Fridge Install

I've got a 2017 TRD OR DC and I've decided to remove the rear driver side seat and build a custom platform for a fridge. I've got an RCI rack w/ RTT and need to use my bed frequently to haul things so putting one in there is out of the question.

I get out to camp at least one weekend a month and when I'm not there I'm out coaching soccer so the fridge will be used almost every weekend. I've got a couple questions to make sure I'm going about this right...

With the ARB wiring kit and stock battery how long could an

$270 Alpicool CF45 Portable Fridge Freezer,12 Volt Car Refrigerator, 48 Quart (45 Liter) Fast Cooling 12V Fridge -4℉~68℉, Car Cooler, 12/24V DC and 100-240V AC for Outdoor, Camping, RV, Truck, Boat

Alpicool CF45 run before draining the battery? I plan on going to a 27F Northstar in the future... any other recommendations that are a little cheaper?

Can somebody help me out with installing a switch to turn power on/off to the fridge? A recommended video or build thread would be awesome.

I'm going to replace my cig outlet with a voltmeter gauge. Anything else you all would recommend?

Oh, and I won't be freezing anything so the fridge won't be set too low. Cold enough to keep some drinks where I want and our veggies fresh.

Thanks!

*Edit*

Here are some pics of my build:

The glue has since dried on the bottom and doesn't show. I have zero intentions as of now to drill a hole in my Tacoma so I opted to mount my BlueSea socket under the platform.

 

check other options first, a fridge should be running constantly or you risk food spoilage, some fridges such as ARB, or Dometic realize you are running your fridge and truck off the same battery and will actually shut off the fridge to allow you starting capacity on the battery.. and they will alarm, or notify you via bluetooth to your phone, via an APP... another option would be a battery saver which performs the same function... allows your accessories to run until they draw below 11.8v then it shuts off the acccesories to allow you to start the truck, once voltage is above 11.9v it will allow power to the fridge again... automating this will save you from hitting your head later on when you forget to flip the switch.. a group 31 battery will help with runtimes off charge, and help you keep your sanity. a small solar panel (12-16v under 100 watts can bee hooked directly without a charge controller) will also help keep your battery happy during extended camping.. but if you have the money and inclination a proper solar setup will help imensely, and give you options on the trail to keep your truck battery charged.

I highly recommend automating this... you will forget one of these trips to flip that switch, and, you will regret it...

 

Ever consider a second battery to run the fridge? There are a few systems to run a second battery and an automatic switch to keep both batteries charged. A little pricey but mostly worry free battery usage.

 

I think he was trying to avoid this.... dual battery setups, or even a secondary (out back) can get pricey... I eventually plan to do a redarc dc to dc charger on mine when i upgrade my cooler to a dometic fridge.. and I plan to put a small solar panel in my setup providing at least 100 watts to the dc to dc charger.

 

Thanks for the quick responses!

I would like to avoid the dual battery for cost reasons and since I won't be running anything besides a 32" lightbar I have installed and the fridge.

My thoughts were the switch would be nice so I could easily turn the fridge off during the week when I'm not using it.

 

does the alpinecool not have a switch or plug to disconnect on it?

 

A second battery is unnecessary honestly.

I ran an elements 63 off the stock battery for like 6 months and it worked fine. Depending on ambient temperature, I could get 12-24 hours pretty easily. 90 degrees in Arizona and I still ran 16 hours or so before the shutoff kicked in.

I’ve since replaced the battery with a 27f x2 power (rebranded North Star) which lasts significantly longer. Lately they’ve been running 10% off on these if you order online and have had some rebates. I don’t typically sit longer than over night so I’ve yet to run it down.

I do also keep a noco jump pack in the truck just in case it gets run too low if the cut off doesn’t work or something.

 

How did you power the fridge? Did you use an existing socket or run a new one?

 

It does and that is more than likely what I'll do. Was just thinking it would be convenient to have a switch right in front of me.

 

I used the arb wiring kit. You want to go direct to the battery. It also has the screw plug so it won’t come out of the socket.

 

You can also just buy some marine wire and blue sea socket. I got the arb wiring kit free with my fridge

 

Well.. I'm going for it.

Removed the back seat and taking some measurements now before I head to Lowes. I ordered some marine grade carpet and the ARB wiring kit to simplify the wiring, but I'm not using the socket it comes with. It'll only accept an ARB plugin right? Ordered a Blue Sea 12v socket to use with it since I'm not going with an ARB fridge ( Alpicool ). If I find out I'm using the fridge a lot I'll upgrade to an ARB and use the Alpicool in the shop or the GFs new 4Runner.

Still haven't quite decided on which battery to use at this point but I'll make my mind up by the time I get done building the platform. And a NOCO Boost to keep in the car...

 

Platform is built and fridge works. Now for a battery... I've decided on going with X2Power but not sure which one will be best for me. Right now all I've got that will be running when the truck is turned off will be the fridge. I plan doing a 100w Renogy setup once my Prinsu rack comes in.

Group 31, 27 or 24?
Is it worth the extra $100 / plus new battery tray for the 31 compared to the 24?

 

Updated original post!

 

You could get a portable battery like a jackery, plug that portable battery into your cigarette lighter and plug the cooler into the portable battery. It might be more cost effective and you can move it around easy.

 

looks great, nice job!

 

Get the 27f. That’s what I have. You can get the tray if you want or just let it overhang the stock I do

 

I think this is the route I'm going. Will look for a battery tray but from what I've read it'll actually fit on the stock one for now which is good.

 

The 27 will overhang the tray a little bit. I got a second gen one off eBay for like $30 or something. It’s just a bigger piece of plastic.