Refridgerator/Freezer and Seats

[WFTW]

I need to install a refridgerator/freezer in my 4-door Jeep JK. What I'm looking to do is take the rear bench seat out and replace that with two bucket seats, then install the refridgerator/freezer between those seats.

Is this do-able? Can anyone think of a reason this won't work? I know that Engal and ARB makes refridgerator/freezers, but are there others? Are those 12v or will I need a power inverter?

As for the seats, I'm guessing I won't be putting in full size seats back there...am thinking some smaller seats without headrests would be better and fit easier. Opinions?

Hope I'm putting this in the right section of the forum.

 

[davegonz]

The Engle/ARB/Norcold fridges are 12V as well as the Waeco ones. Plan on getting the 40L version since it's probably the most versatile space wise.

It might be too tight if you have to fit the seats between wheel wells, but I don't know for a fact since I've never owned a jeep.

Stay safe over there!

 

[WFTW]

Thanks...thinking about getting the Engel MT45. Here's a few pictures of what it looks like back there without seats...

 

[davegonz]

How wide is that center console? The Engel MT45 is 14.5" wide. Check here for dimensions: http://www.pangaea-expeditions.com/engel/

 

[Martyn]

The external dimensions of the Engel and Waeco fridges are on our web site at http://www.adventuretrailers.com/fridges.html It should help you with layout.

The Engel locking plate is far superior to Waeco's version. You will need a locking plate to secure the fridge to the Jeep, and allow you to quickly and easily put the fridge in and take it out.

As the fridge is going to be in a vehicle install I recommend an insulating cover. When you have the back of the Jeep torn out run a good marine grade 12 volt socket back into the area the fridge is going to be located for power.

 

[WFTW]

Thanks for the links and the measurements.

I'm not sure how wide the center console is...I'll have to measure it when I get back to the States next month.

I'm thinking I could get the mounting plate and mount that to the sorta-thin piece in between where the rear seats will go.

Since the fridge is 14.5" wide, it should fit okay as long as I can find some decent seats. If not, I could check out some of their other refridgerator/freezer combinations and find a thinner one.

 

[WFTW]

Okay...just bought the Engel MT45:
http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/ws/e...STRK:MEWN:IT&viewitem=&item=370054279569&rd=1

Figured the price was good considering it comes with all the bells and whistles.

Plus, the guy assured me I'd be getting some of the cost of shipping back due to him being in the same State as the shipping destination.

So, now I just need to find some seats. Anyone have suggestions on those?

 

[oldcj5guy]

bestops are probably your best bet for decent quality and a narrower bottom. I have a basic set that doesn't fold down at the shop and I can measure those tomorrow to give you an idea of teh width. Any of the sets that fold or lean back are going to be wider where the sides meet the base due to brackets. The bestop lowbacks that are designed as direct replacements for the cjs are actually wider at the bottom than the highback sets.

 

[WFTW]

I think something I'll have to look closer at (other than the size issue) is the mounting issue. Obviously I want whatever mounting method I use for the seats to be safe. And since this won't exactly be factory...I'll need to look into how that is going to be done.

As for seatbelts, I'd like to use the same seatbelts that are already mounted in the back of the Jeep (you can see them in the pictures above).

I checked out the Bestop website and found these two...

http://www.bestop.com/product_detail.php?id=470&img=01

http://www.bestop.com/product_detail.php?id=471&img=01

I'm leaning towards the second one.

People riding in the back of my Jeep are pretty slim...I'm just putting a seat back there sort of like a "just in case" kind of thing.

I've thought about not putting any seats back there, but rather have 2 storage systems with drawers (1 on each side). The drawers would open towards the door. Obviously, since my doors will be removed during the trip, the drawers would have a lock on them.

Or, I could always have a seat on one side, a drawer system on the other, and the refridgerator in the middle.

Decisions, decisions.

 

[1leglance]

hey jason....
you are in a tougb spot design wise since..
1) you will travel around the country and thus want lots of storage space...
2) you will be leading trail runs taling wounded vets & family on trails thus wanting seating...

I really think you would be well served in 3 seat mode like you mentioned...keep a seat behind the front passenger for a family member and build storage in the middle & behind the drivers seat have the fridge so you can get stuff out when stopped for breaks or cooking....

another thought would be a 60% bench w/ the fridge on the drivers side...

 

[WFTW]

That's a good idea about the 60% bench Lance...hadn't thought of that. I know that the JK rear bench seat is split, but I think it's only split part on the seat back and not down the seat bottom.

Hmmm...perhaps I can cut the smaller part of the rear bench seat off and then over what's left with a modified rear seat cover. That would allow me to put the refridgerator/freezer where part of the seat was, but not leave room for storage.

I'll see if I can find out more about the JK rear bench seat. If it has 3 mounting points (1 on either side and 1 in the middle) so that I can keep 2 using two of them, then that would solve the mounting problem that I would have if I were to put in a bucket seat. The seatbelt would also still be available for use without any modifications.

Thanks for the idea!

 

[1leglance]

I wish I could say I was smart but it is simplely the way I am doing my FJC...
Once I have the rear storage buit I will post pics....lucky for me toyota made it so I could take out the 40% section and still have everything work well....