Ozark Trail 52 Quart Cooler

Everything You Need to Know Before Purchasing the Popular 52 Qt Cooler

The Ozark Trail 52 quart cooler is one of the most popular and affordable large capacity coolers on the market. With its spacious 52 quart interior and durable construction, it’s a great option for camping trips, tailgating parties, and outdoor adventures.

Before purchasing the Ozark Trail 52 quart cooler, there are some key factors buyers should consider. This comprehensive buying guide will provide details on the specs, features, pricing, and real customer reviews of the cooler so you can make an informed buying decision.

Dimensions of the 52 Quart Ozark Trail Cooler

The first thing to look at when buying any cooler is the overall dimensions. The exterior dimensions of the Ozark Trail 52 quart cooler are:

• Length – 26.75 inches
• Width – 16.75 inches
• Height – 17.38 inches

With an interior capacity of 52 quarts, this is a spacious cooler that can fit up to 80 12oz cans when fully loaded with ice. The rectangular shape allows you to efficiently pack food and drinks inside.

It has a very comparable size to other popular 52 quart coolers like the Coleman Xtreme and Rubbermaid DuraChill. The size makes it a good balance of portability and storage capacity for camping or tailgating for a small group of people. If you need something smaller or larger, Ozark Trail offers this model in sizes from 28 quarts up to 73 quarts.

Ice Retention Capacity of the Cooler

A key specification to look at for any cooler is how long it can keep ice, which directly impacts how long it can keep contents cold. The longer the ice retention, the better.

Ozark Trail claims the 52 quart model can keep ice for up to 5 days in ideal conditions. Most real customer reviews state the cooler can retain ice for 2-3 days with prudent use.

This ice retention is fairly good for a mid-range cooler. More expensive high-end coolers can retain ice for 5-7+ days, but they come at 3-4x the price of the cost-effective Ozark Trail option.

For short camping trips or weekend adventures where you will be actively accessing the cooler, the 2-3 day ice retention should suffice. For weeklong trips, adding ice mid-way will help the Ozark Trail cooler last the full duration.

The Cooler is Fully Insulated and Waterproof

The Ozark Trail 52 quart cooler is fully insulated inside the lid and body to lock in the cold air. The insulation material is a combination of hard plastic and foam.

The exterior is made of a leakproof plastic that is waterproof and durable. The lid uses a gasket seal to keep the cold air trapped inside.

User reviews confirm that no moisture gets into the main compartment of the cooler when closed. Any exterior or lid condensation can be easily wiped away.

Durable and Sturdy Construction

This cooler is made using a rotomolded construction process that results in durable, seamless plastic walls. The rugged exterior can handle being moved around and can support standing or sitting on it.

The lid uses metal hinges and latches made from rubber and nylon materials that attach securely. When closed properly, the latches keep the lid tight against the cooler body for optimal cold retention.

At 21 lbs when empty, the Ozark Trail 52 quart cooler has a solid feel and heft to it. The materials should withstand years of outdoor use and adventures with proper care.

Where to Buy the Ozark Trail 52 Quart Cooler

The Ozark Trail brand is exclusive to Walmart, so this 52 quart cooler model can only be purchased at Walmart stores or Walmart.com.

As a Walmart exclusive product, you can often find it at a very affordable price point. The MSRP is $79.99 but it frequently goes on sale for $40-60.

Walmart offers convenient options like free in-store pickup and curbside pickup if you order online. You can also have it shipped directly to your home.

Ozark Trail Cooler Reviews and Ratings

This 52 quart cooler has very positive reviews and ratings across major retail sites:

• Walmart.com: 4.7 out of 5 stars with over 1,120 customer reviews
• HomeDepot.com: 4.5 out of 5 stars with over 440 reviews
• Lowes.com: 4.7 out of 5 stars with over 270 reviews

The most common positive feedback is on the cooler’s excellent value for performance and convenient size. People mention it keeps ice sufficiently for shorter trips, and the quality is good for the affordable price point.

The most common complaints involve the drainage plug. Some reviewers mentioned wishing the plug was larger and that it can be tricky to fully seal the plug after draining. Other critical reviews mentioned the lid not sealing completely flush in some rare cases.

Drain Plug for Emptying Water

The bottom of the cooler features a drain plug that allows you to empty excess water without tilting or lifting the entire cooler.

The drain plug fits flush when sealed. Most reviewers find the drain plug functional but some wished it was a bit larger and easier to remove and seal. A good tip is to ensure it is fully tightened after draining so water cannot leak out.

Available Colors for the 52 Quart Size

One advantage of the Ozark Trail brand is the wide variety of color options available for most of their coolers.

The 52 quart size is available in these color options:

• Solid White
• Solid Gray/Grey
• Solid Blue
• Solid Red
• Solid Green
• Solid Orange
• Camo Tundra with Camouflage Pattern
• Camo Glacier with Blue Camouflage Pattern

This extensive selection allows you to choose your favorite color or one that matches your team or style. Or opt for a camo pattern for hunting trips.

