Fridge Mounting Reinforcement

Although this little bit of maintenance was not done on our Alto, it was done on a 1743 with the 12v Nova Cool fridge. It probably could apply to most any fridge installation.

During one of our deck coffees, Chris mentioned that the epoxy repair he did on the fridge mounting screws had given away, and he was pondering a new solution. Fueled by caffeine, we came up with a plan.

Their fridge, and likely many others, is installed between two vertical MDF supports, and fastened by four screws through the face frame of the fridge. Over time, no doubt aided by the constant agitation of road travel, the screws stripped out of the MDF supports. Epoxy filler and a re-install only lasted a short time.

We decided upon fabricating some aluminum L plates, which were screwed in place on the inside edge of the supports. These were placed over the original holes. The fridge was re-installed, and holes drilled in the new plates, through the existing mounting locations, and new stainless sheet metal screws now hold the fridge in place. Very firmly.

before countersinking the screw holes

A few pointers for those looking at this sort of solution.

Use 1/8 inch thick aluminum L, as this provides a better depth for the screws to bite into. Countersink the two side attachment holes in the L, and use a small gauge screws to ensure the head is level with the surface of the new bracket. Depending on the tolerances of your original install, once the reinforcement plates go on, it will be a snug fit getting the fridge back in, but this is a good thing. 

This fridge is going nowhere, and should easily hold up to the rigours of road travel.