Build Your Own DIY "Bubba Box" Portable Draft Kegerator

Elevate your tailgate game with a custom portable draft setup that keeps beer, cocktails, or sparkling water ice-cold on the go. The "Bubba Box" is a brilliant original concept created by Sean over at CanKeg. Inspired by his original design and instructional video, this DIY build combines a heavy-duty Coleman cooler with a mini keg to deliver draft-quality pours anywhere you park.

What You’ll Need

• Coleman Cooler: A cooler to house the setup and keep your drinks cold.

• 5L Stainless Mini Keg: Paired with a Mega Cap to hold your carbonated beverages.

• CO2 System: A SodaStream cylinder for carbonation.

• Plumbing Hardware: A flow distributor, a quick-connect coupling, and a picnic tap.

• Tools: A power drill and a 1-1/4" hole saw.

Step-by-Step Assembly Guide

• Mark & Drill the Lid: Drill a hole straight through the top middle of your Coleman cooler lid. You will need to drill through both the outer and inner plastic layers of the lid so the hardware fits all the way through.

• Dry Run Your Fittings: The cooler's angled design can make some fittings impossible to separate once connected. Always test-fit your quick-connect coupling and disconnect together before installing them permanently to avoid snapping them together securely when you don't intend to.

• Install the Bulkhead: Pass the quick-connect coupling through the newly drilled hole in the lid.

• Hook Up the Interior: Place the mini keg and SodaStream tank inside the cooler. Run the interior hose up to the underside of the lid's quick-connect fitting.

• Attach the Tap & Pour: Connect your picnic tap to the exterior fitting on the top of the cooler lid. Set the pressure to about 12 PSI and pour!

Pro Tip: Check Your Dip Line Length If your tap pressurizes but won't pour any liquid, your dip line is likely too long. We ran into this exact issue on our first attempt, and Sean at CanKeg provided the crucial troubleshooting guidance to fix it: simply cut the dip line shorter so the liquid can flow freely.

Ready to Upgrade Your Tailgate? Whether you’re outfitting your rig for football season or setting up camp off the grid, a custom draft box is the ultimate game-day upgrade. Be sure to check out CanKeg.com to support Sean and his original design! Grab your tools, build your box, and let us know—what’s the first drink you’re putting on tap?