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????

haydoracin
Explorer
Jul 19, 2018
Never tried the Dorm fridge. I did have a 12 volt cooler for drinks. Cooled them some but not to my liking. Currently have a cooler and an ice maker in the storage compartment. This has worked out rather well. When on the road make ice overnight to stock the cooler for the next day. When parked for extended periods it makes enough ice for the cooler as well as some to stock in the freezer for drinks. You probably already have the cooler. Ice maker is around $100. Also use the ice maker at home to fill the freezer with ice for various uses.
full-timer
Explorer
Jul 20, 2018
I bought a 1.7 cu. ft. Haier from Walmart and has been in and outside storage bay for 6 years and still cools drinks like the first day. Go for it, it will work for you.
mtofell1
Explorer
Jul 20, 2018
I took the fridge out of my outdoor kitchen (5th wheel) and replaced it with a cooler. The way to make it REALLY nice is to run a hose off the drain valve so you can just keep feeding drinks and ice in and never have to pull the whole cooler out to dump the water. The drinks are always ice cold and it's super easy. I suppose with the class A that has an inverter and generator at least you can always keep the fridge running. That was one of my annoyances is that the outdoor fridge didn't work while rolling. Nothing like a lukewarm beer after getting setup :)
MrWizard
Moderator
Jul 20, 2018
wildtoad wrote:
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.

yes but that vents into a large room,
the totally enclosed bay of an RV is a lot smaller space
no comparison

keeping cold does not create as much heat as the initial cool down

still what the OP wants to do should work
especially if he leaves the bay open to let the fridge get cold before he closes it for start of the trip

after that open the bay when outside
close the bay when gone and at night
scbwr
Explorer II
Jul 20, 2018
Many thanks to everyone for the replies and suggestions. I think it's time to take some measurements of the compartments and see what small fridges might fit. Having a small fridge would be my first choice. I've always solved the problem of having a cold one ready after traveling by keeping a few drinks in the main fridge that ran off of propane while on the road. I prefer not to run with the generator running but will certainly do it when the coach AC unit is needed in hot weather. Having a generator is certainly a plus with a motorhome....we've used it to beat the heat when packing for a trip and working inside it while parked at the house.
Cocky_Camper
Explorer II
Jul 20, 2018
We have a 4cu Ft fridge that we use for longer trips. It is very light when empty, maybe 30 lbs. We remove the table and stand it between the dinette benches when traveling and sit it outside on Leveling blocks when we arrive at our destination. We always pre-chill the fridge at home before leaving. If it is hot, we run the generator, which is a plus for keeping it cold.
eadeal55
Explorer
Jul 21, 2018
we have a small 2.7 cuft fridge that we carry under the dinette table and then set up outside under the awning after we get on site. Makes a good table top between the chairs, keeps the beer cold, and keeps the Grandkids from flopping the coach door and letting in all the bugs when they go looking for juice or water.

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

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