Game Cooler Tie Downs: A Field Guide

Understand the load you are securing

A game cooler becomes heavy once it holds ice, meat, and drinks. Plan for the full weight, not the empty weight on the label. A filled large cooler can exceed one hundred pounds, and the mass will shift with turns, bumps, and braking.

Know two key ratings. A strap’s working load limit is the safe rating for daily use, while break strength is the maximum before failure in a test. Rely on the working load limit, not the break number. Add margin for off road travel or sudden stops.

Strap angle matters. Pull at roughly forty five to sixty degrees so the strap resists both lift and slide. A shallow angle does not fight side load. A steep angle can deform the lid or the body and still allow lateral movement.

Think in vectors. The cooler can move forward, rearward, and side to side. Set anchors so the forces oppose each other. When possible, add a strap that resists vertical bounce, especially in boats or on rough trails.

Pick materials that last. Polyester webbing has low stretch and holds tension in heat and sun. Nylon can stretch more. Marine grade stainless buckles and hardware resist rust around salt or blood. UV resistant webbing extends service life.

Working limits, strap choices, and angles

Select cam buckle or ratchet straps with a working load limit that equals or exceeds half of the cooler’s full weight per strap when using a pair. Cam buckles are quick and less likely to over compress the lid. Ratchets can add force with control if used carefully. Place the strap path over molded tie slots or around the body where it will not crush hinges or the drain. Cross straps add diagonal control. A top strap that presses the lid can help but avoid warping the seal.

Mounting systems that actually hold

Great straps are useless without solid anchor points. You have two broad choices. Track systems like L track and E track offer flexibility with movable fittings. Fixed points like D rings, tie down loops, cleats, and footman loops are simple and strong when backed correctly.

Track systems shine in vans, trailers, and truck beds. L track accepts studs, rings, and double stud fittings that you can place exactly where the cooler sits. E track works well on walls and floors, and the wide accessory range is helpful for mixed cargo.

Fixed points are ideal when the cooler location does not change. Use backing plates or large washers under the floor or bed to spread load. Fasten with stainless hardware and thread locker. In boats, choose sealed mounts and bed them with marine sealant to keep water out of the core.

Consider the surface. In composite beds and thin floors, spread the load with plates. In aluminum, isolate dissimilar metals to prevent corrosion. In wood, pre drill and use through bolts, not just wood screws. Recheck anchors after the first trip to confirm nothing loosened.

Track versus fixed points in the real world

Track gives you freedom when the load changes by season. Move a ring to clear a fish tote one month, then slide it back for a tall cooler next month. Fixed D rings win on simplicity and cost with fewer parts to rattle. For many hunters and anglers, a blend works best, with track along the floor and a couple of fixed rings near the walls for cross bracing.

How to tie down a game cooler step by step

Set the cooler on a dry, flat surface with the drain closed and the lid latched. If blood or meltwater is expected, place a tray or absorbent mat under the cooler so liquid does not turn the deck slick. Position the cooler so handles and drain remain accessible.

Attach anchors before you load the cooler. Set four points that frame the cooler. If you only have two points, place them on opposite sides and use a cross pattern to control side load.

Run the first strap front to rear. Tension it until the webbing hums when plucked but does not distort the cooler body. Run the second strap side to side. Add a third strap across the lid if the route allows it without crushing the gasket. Keep buckles off corners to prevent wear.

Check strap paths for sharp edges and protect webbing with sleeves if needed. Tie off excess tails so they cannot whip. After a short drive, retension the system, then check again at your first stop. In wet or dusty conditions, retension more often.

Common mistakes include over tightening until the lid bows, relying on bungee cords, using frayed straps, mounting eye screws into thin wood without backing, and ignoring strap angles. Another error is using only one strap that does not counter forward momentum in hard braking.

A quick checklist that prevents problems

Before departure, confirm four items.

• Anchors are tight and backed.
• Straps are rated and undamaged.
• Buckles are positioned for easy reach.
• The cooler cannot move in any direction when pushed.

Practical tips for harsh conditions Off road washboard can shake tension loose. Use low stretch straps, double check buckles, and consider a redundant third strap. In boats, add a short safety lanyard to a fixed point as a backup. In cold weather, webbing can stiffen, so open and close buckles a few times to ensure full engagement.

Odor control begins with containment. Line the cooler and drain it before highway miles. Keep straps clean, rinse with fresh water, and hang to dry. Replace cracked buckles and sun faded webbing before the next season.

The right tie down approach keeps meat safe, preserves ice longer by limiting cooler movement, and prevents spills that attract wildlife at camp. A steady cooler also protects surrounding gear from impact.

From here, tailor the layout to your platform. Trucks benefit from bed rails with rings near the wheel wells. Vans and trailers excel with continuous L track along the floor. UTVs often need low profile anchors to clear cargo nets. Boats demand stainless hardware and careful sealing. The principles stay the same, only the hardware changes.

Outfitting for reliable performance If your rig needs better anchor geometry, add more points rather than overtightening the wrong ones. Track sections near the corners give ideal strap angles. Back every fastener and inspect after heavy use. As your load changes through the year, keep the system modular so it adapts without starting over.

Bringing it together for your rig Great securement is a system. Start with the cooler, add anchors that suit the platform, then choose straps with the right rating and angle. Keep it simple, maintain the gear, and you will arrive with cold meat, clean decks, and zero drama.

OZK fit and finish for secure cargo When it is time to turn these methods into a dependable setup, our team builds anchor layouts and cargo floors that make tie downs fast and repeatable. We integrate track, rings, and storage around your use case so the cooler, bikes, tools, and camp gear all have a home. If you want a purpose built adventure van or a refined weekend hauler, we can design it to handle heavy coolers without clutter or rattles.

Strong next steps

• Explore layouts that support coolers and gear in our recreational vans.
• If you want a one of one layout, start a custom build van.
• Looking for a finance friendly platform, view mainstream vans.

Ready to make your cooler and cargo stay put every time. Tell us about your hunting trips, the roads you drive, and the rig you pack. We will map anchor points, build the track plan, and deliver a van or truck interior that locks in coolers, bins, and bikes with clean, easy to use tie downs. Submit the form and let us design your securement system.