Has anyone else done this?

[INCatfan]

The small fridge in my pup just isn't big enough for the gang I always have, and I have spent a fortune in ice for the coolers. I scored a larger fridge off of craigslist for $20 but I was having trouble finding a place to carry it. I didn't want to lay it down, because you're supposed to wait 24hrs to plug them in after they've been laid down, something about the oil in the compressor I've heard. It was too tall to haul in my explorer standing up, so the only place left was the toungue of my pup. I took the lp bottle off and stored it in the pup, and set a couple of 6x6's on the frame so I could clear my wench and the ratchet straps held her good and solid. I had it good and cold when we left, and when we got there, 2 1/2 hrs, everything in it was still ice cold!

 

[speckhunter80]

Seems to me that would be an issue as far as tongue weight. What prevents it from falling forward? If you are going to do this regularly I would run a strap from the camper frame around the front of the refrig. Maybe thru the handle or attach/place a piece of angle iron on the front top edge that you can anchor some restraint to.

 

[INCatfan]

It did add some toungue weight, but it didn't seem to bother my tv any. I did end up putting another strap to hold the door shut, just in case, but the two ratchet straps on the front and back seem to hold it pretty solid in every direction. I towed it about 2.5 hours each way this weekend and it never moved an inch.

 

[Wrenchgear]

I took one of those fridges along one year when we still in the tent. I removed one of the quad buckets out of our van to haul the fridge, then set the fridge up in our kitchen tent when we made camp. It worked great, but now that we have the Pup, theres no need to bring it along. We get by with the fridge in the Pup and one additional cooler just fine.
If it works for you, I say what the heck, go for it.

 

[LostInCanada]

That really scares me! What if you have to sudden stop.... all that weight is going to slide right out of the straps and straight into the back of your tow vehicle.

I see you removed the tongue jack as well ??So the door would open??.... do you have to re-install it every time?

 

[Darn]

I have to say I laughed when I first saw it, Jeff Foxworthy "You might be a Redneck if.." came to mind, but seriously, it's a good idea if you need the additional fridge space.

My only real thought was this, you paid $20 for it, but now that you have it and are using it, it's worth much more to you. What will you do if it dies? Will you ever find another to replace it? Will you go and buy a new one?

 

[94-D2]

I think the Clampits did this mod back in the 60's. not sure if you can see it though....

Couldn't resist


Happy Campin'

 

[INCatfan]

I took it off that time because I loaded the fridge by my self and then I needed to open the door to load it back up. When my gf was there to help me, we just lifted it on and off with the jack in place. The jack wasn't much trouble to remove and replace though, only 3 9/16" bolts. As far as sliding forward, I don't think a sudden stop would bother it. The ratchet straps are rated for 2000lbs a piece, and I had them cinched down pretty tight.

 

[INCatfan]

lol I actually posted the same photo to my facebook, and added the caption, "Insert your redneck joke here!" lol I admit it is quite redneck, but I am from Kentucky originally, and proud of that, so if the shoe fits! lol

 

[94-D2]

Thanks or taking in the light I presented it. I'm from northern CA in the hills. About as much Okie ad red neck as I can claim but exercise the same practical problem solving techniques.


Happy Campin'


J

 

[bondebond]

I knew I should have told my wife to sell it for more than $20. Oh well.

 

[cbankr22]

Looks good to me. I bet it doesn't weigh that much anyhow, so I wouldn't see there being an issue. Good job!

 

[INCatfan]

Looks good to me. I bet it doesn't weigh that much anyhow, so I wouldn't see there being an issue. Good job!

Thanks, it works for me! We're spending a week down at Myrtle Beach this month, and I spent a fortune last year on ice during a week long trip.

 

[Hacksaw]

The only thing I would worry about is the road bounce destroying the compressor and possibly breaking the refrigeration coils.

Think Outside ! ...No Box Required

 

[Ken1967]

Have to respect a man who has his cold beer fully accessible as soon as he gets to camp!

 

[heckufaguy]

Does someone ride in the back of the TV so they can hand you an icy cold beverage? lol

We have a small dormer fridge like this we used in our pup too. Starts out with food, ends up with beer as people keep asking to 'just keep this in your fridge for me'. Amazing how many people don't keep track of their beer

Even now, with the TT and a Huge fridge, we're going to bring our one like this. Keep it outside, under the canopy on a table for the high volume drinks so we don't have to keep trudging in and out of the TT.

BTW, some of the new ones, without any freezer section don't have the pump/oil problem, they're more like those electric coolers. (And not nearly as quick to get cold)

 

[INCatfan]

Have to respect a man who has his cold beer fully accessible as soon as he gets to camp!

And I have to respect a man who would notice the benefit of that!! lol

 

[INCatfan]

The only thing I would worry about is the road bounce destroying the compressor and possibly breaking the refrigeration coils.

Think Outside ! ...No Box Required

Well I wouldn't think that it would get any more road bounce than the fridge inside the pup, and if it does die, it was only $20, and craigslist is full of good deals all the time.

 

[Ken1967]

And I have to respect a man who would notice the benefit of that!! lol

lol... how could I not notice that!

 

[drosengrant]

I have one of these also but transport it in the bed of the truck, next to the cab. The only time I take it with me is for trips of 5 days or more. I set it up next to the door of the camper. I do not use it in northern New Jersey because of Bears but will use it in south Jersey in shore areas.