On this page
A trail stop with warm drinks is a poor end to a good ride, and the best 12v cooler for side by side owners is the one that keeps drinks cold off the vehicle battery without eating up cab space. This list compares hard-sided and soft-sided coolers on capacity, power options and weight, plus title-only listings, so the pick fits the machine and the trip.
SolarKitHQ earns a commission when you buy through links on this page, at no extra cost to you. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. Affiliate disclosure.
Quick picks
Best Overall Koolatron 26 Qt Cooler: 26 qt hard-sided cooler and warmer with a self-locking lid Check price on Amazon
Best Soft-Sided Koolatron 14 Qt Bag: 14 qt soft-sided bag that collapses when empty Check price on Amazon
Bag Option RoadPro Cooler Bag: Soft sided 12V cooler bag, per its title Check price on Amazon
Cable Option Maixbomr Power Cable: 5.9FT plug power cable for a car cooler Check price on Amazon
The kits we chose
| # | Product | Solar Score | Buy |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Koolatron 26 Qt Cooler | 9.7/10 | Buy on Amazon |
| 2 | Koolatron 14 Qt Bag | 9.5/10 | Buy on Amazon |
| 3 | RoadPro RP5370 Cooler Bag | 9.5/10 | Buy on Amazon |
| 4 | Maixbomr 12V Cooler Power Cable | 9.2/10 | Buy on Amazon |
Koolatron 26 Qt Cooler
A 26 qt hard-sided iceless cooler and warmer with a self-locking lid, a carry handle and cord storage.
Pros
- 26 qt capacity with room for 31 cans and 2L bottles standing upright
- Cools to 40 degrees F below the surrounding temperature without ice
- 12V DC adapter included, with 110V AC use listed via a separate adapter
- Injection-molded hard exterior with a stain-resistant interior
Cons
- Spec table states 14 quarts and 20 cans against 26 qt and 31 cans in the title and bullets
- 110V AC adapter is sold separately, not included
- 10 pounds is the heaviest stated weight here
- No color rendering or cooling wattage figure is stated
Detailed Review
The listing states a 26 qt (24 L) hard-sided cooler and warmer with a carry handle, cord storage, a self-locking lid, thermoelectric cooling with a brushless fan motor, cooling to 40 degrees F below the surrounding temperature, a 12V DC adapter included, 110V AC use with an adapter sold separately, dimensions of 11.5 x 15 x 15.75 inches, a weight of 10 pounds and a 1-year warranty. Two spec table points conflict with the title and bullets: capacity is listed as 13 L / 14 quarts and the can count as 20 cans; the title and bullets win on both points.
Who it's for: side by side owners who want the largest stated capacity with a hard shell and a locking lid. Who should skip it: buyers who need a lighter bag or a stated indoor adapter in the box.
Its Solar Score of 9.7/10 comes from performance 32/35, build 21/25, value 21/25, safety 7/10 and warranty 4/5: 85 of 100 points, placed on our 9.2 to 9.8 scale.
Key Specifications
| Capacity | 26 qt |
|---|---|
| Cooling | 40 degrees F below surrounding temperature |
| Power | 12V DC, 110V AC |
| Weight | 10 pounds |
Figures as published on the retailer listing, collected 28 October 2026. Performance figures are manufacturer rated.
Safety and Warranty
What this listing states. Self-locking lid stated to prevent accidental opening, so safety scores 7 of 10. 1 Year Manufacturer's Warranty. It does not say everything a buyer needs, such as who pays return shipping, so warranty scores 4 of 5. See How We Pick.
Follow the manual. Connect and use the product as the maker describes, stay within every stated rating, and read the manual before first use.
This is general buying information, not professional advice. Follow each product manual and local rules, and see our Safety Disclaimer.
Koolatron 14 Qt Bag
A 14 qt soft-sided cooler bag that collapses when empty, with exterior pockets and a shoulder strap.
