do is just to close the lid, but not latch it.
What about under a canopy ?
I think that's a swell idea.
Add wax on the cooler. Protects from sun
Very interesting, thanks for the tip.
Expanding on the first point regarding direct sunlight...don't buy a dark colour AND keep it out of direct sunlight anyway.
How do i avoid heat when i work in a ups truck 12 hrs a day the back of the truck is 120+
You don't. But use the cooler anyway. Just get one with a good warranty. Most reputable companies will replace or repair it if it warps and is still under warranty. Orion has a 10 year warranty, Yeti 5 years, Pelican lifetime. I break that down better on my best rotomolded coolers video. Cheers!
For beach and on sailboats with no axsilar
Get a large cheap cooler. Put a better small cooler in it
Nice idea!
That's why I never spend more on a cooler then I have too. So if something happens to it, its no great loose.
Anyone have a link to the firepit in this video?
Here you are good sir! amzn.to/3K9YbNL (affiliate link, FYI).
I got a Yeti 45 ive had for 5 years and they are tough as hell. My cooler is melted and bubbled on the back , and still holds ice for a while.
Nice! True, they can usually still do the job even if they are haggard.
My Rtic lid warped…out of warranty and won’t replace it…any suggestions on how to fix em?
Dang! That's too bad. I haven't heard of a way to fix it other than to replace it unfortunately. You could try getting a thicker freezer gasket at Home Depot or something and see if that will fill the added air gap, but I don't think you can un-do the warping.
@@outdoorempirecom spoke to artic…told me to flip the cooler onto the lid and let it sit for a bit and it should help…also when storing the cooler they say to leave the drain plug open
@@Dubbin90 Interesting. Hope that helps!
My RTIC has been sitting outside on my south facing deck for 3 months straight and it's just fine. Before that it spent a year on a patio at my parents house.
grandpa's cooler, is it a replica of it?
because the labeling is very fresh
Haha, no it's legit the same one he's had forever. He never took the stickers off so I didn't either. True vintage!
It's sad to spend $100+ and plastic can't even tolerate the sun. At least the light color ones should. Midous well by cheap ones, much less of a loss if it warps.
Never seen the old ones warp. Am I wrong about this?
If by old ones you mean the cheaper blow molded types, they're not immune to warping but they do it less because of the kind of plastic they're made of which has a higher melting temperature.
@@outdoorempirecom would that be considered cheaper material on the new cooler?
leaf blower to get rid of moisture
Love that idea!
What coolers would work best for being left in my truck bed. Im in construction and just like to have drinks with me at jobsites
I'd try an injection molded cooler like the RTIC Ultralight or the new Engel Ultralight is pretty cool too. That kind of plastic tends to hold up to heat a little better as far as I understand. Plus they're cheaper than the fancy rotomolded coolers.
There is no point in having a cooler if you are not going to use it. I do not abuse my possesions and I have to call BS on 1 or 2 of your items. It is an effing cooler, not a chair! I believe far more coolers out there have warped lids from being sat on than from being left in the sun. Perhaps being left in the sun and then sat on would be the worst. You figure sitting on it by the fire is ok. It is not, again, it is not an effing chair. Keep it clean, keep it dry when not in use, don't pile heavy shit on it, most of all do not allow anyone to sit on it and it will provide years of trouble free enjoyment.
A spirited opinion, I like it! But alas, I shall sit on my coolers anyway. 🤷♂️
The coolers that would be affected by these issues are obviously defective coolers and I don't want any of them.
Do you have a list of the coolers that would be affected negatively by these conditions?
Pretty much any cooler made of plastic (i.e. any cooler) COULD be susceptible, but it doesn't always mean they will have a problem. And in most cases they're fine. I wouldn't avoid them, per se. I'd just take care of whatever you got or get and all will be well!
They aren’t waterproof. A channel did a toture test on the Rtic wheeled cooler and just basic slosh test. It didn’t even pass that and water sloshed out everywhere. If it wouldn’t keep it in then it’s not going to keep the air out either.
Pretty sure that was me you're talking about on the torture test with the RTIC Wheeled. 😉
Interesting video… but my cooler isn’t a garage queen. I look at it like a tool and tools are meant to be used. The Yeti rides in the back of the truck bed, and gets used nearly daily throughout the hot months and is in all weather. If it’s time for a cleaning, a dose of bleach and the garden hose does the trick. Probably not going to get the longevity you’re shooting for, but for the money I expect it to be able to take the abuse.
I hear ya! And good point on how it should handle the abuse for the money. I think daily cooler users like you get their money's worth more than the occasional campers that want their Yeti to last forever.
Mistake #10: spending that kind of money on the first place.
Add it to the list!
