Install of 12 volt fridge in 2014 TAB 320-S Basic

EBastow

I am going to install a 12 volt fridge in the cabinet below the burners (where most units have a fridge - Mine doesn't). I work for a long-haul trucking company, and they are going to give me a unit from a totaled semi.  The size seems to be the same as the ones that are installed by the factory.

  It will clean up nice (I hope).

Since it isn't a 3-way, will I need to add vents to the outside, or will it be OK without them?

Cherokee

Vents would take the heat from the condenser to the outside - without them the heat will go into the trailer. The refrigerator will work far more effetely if air moves over the condenser. Little computer fans a great for this    

pthomas745

What exactly is the fridge that is going in?  That cabinet and area behind it would have to be measured for the proper space needed for the fridge.  The other issue is bringing 12V power to that cabinet.

EBastow

There is 12 volt wiring near by so I can connect in. I looked at the sizes that they use for a brand new fridge going into a 320 and the size is the exactly the same as this fridge so it should fit

AnOldUR

We pulled out our 3-way and replaced it with a 12V compressor chest on a slide. Looking at your cabinetry, the location you plan to use looks smaller then the opening where our 3-way was. I'm hoping that the size of the 12V that you intend to use is smaller than what nuCamp installs.

EBastow

Now that I've removed it from the semi truck cab, it's a PACCAR U10-6011  or Indel P BN SP767. It looks like it's going to fit with plenty of room I may have to trim it out

EBastow

EBastow

EBastow

EBastow

@AnOldUR What is the brand and model of the chest fidge you have?  It looks great!

AnOldUR

@EBastow, it’s a Domende (not Dometic). I only posted it as a size reference, but it has done a great job going into its fifth season.

BrianR

Had a similar fridge in my VW van and now a Dometic in the 320. You don't require venting to the outside but as someone else mentioned any extra air flow helps with efficiency. When ambient temps rise the fridge works harder to cool. Basic science. I kept the OG top vent on our 2020 open to allow outside air to flow past. Added some bug screen just in case. Also added to vents in the cabinet. 

EBastow

Here's what the final install looks like. I cut out the cabinet door as the trim