Having a fridge in the truck is flippin amazing. We have had this ARB Fridge in our FJ Cruiser for well over a year now and I have to say, camping and road trips are so much easier and enjoyable not having to worry about ice. That said, I decided to get it installed in the 4Runner on a slide with the ARB mounting straps so that I can move it between the two vehicles quickly and easily.

I figured this was going to be a quick and easy drill some holes install. However, I was very wrong. The mounting holes for the slide lined up perfectly with everything that either I didn't want to drill through (seams and welds) or that I simply couldn't make work. After about a million careful measurements, I decided that It would be best to build an adapter out of 3/4 inch Birch. Here is how it went down:

Here is what the cargo floor looks like with all interior flooring removed.


The holes that I drilled in the cargo floor for the adapter.


I placed a sheet of rubber between the birch wood adapter and the metal cargo floor to reduce noise and vibration.


Using a flat hole saw, I had to drill out recesses to fit over the plastic fittings on the cargo floor to ensure the best fit.


The birch wood adapter was cut to fit in tight and flush to everything else that is going on with the cargo floor. Using a flat hole saw, I recessed the mounting bolts to ensure a tight fit. Large washers were used to spread load forces. I put a quick ugly coat of polyurethane on the birch wood to seal and protect it. I also had to drill new holes in the ARB slide for the rearward mounts due to the fact that the mounting holes on the slide lined up with a cargo floor support cross member.


On the underside of the cargo floor, all stainless steel hardware was used to ensure corrosion resistance. Large fender washers were used to spread the load forces. I also used silicone between the washers and the cargo floor to seal the holes and prevent water from entering the cabin.


Replaced the trimmed to fit cargo floor styrofoam.


I then replaced the carpet and cut holes for the slide mounting bolts.


Lastly, mount the slide, and finally the fridge.



All in all, everything turned out well. and the slide works great. Even better yet is the fact that I can look in the rear view mirror and clearly see the temp gauge of the fridge reflecting off the rear window. Since it is two reflections the numbers read correctly and clearly. If anyone would like to mount their fridge in the same fashion, I am willing to share my measurements for all holes drilled.

Now, please describe your electrical wiring.

I am currently planning an IBS Dual Battery Management System with a solar panel. I will have another thread for that build and install soon.

That said, I am currently using a Koppenwerks Pwr Box 35 to run the fridge. The Pwr Box has a battery isolator and charge controller which allows me to plug it directly into the 12v system or inverter on the truck to charge while driving. It is a great and rugged portable deep cycle battery 12v power option and I use it for a bunch of other stuff too. However, a dual battery system is needed for the truck.

Wonder if the ARB mounting system can be mount on a 4runner with the slide-out option.

Ha. I have mine mounted in the same location, that is a nice feature

I am going to try and get a photo of this as there have been a few people that didn't believe me that this was possible until they sat in the driver's seat and looked in the review mirror themselves. LOL!

Old thread but what size is that fridge? Thanks.

50qt

Looks to be the 50 qt, which from my research is the sweet spot for the 4Runner (depending on your needs of course.) The 37 and 50 share the same footprint, just different height. The same goes for the 63 and 82 qt models, but with a larger footprint that eats the cargo capacity of the 4R.

Thanks for both 50qt replies.
I can see that a slider make it quite convenient for access but without a slider, will a 50qt open fully? Or will it hit the head liner?

Would the slightly shorter 37 qt (16.85" vs 20.0") open fully if the 50 qt will not?

TIA

They'll all hit the headliner.

Which is why its on a slide. ;)

This method is identical to what I did to mount my drawer system to the floor, then the fridge to it.

Well, a slide it is. Thanks.

Keep in mind with the ARB fridge the top is easily removable. Its has large detents that hold it on. You just pull and it comes off.

Sent from my Nexus 4 using Tapatalk

Good to know. I was going to wait a while and get the slider later, thus all the questions. I bit the bullet and ordered it all.
I have a trip coming up and its going to be nice to have.

Mike,
A one day KAT veteran ;)