Tuffy drawer and an Engel 45

[keithdenbesten@comcast.ne]

So I just recieved my Tuffy 8" tall drawer for my 01TJ. I plan on mounting my Engel 45 on top. I may use a slide tray.
So here's my question. Has anyone done this? The top tin of the drawer unit is fairly light. I'm thinking a plywood top and then mount the fridge to the plywood. Just hate to put more weight than I need to.
Thanks for any hints

 

[Carlyle]

Sounds like a good idea, let me know how it goes.

 

[cshontz]

I did this, but instead of a 12V fridge, I mounted my spare tire on top of the drawer. A friend helped me weld a frame out of square tube, and then we bolted that frame to the top of the Tuffy drawer for reinforcement. It was actually pretty slick. I wonder if I have a pic...

A plywood top should be just as effective, imo.

 

[cshontz]

Yep, found a pic. Never should've sold this Jeep 5 years ago.

Anyway, my description was pretty straightforward, but maybe this will give you ideas. With some reinforcement, the Tuffy drawer should be able to bear the weight of a fridge very easily.

 

[keithdenbesten@comcast.ne]

Thanks for the pic Chris. We're heading for Moab Sat. So I just put a piece of 1/2" ply down and used ratchet straps for the fridge. I think when I return I'll do a frame like yours. Looks like a far better idea.
Thanks for the tip.:26_7_2:
Keith

 

[jerdog53]

Are you thinking of mounting the fridge in the middle or off to one side cuz off to one side may not need any reinforcement at all.

 

[TenaciousTJ]

I mounted my Engel on my oversized Tuffy security drawer for a while, even did the Rubicon trail with it on there. I mounted the slide lock off to the far passenger side on the top of the drawer. The metal flexes towards the middle, it's very thin. It didn't budge at all, but I'm not sure I would have trusted it in a hard rollover. I also found that it put the fridge up WAY to high, giving the lid about 5" of opening before it hit the soft top. I sold to security drawer and am completely redesigning my cargo area around the Engel. It's a pain, but having access to all my cooled goods is more important at the moment. Sorry I don't have any pics.