Best way to secure a 2-door dorm-style fridge?

My thought (when I actually buy this, which could be as soon as next week) is to pull out the leveling legs and replace them with some bolts and spacers (and/or washers), holding a plywood platform on the bottom. I will then set that on a piece of memory foam, which will help dampen the ride for the refrigerator, along with protecting the surface below (likely the upper bunk mattress) from any damage. I don't think these fridge units have any coils on the bottom, but if they do I'll allow some space for cooling between the platform and the bottom.

Unfortunately, the platform work is not going to be done until my next home time, which I expect to be mid-April. I will be sure to post some photos of the whole setup when completed.

 

My set up is pretty simple. I don't have an upper mattress, so turned the fridge doors inward, and wrapped 2 ratchet straps around the fridge and bunk. The downside is it takes up more effective space since you have to leave room to open the doors. The upside is, you don't have to untie it to open the door

 

Got my fridge today. 4.4 cu ft Danby fridge with a freezer. I put it on a 24" x 24" ,3/4" thick piece of plywood. My 10 ft ratchet straps were about 6 inches to short, so I had to buy 14 footers. I'll take a couple pics when I get them on tomorrow when I go back out.

 

Why go through all of that ... just get a fridge made for harsh environments


http://www.engel-usa.com

 

Yes, would appreciate any photos you could share, and also a link to the model you chose and where you bought it.

 

Looked at the link, but these appear to be enormously expensive compared to the sub-$200 units most talked about in this thread. Also, the main point of this thread deals with placement and securing a refrigerator/freezer, which would also be necessary for the Engel-USA models.

 

I'm debating placement at this point between using the lower, or upper bunk. If the model I choose is not too obtrusive on the lower bunk (to where it can still be used reasonably for sleeping), might go there. It would be more convenient to access there. It depends on the team driver situation, among other things. Also, how difficult it would be to move temporarily in order to access storage under the lower bunk. That alone may force it to be located in the upper bunk area.

As for moving the upper mattress down to the lower bunk, I don't believe they are the same size. The lower bunk is considerably wider. What I plan to do is obtain a 3" memory foam topper for the lower bunk. Will help out with sleeping, especially since this is a team truck and we sleep when it's moving.

 

Hopefully these pics upload from my phone. If not, send me a PM with your email address and I'll send them your way. The fridge is a Danby 4.4 cu ft.




No no idea why two of them are sideways, but you should get the idea. I put a 24 x 24 piece of plywood underneath to somewhat protect the mattress, and to make it easier to open the door without the mattress getting in the way.

 

I would have removed the mattress. Least that is what I did. But I use my top bunk for not only my fridge but my microwave, printer, coffee pot etc.... One strap is all I've had on my fridge and it's been that way for almost five years. Get a warranty on the fridge tho cause I've found about once a year you'll be replacing it. Don't think they are designed to run down the highway. And I just use a wedge under the door to make sure it doesn't fly open on a rough road. Used to use those little cabinet locks for babies Walmart sells but they don't always stay stuck to fridge real good.