Pros
- 14 qt capacity with room for 20 cans, in a bag that collapses when empty
- Cools to 40 degrees F below the surrounding temperature without ice
- Exterior pockets and a cord storage compartment for organization
- Dual carry handles and an adjustable shoulder strap at 4.9 pounds
Cons
- 14 qt capacity is smaller than the hard-sided Koolatron
- 110V AC adapter is sold separately, not included
- Soft-sided build gives less crush protection than a hard shell
- No can count beyond the stated 20 cans is given for larger bottles
Detailed Review
The listing states a 13 L (14 qt) soft-sided cooler bag with room for 20 cans, a collapsible body, exterior pockets, a cord storage compartment, dual carry handles, an adjustable shoulder strap, thermoelectric cooling with a brushless fan motor, cooling to 40 degrees F below the surrounding temperature, a 12V DC adapter included, 110V AC use with an adapter sold separately, dimensions of 11.5 x 13 x 12 inches, a weight of 4.9 pounds and a 1-year warranty. No contradiction was found between the title, bullets and spec table.
Who it's for: owners who want a light bag that packs flat when empty. Who should skip it: buyers who need hard-sided protection or capacity above 14 qt.
Its Solar Score of 9.5/10 comes from performance 29/35, build 20/25, value 20/25, safety 0/10 and warranty 4/5: 73 of 100 points, placed on our 9.2 to 9.8 scale.
Key Specifications
| Capacity | 14 qt |
|---|---|
| Cooling | 40 degrees F below surrounding temperature |
| Power | 12V DC |
| Weight | 4.9 pounds |
Figures as published on the retailer listing, collected 28 October 2026. Performance figures are manufacturer rated.
Safety and Warranty
What this listing states. No safety listing, protection or rating is stated, so safety scores zero. 1 Year Manufacturer's Warranty. It does not say everything a buyer needs, such as who pays return shipping, so warranty scores 4 of 5. See How We Pick.
Follow the manual. Connect and use the product as the maker describes, stay within every stated rating, and read the manual before first use.
This is general buying information, not professional advice. Follow each product manual and local rules, and see our Safety Disclaimer.
RoadPro RP5370 Cooler Bag
A 15L soft-sided bag cooling 35F below ambient with water resistance stated.
Pros
- 35F below ambient stated
- Insulation holds cold unplugged stated
- Water resistance stated
- Collapses for storage stated
Cons
- 15L, smaller than the 26QT picks
- No certification stated
- Half-case can capacity
- 35F below is the shallowest claim here
Detailed Review
The listing states a 15-liter soft-sided 12V cooler bag with thermoelectric cooling to 35 degrees below ambient temperature, heavy-duty insulation that keeps contents cool after unplugging, a half-case of 12-ounce cans, water resistance in the spec table, dual carry handles, an adjustable shoulder strap, collapsible storage, a 12.24 by 14 by 10.25 inch size, polyester material and a 1 Year Limited warranty.
Who it's for: tailgaters and boaters who want insulation that works unplugged. Who should skip it: anyone who needs 26QT of capacity.
Its Solar Score of 9.5/10 comes from performance 24/35, build 20/25, value 20/25, safety 4/10 and warranty 2/5: 70 of 100 points, placed on our 9.2 to 9.8 scale.
Key Specifications
| Capacity | 15 liters |
|---|---|
| Cooling | 35F below ambient |
| Shell | polyester, water resistant |
| Power | 12V |
Figures as published on the retailer listing, collected 21 October 2026. Performance figures are manufacturer rated.
Safety and Warranty
What this listing states. water resistance stated in spec table, so safety scores 4 of 10. 1 Year Limited warranty stated. It does not say everything a buyer needs, such as who pays return shipping, so warranty scores 2 of 5. See How We Pick.
Follow the manual. Connect and use the product as the maker describes, stay within every stated rating, and read the manual before first use.
This is general buying information, not professional advice. Follow each product manual and local rules, and see our Safety Disclaimer.
Maixbomr 12V Cooler Power Cable
For coolers that need a replacement 12V power cable.
