RTIC 52 QT Ultra-Light Wheeled Cooler Review

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When it comes to coolers, RTIC has been a trusted name since 2014, known for their high-quality, overbuilt construction at an affordable price. Their latest addition, the RTIC 52 QT Ultra-Light Wheeled Cooler, caught my attention. Available in White & Grey, Dark Grey & Cool Grey, and Patriot, this cooler boasts a very reasonable price tag, making it a more affordable option compared to its competitors. Eager to put it to the test, I took this cooler on a memorable 6-day family camping trip to Cedar Point Amusement Park. Join me as I delve into the details and share my experience with this remarkable cooler.

RTIC 52 QT Ultra-Light Wheeled Cooler Construction

The RTIC 52 QT Ultra-Light Wheeled Cooler boasts not only exceptional performance but also a design that seamlessly blends practicality and aesthetic appeal. With its carefully crafted dimensions of 18 ¾” H | 29″ W | 18 ¼” D, this cooler strikes the perfect balance between size and portability. Weighing in at a mere 30 lbs. when empty, it proved to be incredibly easy to transport. Even with the tonneau cover securely in place on my pickup truck, the cooler fit snugly in the back, allowing me to embark on my adventures without any worries.

The thoughtfully designed handle deserves special mention. Positioned ergonomically, it not only provided a comfortable grip but also folded away effortlessly when not in use, eliminating any concerns of it scraping the ground during transportation. Maneuvering the cooler was a delight, thanks to the smooth-rolling tires that effortlessly glided over various terrains. Whether navigating through rough trails or smoothly rolling over flat surfaces, the cooler’s wheels performed admirably, ensuring hassle-free mobility.

One standout feature of the RTIC cooler is its meticulous attention to detail when it comes to securing the contents. The two silicone t-latches adorning the exterior effectively clamp down the lid, creating a tight and reliable seal. This feature not only contributes to the cooler’s insulation capabilities but also provides peace of mind, knowing that the precious contents inside are well-protected.

Another remarkable aspect is the no-sweat exterior. With this innovative feature, the cooler remained dry and moisture-free, safeguarding the surrounding items in my truck from any unwelcome dampness. This thoughtful addition showcases RTIC’s commitment to delivering not just exceptional cooling performance but also a design that takes into account the practicality of daily usage.

Exploring the cooler’s interior revealed a welcome surprise in the form of a durable silicone cargo net. Strategically placed under the lid, this handy storage solution provided a designated space for organizing and securing smaller items, eliminating any chances of them getting lost amidst the chilled provisions. This well-executed feature further enhances the cooler’s functionality and convenience, making it a versatile companion for any outing.

Last but certainly not least, the built-in bottle opener situated in the front right corner of the cooler adds a touch of convenience and versatility to the overall package. Whether enjoying an ice-cold beverage or lending a helping hand to friends and family, this thoughtful addition exemplifies RTIC’s commitment to providing a seamless outdoor experience.

RTIC 52 QT Ultra-Light Wheeled Cooler Capacity:

Impressively, the RTIC 52 QT Ultra-Light Wheeled Cooler provided ample space for all our camping essentials. During our Cedar Point trip, I managed to fit 24 beers, 12 twisted iced teas, 12 Smirnoff drinks, 8 Body Armor sports drinks, 10 Little Hug fruit barrels, and still had room to spare for ice. The cooler’s maximum capacity reaches 78 cans without ice or 53 pounds of ice. The lightweight construction of the cooler played a significant role in facilitating easy handling and maneuverability, allowing me to transport it effortlessly to and from the truck.

RTIC 52 QT Ultra-Light Wheeled Cooler Performance:

Arriving at Cedar Point with an air temperature in the mid-70s, I was eager to put the RTIC cooler’s performance to the test. Placing a thermometer outside the cooler, under the awning, revealed a temperature of 64.9 degrees Fahrenheit. Upon opening the cooler, I found the interior temperature without ice to be 53.5 degrees Fahrenheit. After adding 10 pounds of ice and allowing it to cool for an hour, the temperature inside the cooler dropped impressively to 46.9 degrees Fahrenheit. Considering that the cooler was frequently opened throughout the day due to our four-person camping group, the ice retention was commendable.

Over the course of 4 days, the ice held up well, gradually melting and leaving us with cold water between the remaining cans. It is worth noting that this real-world experience showcased the cooler’s performance under regular usage conditions. Despite the repeated openings, the cooler maintained its cooling efficiency, keeping our food and beverages refreshingly chilled. The only hiccup I encountered was initially experiencing a leaking drain plug. However, a simple twist of the plug inside the cooler resolved the issue and stopped the dripping, ensuring that the cooler remained watertight and hassle-free throughout our trip.

RTIC 52 QT Ultra-Light Wheeled Cooler Cleanup:

Cleaning the RTIC cooler after use was a hassle-free task. The presence of a large drain plug on the right side of the cooler allowed for swift water drainage. To expedite the process, I opened the lid, ensuring faster and more efficient water removal while also providing additional assurance of the cooler’s seal. Once back home, I easily cleaned the cooler using soap and water, ensuring it was ready for our next adventure.

Full List of Features

• Ultra-Strong Wheels Custom-designed, puncture- and impact-resistant tires easily navigate through most any terrain.
• 2.5’’ of Insulation With up to 2.5’’ of closed cell foam insulation, this cooler is designed to offer multiple days of ice retention.
• Powder-Coated Aluminum Handle The aluminum handle features a pair of non-slip silicone covers for easy towing. When not in use, the handle falls gently down into position without slamming.
• Secure T-Latches Silicone t-latches clamp down the lid and a freezer-style gasket keeps your cooler sealed tight.
• 30% lighter than competing rolling coolers This Wheeled Cooler is durably designed, without the extra weight, making it up to 30% lighter than most competing wheeled coolers.
• Silicone Cargo Net A convenient, durable silicone cargo net is built into the lid of your cooler for easy storing of smaller items.
• Fully-Protected Wheel Axle A unique patented chassis design, premium wheel bearings and rugged stainless steel axle deliver an ultra-smooth ride and long-lasting durability
• Built-in Bottle Opener A built-in bottle opener made of premium stainless steel makes it easy to open drinks anytime, anywhere.
• No Sweat Exterior The exterior of this cooler remains dry, so you can store it in the back of your car without worrying about any mess.
• Non-Skid Rubber Feet Non-skid, non-marking rubber feet help keep the cooler in place even on the smoothest and most slipper surfaces.
• Tie Down Slots Tie Down Points are available to easily attach your cooler to a boat, trailer or truck bed.

Conclusion:

The RTIC 52 QT Ultra-Light Wheeled Cooler exceeded my expectations with its robust construction, outstanding performance, and thoughtful features. The portable design, coupled with its generous capacity, made it an ideal companion for our camping trip. Despite encountering a minor issue with the drain plug, it was quickly rectified. The cooler’s ability to retain ice for multiple days, even with frequent openings, was impressive. The inclusion of a no-sweat exterior and a durable silicone cargo net further enhanced its functionality. Overall, the RTIC 52 QT Ultra-Light Wheeled Cooler is a reliable and cost-effective option for outdoor enthusiasts seeking a high-quality cooler that delivers on performance, durability, and convenience. For more info on this wheeled cooler, visit www.rticoutdoors.com or www.amazon.com.