Bear Resistance Rating

The Ozark Trail coolers are designed for general outdoor and camping use, not for specialized use in bear country. The plastic latches and lid would not withstand a bear attack.

If you need a cooler for bear territory, look for certified bear-resistant models that have undergone IGBC testing. Coolers like the Yeti Tundra are proven to withstand attempted entry by bears. The Ozark Trail is not designed for these demanding circumstances.

Ease of Cleaning the Cooler

Keeping your cooler clean helps eliminate odors and ensures a pleasant experience each time you use it. The plastic interior and exterior of the Ozark Trail 52 quart cooler is easy to clean.

You can use a damp cloth with mild soap and water to wipe out the inside after use. An old toothbrush helps scrub any stubborn spots. The drain plug makes it easy to empty all water and residue.

Some tips when cleaning the cooler:

• Rinse with clean water afterward
• Allow to fully air dry with lid open
• Avoid harsh cleaners that can damage plastic
• Store with lid propped open when not in use

Proper cleaning and care will help the cooler last for many years.

Manufacturer’s Warranty Details

Ozark Trail provides a 1-year limited warranty on this cooler model. It warrants the product to be free from defects in workmanship and materials for a 1-year period from the date of purchase.

The warranty only covers original defects and does not include damage from improper use, accidents, natural wear, or alterations. To obtain warranty service, you will need to provide proof of purchase.

As a Walmart brand, any warranty issues can be handled directly through Walmart’s customer service support system. Just contact your local Walmart or reach out to Walmart.com support online or by phone.

Can You Put Hot Items in the Cooler?

The Ozark Trail 52 quart cooler is designed for cooling beverages, ice, and perishable foods. It is not intended or insulated for use with hot items.

Putting extremely hot contents like boiling water or hot coals could potentially warp or damage the plastic of the cooler over time. Hot foods and drinks are best served in separate thermal containers meant for hot retention.

Mildly warm items like a just-cooked hamburger or hot dog or a warm soda can be placed carefully in the cooler, but anything extremely hot should be avoided.

Price Comparison to Similar Coolers

Here is a price comparison of the Ozark Trail 52 quart cooler versus similar size options from leading cooler brands:

• Ozark Trail 52 quart: $40-$60
• Coleman Xtreme 52 quart: $55-$70
• Igloo MaxCold 52 quart: $50-$80
• RTIC 52 quart: $200-$250
• Yeti Tundra 45 quart: $300
• Engel HD52 quart: $340

The Ozark Trail model is by far the most budget-friendly, often retailing for 2-3x less than the higher-end RTIC, Yeti, and Engel coolers. The build quality does reflect the lower price point, but for casual use the Ozark Trail provides excellent value.

Storage Capacity in Cans

With a 52 quart or 13,000 cubic inch capacity, the Ozark Trail cooler can hold up to 80 12oz cans when filled with nothing but cans or ice.

This large capacity equates to around 40 regular size sodas or 64 standard water bottles. You can fit a lot of food and drinks for a medium sized gathering of people.

If packing a mix of items, the can capacity may be a bit less than 80. But you’ll still have generous room for a variety of food and drinks when camping or tailgating with this cooler.

Accessory Options and Customization

This Ozark Trail model comes ready to use as-is, without any included accessories. But there are a few optional accessories you can add:

• Drain plug tether: Helps prevent misplacing the drain plug
• Tie-down kit: For securing the cooler in vehicles
• Ozark Trail cooler cushions: For use as extra seating
• Cup holders: Attach to the lid to hold drinks during use
• Bottle opener: Mounts to the side of the cooler

Adding accessories can help customize your cooler setup for your specific needs. You can often find them sold together with the cooler as a package.

Maintaining the Cooler Properly

To get the most life out of your Ozark Trail cooler, follow these tips:

• Clean thoroughly after each trip
• Allow to fully dry with lid open
• Keep out of direct sun when storing
• Avoid overloading beyond capacity
• Use on flat surfaces to prevent tipping
• Secure lid and handles when transporting
• Check drain plug and seals periodically

With proper care, the Ozark Trail 52 quart cooler should provide many years of reliable performance even with regular use.

Are Replacement Parts Available?

Since the Ozark Trail 52 quart cooler is exclusive to Walmart, replacement parts can be purchased directly through Walmart if needed.

The most commonly replaced parts are:

• Drain plug
• Rubber latches
• Plastic handles

Walmart sells these replacement parts individually or bundled as a replacement parts kit. There are also third party replacement parts available online that fit the Ozark Trail 52 quart cooler.

Checking and replacing worn parts as needed helps extend the useful life of the cooler.

Final Thoughts

The Ozark Trail 52 quart cooler provides excellent value for a mid-sized, rugged cooler to support 3-4 day adventures. It may lack some bells and whistles of pricier brands, but gives you great cooling performance for camping, tailgating, road trips, and other outdoor activities.

Be sure to take into account the dimensions, weight, capacity, ice retention, and features covered in this buying guide when deciding if the Ozark Trail 52 quart cooler is the right choice for your needs. It can be an affordable alternative to carry lots of provisions while on the move.