I've tried researching this topic but haven't found any relevant posts. I'm considering trying to install a small bar fridge in one of the awning side storage compartments. I know it may be a little tight due to the restricted height of compartments on a gasser and I'm concerned about having enough air circulation. So, has anyone already done this and have suggestions as how to successfully do it? Has anyone devised a way to increase ventilation in a storage compartment?The other options I'm considering is just using a higher quality cooler chest for additional cold drinks/water or purchasing one of the 12 volt cooler units. If you have any experiences or suggestions, I'd appreciate it. However, I'm not looking to drop big bucks on a Dometic unit or others that are $500 plus....at least not at this point. We're new owners, and I'm about to pay for new tires and quite a few other odds and ends needed to set up for the near future.

I help a friend do one, but he spent more than $500 to start with. He use a 12v system for a boat and we added more cooling fans. He has not said that he had any issues. Been many years.

I haven't done so but I would have no qualms about putting a dorm fridge in a basement compartment. Yes, it will not like the poor air circulation but that doesn't stop coach builders from locating other sensitive componentry in the basement. Frankly for as little as they cost they can be bought at a big box store for not much more than a cooler. You could also look at ways to alleviate heat build up in the compartment which would help a bunch.

I'd go for it with minimal concerns. If the fridge proves not to work well or the compartment is getting too warm, then you can fiddle with the installation and ventilation. For beer and other beverages, it's not like you're going to have spoilage if the fridge fails to cool well, just unappetizing drinks that force you to get some ice for your glass.(If you aren't on a particular schedule to get this done, you can often pick up used little fridges for not much money from around college campuses at the end of the school year.)

I have installed a small dorm fridge/freezer in the front storage of a 5er and it worked extremely well. Obviously AC only so when plugged in the 5er for the night everything cooled/froze and could then travel 8-10 hours a day and still have ice cubes at end of day. Plugged in again overnight and all good. 5er may have more 'vent space' than A but it should still work.

In my house I have a small fridge in bar area and it is completely enclosed with perhaps just a 1/2 in all around. Been running that way for 8 years.

Bar fridge in storage compartment of a gasser????

MountainAir05
Explorer II
Jul 19, 2018
I help a friend do one, but he spent more than $500 to start with. He use a 12v system for a boat and we added more cooling fans. He has not said that he had any issues. Been many years.
Two_Jayhawks
Explorer
Jul 19, 2018
I haven't done so but I would have no qualms about putting a dorm fridge in a basement compartment. Yes, it will not like the poor air circulation but that doesn't stop coach builders from locating other sensitive componentry in the basement. Frankly for as little as they cost they can be bought at a big box store for not much more than a cooler. You could also look at ways to alleviate heat build up in the compartment which would help a bunch.
DrewE
Explorer II
Jul 19, 2018
I'd go for it with minimal concerns. If the fridge proves not to work well or the compartment is getting too warm, then you can fiddle with the installation and ventilation. For beer and other beverages, it's not like you're going to have spoilage if the fridge fails to cool well, just unappetizing drinks that force you to get some ice for your glass.

(If you aren't on a particular schedule to get this done, you can often pick up used little fridges for not much money from around college campuses at the end of the school year.)
Jack_Diane_Free
Explorer
Jul 19, 2018
I have installed a small dorm fridge/freezer in the front storage of a 5er and it worked extremely well. Obviously AC only so when plugged in the 5er for the night everything cooled/froze and could then travel 8-10 hours a day and still have ice cubes at end of day. Plugged in again overnight and all good. 5er may have more 'vent space' than A but it should still work.
wildtoad
Explorer II
Jul 19, 2018
In my house I have a small fridge in bar area and it is completely enclosed with perhaps just a 1/2 in all around. Been running that way for 8 years.
johnsonbert
Explorer
Jul 19, 2018
In a previous coach, we had a small fridge, compressor type, in a closed pass-through compartment and used it that way for 3 years with no problems. on our present coach, we have a Dometic compressor freezer in a closed in pass-through compartment and it has been fine for 4 years, with no additional venting. Hope this may help, Happy Trails Bert
siggyd777
Explorer
Jul 19, 2018
When "On Site" , you can always leave the door open a bit , so I can stop by for a cold one! I had a SANYO from Costco in my other DP , worked great. Just measure first what will fit.
Siggy
DC_MC
Explorer III
Jul 19, 2018
We have had a small frig in the basement compartment for years. It never seems to be hot. We sometimes leave the door open if it’s hot but haven’t seen much difference in how the frig works.
wa8yxm
Explorer III
Jul 19, 2018
There are several brands of Electric Fridge/coolers that might well do the job for you. Some are 120/12 volt some 12 v only

I have an ENGEL (12/120V) i originally planned to put in the basement. On a slide out. but it's too big so it's inside, I use it as a FREEZER (it gets that cold) High efficiency COMPRESSOR type (Dometic and Norcold sell competing "Coolers")

I also have an Igloo. Thermoelectric. 12 volt only I have a "Vintage" model I use for medical storage on occasion. and for transport of Milk/and such on hot days in the car.

Lots of options.
CT_WANDERER
Explorer
Jul 19, 2018
I know you did not want a Dometic unit. But for information, I have it installed in the lower compartment. Put in a 120/12 volt power for it. I can leave the compartment door closed it will get warm in the compartment but the Freezer works great. I did add three vents in the compartment wall. When we stop for the winter in TX, I leave the compartment door cracked open. Have been running like this for eight year. No reason why a door unit would not work like this.