Looking for the ultimate cooler rack... - Striper Talk Striped Bass Fishing, Surfcasting, Boating

Mr. Sandman · 10-15-2002, 11:19 AM

Plan on getting a new truck this winter (GMC Yukon XL or Denali) and want to outfit it with the bigass cooler rack. I want to be able to load the big igloo and at least 6 rods. Does anyone have any thoughts on where I should start looking or who produces the quality units?

DRM · 10-15-2002, 11:45 AM

What size igloo cooler are you talking about? The best option would be to have one custom made to accomodate any of the larger (150 + qt) coolers. You definitely want something made out of aluminum to keep the weight down. The front ends on those vehicles are not designed to carry a ton of weight. I have a Tahoe with an aluminum rack and 150qt cooler and have already had to re-align the front end. I'm not sure if the alignment problem was related to using the rack, but its a safe bet. Also be aware that the front ends of those vehicles are fairly low to the ground, so a lot of caution is necessary when beach driving. Expect to plow a bit of sand occasionally when you hit an unseen ditch or low spot. I have the large rack made by Angler's Aluminum Products, which is marketed as a 102qt rack. A 150 qt Igloo is a tight fit.

Mr. Sandman · 10-15-2002, 12:04 PM

Thank you DRM! This is the kind of advice I was seeking. Since I have not bought anything yet...I was thinking 150qt igloo. I may have to drop down a notch. There is not much you can do about vehicle clearance unles you want to go monster truck but this baby has to double as our winter ski vehicle as well and I doubt the wife would like to that much of a climb. (I tried to get her to "OK" a 2003 H2 (with something like 16" of ground clearance) but she did like the thought of driving a miltary vehicle around town ...we agreed on the Yukon XL or Danali was more pragmatic vehicle for us)
Plowing sand sounds like a sure recipe for damage of somekind. I can only imagine what a few bowlingball size rocks might do.

JohnR · 10-15-2002, 12:20 PM

Get the H2

What ever you get, get the HD version with a little extra G.C.

There are a couple places listed in the Fisherman Mag for cooler racks. The one I have on my Bronco is big enough that a 150Qt swims inside of it and a 196 would easily fit, it's also made out of Iron and is high enough that it doesn't plow in the sand. It also has little to no effect when I drive it most of the way to work, 50+ mile drive each way (the people tend to get out of your way too)

Tattoo · 10-15-2002, 12:22 PM

Isn't it funny how people look at your rack and think to themsleves "What the hell is that thing for?"

.....and at the same time we are thinking "Look at this guy, another googan."

Mr. Sandman · 10-15-2002, 12:47 PM

H2: I keep bringing the subject up so but far no-go. I told her she could pick the color. but still no-go. I still have a couple months to work on her but it is looking like a GMC at this point. The damn thing is wide...have you ever gone for a ride in one...awesome vehicle, the tires alone are huge. Whenever a vehicle offers an optional "snorkel" , you know it is serious.
If you see some guy driving a "Mary-Kay Pink" H2 (with snorkel)...that would be me

The GMC seems to have one of the the highest "stock" GC. It even beats out the Excursion. (that is a roooomy beast that does not turn that great, I can't imaginge parking that in Edgartown on a Sat night.)

Racks: I will check the fisherman too , thanks.

Fishpart · 10-15-2002, 01:37 PM

The Hummer is certainly the way to go. The green ones will go ANYWHERE, including up to the bottom of the doors in mud or sand that is too soft to walk in. Just the seats aren't very comfortable. If you do get a snorkel be sure to get the extended exhaust as well.

Scotch Bonnet · 10-15-2002, 04:40 PM

Another option is put the rods on the roof and use the cooler rack that inserts into tow pkg on the rear of the vehicle. Probably wouldn't work with the barn doors though.

Jenn · 10-15-2002, 10:24 PM

Quote:

Isn't it funny how people look at your rack

I HATE it when people look at my rack!!!! ( LOL sorry I couldnt help myself.........) But yes...I just love it when people would look at the rod holder on the front of the pick up and say WHOA>>>>THAT's AWESOME!!! (what is it????)!!!!!!!!!!

Sandman try rod racks.com.......or try the Cabellas catalog (if you have it...or online) we got ours longer than the 150 qt cooler....so we strap it in the middle and use the empty ends to bungee wet waders, wading boots etc......so we dont have as MUCH funky stuff going in the interior of the vehicle

Jenn · 10-15-2002, 10:32 PM

...and we do the rods on top ...but think about whether you want your rods straight up in the air (trees etc) or laying vertical on your roof.harder to get too BUT.....)....definately consider what fits your needs best before you buy........

striperjerk1 · 10-16-2002, 08:59 AM

how about a 4x4 van? check out sportsmobile .com. or do a search on this site by me on why buy a pickup.

DRM · 10-16-2002, 11:46 AM

Sandman, if you do get a Yukon/Tahoe type vehicle, stay away from a steel rack. A 150qt cooler full of ice and a few 30 pounders is heavy enough. Aluminum is the way to go. Plowing sand is inevitable with any sort of frame mounted cooler rack on that type of vehicle. It doesnt harm the vehicle. What you need to be careful of is digging the front of the rack into the ground as you hit low spots. Watching your speed will eliminate this problem. Also be aware that in order to mount a rack to the frame on a Yukon, you will probably have to drill two holes in the plastic air dam on the front of the vehicle so that the rack can meet the receiver.

chief10 · 10-18-2002, 12:37 PM

sandman- I have a 8 rod 150 quart aluminum cooler rack for sale. manu. by jersey surf products. exc. shape. I used it on a full size dodge ram. I traded my truck in for a dakota. The rack is too big for it. If your interested , let me know.