fridge slide advice sought

**Michael2** · 20th February 2008, 11:03 AM

I've fot a cargo draw in the back of the Defender for tools & recovey gear. However this week I've procured an 8cm wide, 50 litre capacity water tank that fits against the cargo barrier and a fridge.

The new additions mean I'll have to reconfigure the draw. It's made from square tubed aluminium, so the frame is easy to dismantle and all the joiners are reusable.

Now - How to mount the fridge?

I've been given some server slides (computer) so they're ideal for fridge slides.

I was thinking of a floor level fridge to allow for better access.
However mounting the fridge on top of the draw system (currently flush with the wheel arches), means the fridge can be removed and other stuff stacked up on a wider load base.

Still, given that the car will be fully loaded for a family of five, I think having the fridge in a 'cabinet' will allow me to stack on top of it and things won't fall onto the lid etc.

So my questions are:

If I build a cabinet style draw for the fridge, how much ventilation will it require?
Will it generate too much heat in the cabinet and cause itself a heavier work load?
Any ideas on overcoming such issues? - I was thinking of having a perforated aluminium back on the fridge compartment to allow for ventilation.

Thanks in advance for your opinions, experience and technical know-how.

**BMKal** · 20th February 2008, 11:13 AM

I saw a similar set-up recently Michael, where the guy had installed a small computer fan in the back wall of the cabinet for added ventillation. You can buy these cheap from any decent computer repair store and there are 12V ones available.

Not sure if it's actually required, as I've seen plenty of fridges running in cabinets without ventillation. I used to run a 15 litre Engel in a cabinet (three sides and top) in the back of my Toyota HiAce Pilot vehicle and never had any problems with it. But if I was doing it again, I'd probably consider installing a small fan in the back of the box.

jddisco200tdi · 20th February 2008, 12:18 PM

Build a box around your fridge slide that sits on top of your current cargo draw. Use a hole saw and make some holes and ventilation will be fine.

I would give this type of slide a try. See link.

http://www.platinumgear.com.au/

**agrojnr** · 20th February 2008, 12:46 PM

Just make sure you have 5-8cm clear area around your fridge fan in takes or as the others said get yourself a 12v fan (i have installed for my compressor)

90mm 12V DC - 2 Wire Fan

* Air volume 59CFM
* Input power 3.8watts
* Impeller Plastic, fibreglass filled
* Housing Plastic, fibreglass filled
* Speed 3,000rpm
* Noise 36dBA
* Size 90 x 90 x 25mm
* Bearing Sleeve
* Current 0.32A
* Flylead connection

$19.95

There are other types

Jaycar Electronics

Adam

**Michael2** · 20th February 2008, 01:00 PM

Originally Posted by jddisco200tdi

Build a box around your fridge slide that sits on top of your current cargo draw. Use a hole saw and make some holes and ventilation will be fine.

I would give this type of slide a try. See link.

http://www.platinumgear.com.au/

I like it, but $450 would really hurt. Way too expensive.

**Pedro_The_Swift** · 20th February 2008, 04:43 PM

Originally Posted by agrojnr

90mm 12V DC - 2 Wire Fan

Adam

go the 120mm, with flashing green leds

**incisor** · 20th February 2008, 04:58 PM

i love that drop slide.... but no do them for the 60ltr fridges....

mans going to have to downsize

**rangieman** · 20th February 2008, 05:39 PM

Originally Posted by incisor

i love that drop slide.... but no do them for the 60ltr fridges....

mans going to have to downsize

Or drink less

**weeds** · 20th February 2008, 06:21 PM

here is my set up

apart from the front being full open i have six 12mm holes drilled in the top right above the compressor

i have not noticed the fridge cycling any more than normal

**cookiesa** · 21st February 2008, 12:00 PM

Originally Posted by incisor

i love that drop slide.... but no do them for the 60ltr fridges....

mans going to have to downsize

I could help you downsize

In the Disco it isn't such an issue, build your box back to the cargo barrier and there is HEAPS of ventilation!

Definately the box style if you want to pack for travelling, makes it much easier and you still have full access to the fridge whenever you want without having to be careful or repack around the fridge.

For performance the fact that it is not in the sun probably offsets any difference, in the disco though the wheel arch gets in the way so there is plenty of space around it anyway (Mine is not yet enclosed on the wheel arch side.

Thread: fridge slide advice sought

Thread Tools

fridge slide advice sought

Bookmarks

Bookmarks

Posting Permissions