Coleman 75-Quart Xtreme 5-Day Wheeled Cooler Review

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(More customer reviews)I returned a handle shedding MaxCold 60 Roller for this fine Coleman cooler, and I'm very happy with the Coleman.
The side handles are molded into the shell, which completely removes the anchor failure mode many other coolers can suffer. The handles are large enough to offer a solid grip, yet are recessed enough to avoid becoming a cargo loading issue. The 6" wheels roll easily with a load. The rear handle is very rugged and comfortable to use. I haven't tested the cooler's ability to meet its 5 Day/90°F claim, but I believe it will insulate as well as any cooler in its class.
I tested the cooler in a local W store by having a 110 lb companion sit on the lid. I didn't note any serious lid flex. I picked the cooler up by the side handles and they worked very well, with no discernable flexing. I should note that the squarish design of the cooler makes side handle use less awkward, as your arms aren't spread as wide as they would be when picking up a more rectangluar design. I fully extended the rear handle and easily tilted the cooler with the rider atop. I rolled it around on a smooth, hard floor, and I think it would roll well on slighly rougher terrain. Even though it worked well, I'd suggest pulling the front/top of the cooler to the rear while tilting it back, as that will relieve some stress on the rear handle assembly.
I see two minor flaws with the design. The rear drain plug uses a friction fit plug. While I haven't had a leak, I prefer the security of a threaded design, as it would be more difficult to dislodge. A more serious concern is the freely opening lid. There are two small tabs and detents built along the front edge of the lid and opening, but neither engaged on the three coolers I examined. I looked at a similar, smaller Coleman cooler, and while it used the same method of closure, it was almost too difficult to pry open. I think there's a little bit too much play in the lid's rear pivot points, which keeps the tabs from engaging properly. I'll remedy the problem by installing a few NIB magnets, but an external bungee cord would also work. If you buy this cooler, remember to ensure that the lid won't blow open while in a truck or boat.
I highly recommend this product.
Update 5/17/2010:
Just back from a 12 day trip to the Rockies, and the cooler was perfect.
Temperatures averaged between 5-55° F and I still had a partial bag of ice from before I left. Not a real test of the stated cooling abilities, but it's all I can report. I found that a green Smartstraps 16-24" BungeeX adjustible strap is exactly the right size to hold the lid shut. It has large enough J-hooks to positively engage the side handles, and the hooks swivel to keep the strap flat. I bought mine at Walmart, but I've had a hard time finding the same product online, even on the Smartstraps web site. I found the same strap at Fastenal (7 pack only), and it's listed as produced by Winston Products, which is the parent company of Smartstraps. Other than the green color, I can't think of a better way to secure the top of the cooler, and the strap's adjustibility would probably allow anchoring it into a truck bed with the same strap.
Here's what I'm referring to:
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The Coleman 75-Quart Xtreme Wheeled 5-Day Cooler is the perfect combination of convenience and reliability. It holds 110 twelve-ounce cans, and boasts extra-thick insulation to retain ice for a full 5 days, even at 90Degree Fahrenheit, so it-Inchs perfect for camping and multi-day use. The Cooler features a comfortable retractable handle for easy 1-person pulling and compact storage, with large, durable wheels that can handle uneven terrain. The convenient hinged lid features 4 built-in beverage holders. A rustproof, leak-resistant drain provides easy no-tilt draining.

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