Pros
- 5.9ft cable with 2-pin connector.
- Built-in 10 amp fuse.
- 20AWG pure copper wire.
Cons
- Not a cooler; it is a power cable.
- No warranty term is stated in the listing.
- Fits only 2-pin cooler ports.
Detailed Review
The Maixbomr lists a 12V car cooler plug power cable at 5.9ft with a cigarette lighter plug on one end and a 2-pin female connector on the other. It has a built-in 10 amp fuse and 20AWG pure copper wire for stable power up to 120W.
Who it is for: anyone whose cooler power cord broke. Who should skip it: anyone shopping for an actual cooler.
Its Solar Score of 9.2/10 comes from performance 16/35, build 15/25, value 12/25, safety 5/10 and warranty 0/5: 48 of 100 points, placed on our 9.2 to 9.8 scale.
Key Specifications
| Length | 5.9ft |
|---|---|
| Connector | 2-pin |
| Fuse | 10 amp |
| Wire | 20AWG |
Figures as published on the retailer listing, collected 22 October 2026. Performance figures are manufacturer rated.
Safety and Warranty
What this listing states. Built-in 10 amp fuse, so safety scores 5 of 10. No warranty term, so warranty scores zero. See How We Pick.
Follow the manual. Connect and use the product as the maker describes, stay within every stated rating, and read the manual before first use.
This is general buying information, not professional advice. Follow each product manual and local rules, and see our Safety Disclaimer.
As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.
More picks to compare
Koolatron 18 Qt CoolerFor UTV owners wanting an 18 qt hard-sided cooler and warmer.Check on Amazon
Wagan 14L Cooler BagFor road trips wanting a soft-sided cooler and warmer bag.Check on Amazon
Igloo 25 Qt CoolerFor truck and RV owners wanting a 25 qt cooler and warmer.Check on Amazon
Numbers side by side
| Cooler | Solar Score | Capacity | Power | Weight | Warranty | Amazon |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Koolatron 26 Qt Cooler | 9.7/10 | 26 qt | 12V DC, 110V AC | 10 pounds | 1 Year | View on Amazon |
| Koolatron 14 Qt Bag | 9.5/10 | 14 qt | 12V DC | 4.9 pounds | 1 Year | View on Amazon |
| RoadPro Cooler Bag | 9.5/10 | Not stated | 12V | Not stated | Not stated | |
| Maixbomr Power Cable | 9.2/10 | Not stated | 12V | Not stated | Not stated |
Specifications are manufacturer rated as listed, collected 28 October 2026.
Where the points went
The Solar Score weighs performance, build, value, safety and warranty. For 12V coolers, safety means the stated features that keep the load secure and the lid shut, such as a self-locking lid. Two of the four picks state a warranty term, and both of those terms are one year. The two title-only listings rank last because they state no capacity, dimensions or warranty term at all, so they cannot outscore a cooler with a full listing. How we pick explains the weights.
| Product | Solar Score | Perf. /35 | Build /25 | Value /25 | Safety /10 | Warranty /5 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Koolatron 26 Qt Cooler | 9.7 | 32 | 21 | 21 | 7 | 4 |
| Koolatron 14 Qt Bag | 9.5 | 29 | 20 | 20 | 0 | 4 |
Scores run from 9.2 to 9.8: each product’s point total is placed on that range, so more points always means a higher score.
How to choose the best 12v cooler for side by side
Match capacity to the ride
Capacity decides how many drinks ride along and how often the cooler needs restocking. The hard-sided Koolatron holds 26 qt and up to 31 cans, with room for 2L bottles standing upright, while the soft-sided Koolatron holds 14 qt and up to 20 cans. The room for 2L bottles standing upright helps when cans alone do not cover the trip. A bigger box suits a long day with passengers, while the smaller bag suits a short solo run. For frozen storage on hunting trips, see 12V freezers for hunting.