1:26
Achievement unlocked
Bare minimum effort
😎
@@outdoorempirecom
🏆
Mistake #1 buying an overpriced cooler to be cool
Coolers can't make you cool. 😎
What about soft coolers? 😂
They're not hard. 😂
You missed a great opportunity after what you said in mistake 7. I was hoping for "mistake #8: using your cooler as a seat or chair"
I confess, I sit on my coolers all the time and have never had an issue. But I see your point, thanks for taking the time to share.
@@outdoorempirecom No problem. Btw, I know you don't like telescopic handles, but I'd love to see a comparison of Yeti Roadie 60 vs Tundra Haul. Maybe include a Kong cooler in some tests? Thanks for the videos!
@@ColinAverill For sure. Working on a Kong now and maybe a Roadie in the future.
I always put a light colored towel over my cooler to protect it from direct sunlight/heat. It makes a noticable difference.
.
That's a great tip, I've never tried that but I'll have to when it gets real hot.
So basically I have to store it inside because I live in Minnesota 😂
Well daggum, I guess so. 😂
Me too. We use coolers to keep thing cool in the summer and slow things from freezing in the winter.
Now hear me out. If the heat warps it and for the price tag of some of them. Why do none of them try to prevent that? If it’s molded plastic wouldn’t they be able to put some kind of metal reinforcement in the mold like concrete workers do with rebar?
I work out of a truck everyday and my cooler just can’t be out of the sun. I just use a cheap igluu and buy ice daily. I’ve always been a yeti fan but don’t feel like spending that money just for it to warp.
Fair point. Cheers.
Metal coolers have entered the chat
Fry an egg on top and keep your meat cold inside!
Basically, don't use your cooler?
Yep. Best to just tuck it in bed next to you and never let it see the light of day for its own protection. 😜🤣
Its a fckn cooler not a living thing
That is correct.
@2:22: For those who are lazy and let stuff rotten in their cooler: Use a mix of water and hydrogen peroxide to completely remove the entire smell of the cooler - like never existed. Same trick applies for - any - bad food smell regardless as to where it resides. This trick i've learned working in a meat department in a supermarket. Also same trick works for dog or cat smell. Pretty much anything that comes from a living thing as bad smell, with hydrogen peroxide you can easily remove the smell or fresh blood stains.
Great tip, thanks for taking the time to share!
So buy a steel cooler.
Then I could keep my food cold inside and cook my food on the top in the sun. Double duty! 😂
Never in my life have i seen or heard of a cooler warping😂
Until now!!! 😆 Google it, or read reviews on Amazon or Cabela's website. It's definitely a thing.
Do not use your cooler. It will last much longer that way.
The real crime is buying a cooler that’s more than $100. I’ve had my $55 Igloo 60 quart Latitude Roller for 3+ years now with no issues. It has spent the past 2 years outside in my backyard in the elements, in direct sunlight during the summer months, subfreezing temperatures during the winter months, and everything in between, and it hasn’t deformed, lost shape or cooling effectiveness. I just cleaned it up the other day, it was disgustingly dirty and took me a while to clean, but it’s as good as new and no issues. A quality cooler shouldn’t do what you’re describing in this video. If it’s built right it will and should last. If you’re looking for the exact cooler I’m describing you can find it on Dick’s Sporting Goods website for $55 in multiple colors. Best cooler I’ve ever owned!
These coolers are trash lid warped within a day. I'm sorry but u should be able to put a $300 cooler on the sun. I wouldn't take one of these coolers for free. No exaggeration
Don't use anything abrasive, but use a Magic Eraser. Alright, so which is it?
Magic Erasers aren't abrasive. They're perfect for coolers!
Don't sit on it.
Respectfully, I'm pro sit on your cooler. For $400 I better be able to use that chunky thing as a step stool, fishing platform, or seat. And most manufacturers of the heavy duty ones support that.
Genuine question, was any of this new information for people? Silly video
Apparently so. Thanks for stopping by!
By a cheap one and drill holes in any hollow places fill with spray foam insulation from home Depot. . Clean up. Your done.
Fantastic idea!
YOU’RE done.
If your going to spend that kinda money on a cooler that is touted as tje toughest out there. And this kind a BS happens , I would be pissed off. My plastic kayaks , canoes , paddle boardes dont suffer these kind of failures after decades of abuse.
Something doesnt add up here.
Clearly a rip off in action unless the manufactures back up there big talk...
One thing I neglected to address in the video is that some of these plastic coolers will warp a bit in extreme heat or sun exposure, but then resume their original shape once cooled down. The risk comes with extended periods of sun exposure. And even then the cooler will likely still be mostly functional, but if the air seal around the lid is breached then they won't hold ice for nearly as long. Chances are some other plastic products like kayaks suffer some deformation as well at times, but it doesn't impact their functionality like it does on a cooler so you don't notice it and it's just not a problem.