Fridge PROTECTION!

[HappyCamper12]

hi guys this is my first post ever! So G'day to all!
I am a newby 4x4er and I have recently purchase a 2010 ST D40 Navara Dual Cab.
since I only have a soft cover on the back I was trying to find a way to secure my engel fridge from theft and the elements. Found this company making fridge specific boxes to house fridges on trays and even tubs and wagons. just wanted to give the boys a shout out for the quality and features. BTW this is my first MOD also looking for help with a design for a steel canopy for ON_TOP of my tub.....any ideas??

 

[Les PK Ranger]

G'day HC12, welcome to Earth.

Must've seen your similar post on 4WD Action forum, looks pretty tough all right.
The only thing I'd watch is if those vent slots allow enough to properly keep it vented ??

I think these fridges just cut out if not enough airflow and they overheat a little, so maybe if it's ever an issue you could just put a small computer type fan in the other end blowing in, and keep air moving through there.

As for the canopy, there's plenty of threads in here and on other forums in DIY sections, suppose you'd make a frame that can be bolted (or better clamped) to the top of the tub, then mod as you see fit for height and features (ie drawers on the tub floor, drawers high up at the front of the canopy where it's hard to access from the back, etc).

Water / extra fuel storage, air comp mounting in there, do you want to sleep in the back too ?
Or incorporate a RTT recess in the canopy framework ?
Lots to consider.

 

[HappyCamper12]

Thanks for the reply, I am positive that there is enough room around the box, the Engel site says allow 50-75mm for breathing room around fridge.

I am currently speaking with the same company about a tub-top canopy, which they haven't done previously, but are keen to get into it. I would prefer not to have an internal frame. I would like to make an aluminium canopy that sits on top of the tub similar to the fibreglass ones.

would like to know if anyone has some picture/ideas on this style and maybe some suggestion about how to make it water -dust sealed at the back where the tube opens down.

 

[Les PK Ranger]

You could certainly have a welded ali top made up, 2mm plate etc.
Reckon you'd have welded to bottom tube at least to enable strength and easier fitment to tub.
If wanting roof carrying capacity, not sure what weights it could carry or roof racks you could fit.
Suppose that would depend on design a lot.

Put a vent in the canopy, it's not specifically to vent the tub / canopy area, but when open it pressurises the area and keeps dust out when driving, whether the dust ingress from drag behind your vehicle, or in convoy etc.
You should still sit back behind others though to keep dust minimal, for both your engine air intake and the tub / canopy.

Like my ARB one (see 4WDA link below for pics).
You could buy something like this and fit, or use a PVC 90o corner in 75mm or 90mm, have that fitted so you can turn around in heavy rain.

A couple of threads on the vents . . .
http://www.4x4earth.com.au/forum/d-i-y/16425-dust-reduction.html
http://www.4x4earth.com.au/forum/hilux/27880-canopy-will-stop-dust-water.html

There's a link to a thread on 4WD Action forum in that last one too . . .
View topic - Got any Canopy vents? Which did you use? | Australian 4WD Action
(Got into a protracted session with charlie on there, in the end left him to it. I know what works on my ute )

Also a very good thread on seals here . . .
http://www.4x4earth.com.au/forum/d-i-y/27957-various-door-seals-rubber-mouldings.html

 

[Swaggie]

Someone mentioned to me about removing the back seat on my Hilux, as it's usually only two of us (mate and myself) I don't really need it to seat someone else not sure about you, plus it's in the vehicle away from dust etc, easy to grab a drink etc, instead of the canopy....

 

[Les PK Ranger]

Mate, I'm ahead of you there
New setup is great, works nice with the fridge and arkpak in the cab.

 

[Hamish Burke]

hi guys this is my first post ever! So G'day to all!
I am a newby 4x4er and I have recently purchase a 2010 ST D40 Navara Dual Cab.
since I only have a soft cover on the back I was trying to find a way to secure my engel fridge from theft and the elements. Found this company making fridge specific boxes to house fridges on trays and even tubs and wagons. just wanted to give the boys a shout out for the quality and features. BTW this is my first MOD also looking for help with a design for a steel canopy for ON_TOP of my tub.....any ideas??

Hey mate was wondering what company built your fridge box?

 

[Tink]

Hey mate was wondering what company built your fridge box?

The OP has only posted five messages and was last active on this forum on 30/09/2014. Don’t hold your breath waiting for a reply.
Oh, and welcome to Earth. Enjoy.
Tink

 

[Pubski]

any decent fabrication joint could make you a box like would suggest if your after onr shop around take you fridge down and explain what you need.

I've done a couple like that except for camper trailers and much bigger fridges