Check power options
Both Koolatron coolers include a 12V DC adapter for the vehicle outlet, and both list 110V AC use with an adapter sold separately for indoor use. That split matters: the cooler runs off the vehicle on the trail and off wall power at home, but only with the extra adapter indoors. A title-only power cable is not a cooler at all, so treat it as a spare cord, not a pick for keeping drinks cold. When one outlet must serve several devices, a 12V plug splitter is worth a look.
Check fit and weight
Dimensions and weight decide whether the cooler rides comfortably or gets in the way. The hard-sided Koolatron measures 11.5 x 15 x 15.75 inches and weighs 10 pounds, while the soft-sided bag measures 11.5 x 13 x 12 inches and weighs 4.9 pounds, and it collapses when empty for storage. The soft-sided bag stores flat between trips, while the hard-sided cooler keeps its shape and holds its cord in the built-in storage compartment. The hard-sided cooler also lists a self-locking lid, which keeps the lid shut in transit. Measure the cab or bed space before ordering, and weigh the loaded carry against who hauls it at each stop.
Keep the load secure on rough trails
A cooler that pops open on a rough trail spills the trip. The hard-sided Koolatron lists a self-locking lid to prevent accidental opening, plus a sturdy carry handle and a built-in cord storage compartment. The soft-sided bag lists dual carry handles and an adjustable shoulder strap, with a cord storage compartment of its own. Check those stated handles and lids against how the cooler will be carried, loaded and unloaded at each stop.
Read what the listing leaves out
Two listings here are title-only, so their capacity, dimensions and weight are simply not stated. The hard-sided Koolatron listing also contradicts itself: the title and bullets state 26 qt and 31 cans, while the spec table states 14 quarts and 20 cans. This guide uses the title and bullet figures, and the review notes the mismatch, so check the listing yourself before ordering.
Sizing Notes
- Match the cooler capacity to the trip: 26 qt on the hard-sided Koolatron against 14 qt on the soft-sided bag.
- Match the power plug to the vehicle outlet: both Koolatron coolers include a 12V DC adapter, with the 110V adapter sold separately.
- Match the cooler weight to who carries it: 10 pounds for the hard-sided cooler against 4.9 pounds for the soft-sided bag.
- Match the dimensions to the cab or bed space: 11.5 x 15 x 15.75 inches for the hard-sided cooler and 11.5 x 13 x 12 inches for the soft-sided bag.
- For the title-only listings, confirm capacity and power on the listing before ordering.
FAQ: power away from the grid
Which 12V cooler is best for a side by side?
The hard-sided Koolatron is the strongest pick here, with the largest stated capacity at 26 qt, a self-locking lid, a carry handle, a cord storage compartment and a 12V DC adapter included. Check its 11.5 x 15 x 15.75 inch dimensions against the cab space before ordering, and note that the 110V adapter for indoor use is sold separately.
What is the difference between the two Koolatron coolers?
The hard-sided cooler holds 26 qt and up to 31 cans at 10 pounds, while the soft-sided bag holds 14 qt and up to 20 cans at 4.9 pounds and collapses when empty. Both cool to 40 degrees F below the surrounding temperature and carry a 1-year warranty.
Do these coolers work indoors?
Both Koolatron coolers run on 12V DC with the adapter included, and both list 110V AC use with an adapter sold separately for indoor use. The title-only listings state no power detail beyond 12V in their titles.
Why do the hard-sided Koolatron figures disagree?
The title and bullets state 26 qt and 31 cans, while the spec table states 14 quarts and 20 cans. This guide uses the title and bullet figures, and the review notes the mismatch.
What does the RoadPro bag include?
Only what its title states: a 12V soft sided cooler bag. The title names the RP5370 model, but no further detail is stated. No capacity, dimensions, weight or warranty term is stated, so confirm those points on the listing before ordering.
Related solar guides
See every camping and emergency gear guide and all power stations and generators guides.
More picks: camping and emergency gear, 12V freezers for hunting and 12V plug splitters.
