Request for Ideas: Hanging Pull Out Fridge Slide

[MattJ]

I have a Olympic 4x4 cargo rack in the back of my JK that is supported by horizontal bolts that I drilled into my roll bars. So the rack is extremely solid and can support a LOT of weight with no sag. I want to install a fridge, but have only 20 inches of clearance under the rack. And I have two large subwoofer speakers in the center of the cargo area, under the weather mat.

I would like to design a pull-out slide that mounts to the underside of my cargo rack and is NOT anchored to anything else. Ideally, the base of the fridge would be an inch or so above the weather mat in my cargo area, with the cargo rack and roll bars taking the weight. I have seen hanging baskets in closets that are the inspiration for this idea.

I am interested in suggestions and ideas from the creative experts on this forum!

Photos are below, including one that shows a YETI Tundra 65 in the space where the fridge would go. The two fridges I am considering are:

https://www.snomasterusa.com/product/classic-series-bdc-65-stainless-steel-acdc-fridgefreezer/

http://store.arbusa.com/ARB-Fridge-Freezer-63Qt-10800602-P21328C48.aspx

 

[e60ral]

L bracket on your basket, drawer slides on L bracket, then bend a sheet of metal into a flat U shape that the fridge will sit in (cut ventilation cutouts to match the fridge). Screw the fridge to the U basket (or u straps) and those attach to the drawer slides. Youll also need a strong hoop at the top that the slides attach to to keep everything square.

 

[dstock]

Very interesting idea! Sub'd!

 

[MattJ]

I gotta say, since I hatched this idea this morning, I can't stop thinking about how great this design might be. Think about it: a rock-solid cargo rack with a slide-out mechanism for a fridge that hangs right below it. No need to bolt or anchor anything to the floor or sides of the cargo area itself. Minimal additional weight added beyond the fridge and cargo rack. Maybe even an inch or two of room UNDER the fridge for storing flat items like a tarp, blanket, tent poles or collapsible table. And best of all, my subwoofer speakers under the weather mat still have some clearance to boom!

Please keep the ideas coming . . .

 

[dstock]

As long as the "drawer" slides can support the weight, it shouldn't be that tough to fab up. Angle iron to attach to the rack and slides, and then using flat steel just make a frame to cradle the fridge. Positioned correctly the frame could incorporate holes to use the fridge feet bolt holes for attachment to the fridge cradle. Plenty of ventilation as well.

 

[jscherb]

Spotted this on a Patriot camper at SEMA yesterday. Not exactly what you're looking to do, but might give you some ideas.

 

[MattJ]

Thanks for bumping this thread. I actually spent a few hours yesterday working on a custom mounting for my Dometic fridge and slide-out tray. I decided NOT to design a hanging mount system. I got worried about lateral stress in off-camber situations, as you mentioned in a PM. But fridge mounts and slide-out options are never "done", so I'll put the idea on a back burner in case I reconfigure my cargo area some day. I'll post pics here when I get my current configuration done.

 

[MattJ]

Thanks again to everyone for all of the input on this concept! I ultimately decided to go in a different direction to achieve the goal of a very quick and reversible installation for the fridge slide. I do a lot of extreme off-road trail days, so I didn't want to commit to an extensive fridge and cargo rack installation:

http://forum.expeditionportal.com/threads/184396-Just-Five-Bolts-Fridge-Slide-AND-Cargo-Rack!