How to Install and Wire the Bodega 65L 12V Fridge in Your Camper Van
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Installing a refrigerator in your camper van is an exciting step towards creating a functional and comfortable mobile living space. In this post, we’ll walk you through the process of installing and wiring the Bodega 65L 12V fridge—a budget-friendly and energy-efficient option for van conversions.
Why We Chose the Bodega 65L 12V Fridge
When researching van fridges, many people gravitate towards high-end brands like Dometic. While Dometic products are excellent, they can be pricey. We opted for the Bodega 65L 12V fridge, which offers similar functionality at a fraction of the cost. Thanks to a military discount, we purchased ours for about $360. Here’s why we’re thrilled with this fridge:
Adjustable Shelving: The fridge includes removable shelves and a freezer compartment, which can be customized to meet your needs.
Dual-Zone Temperature Control: You can set different temperatures for the fridge and freezer or use the entire unit as a fridge.
Energy Efficiency: Being a 12V appliance, it consumes less energy compared to 110V fridges, making it ideal for off-grid living.
Hardwired Setup: The fridge can be wired directly into your van’s electrical system for seamless integration.
Preparing for Installation
Proper preparation ensures your fridge operates efficiently and safely. Here’s what you’ll need:
Ventilation Space: Allow at least 1-2 inches of space on the sides and back of the fridge for adequate airflow.
Base Support: We used half-inch birch plywood to slightly elevate the fridge, ensuring ventilation underneath.
Tools and Materials:
M5 screws (recommended size)
12-gauge wire (for extended wiring, you may need a different size)
Lugs (you’ll need the corresponding size for your fuse box)
Securing the Bodega 65L 12V Fridge
To secure the fridge to our kitchen cabinet, we followed these steps:
Locate Mounting Points: The fridge comes with hidden mounting points under removable caps. Use an M5 screw to attach the fridge to your cabinet.
Add Side Supports: To prevent movement, we added half-inch birch plywood pieces on either side of the fridge. These pieces also maintain proper ventilation.
Reinforce the Back: We added screws at the back corners of the fridge for extra security.
Wiring the Fridge to Your Electrical System
Here’s how we wired the fridge:
Drill a Wire Access Hole: We drilled a small hole in the cabinet to route the fridge’s wires to our electrical system.
Extend Wires: The fridge’s stock wires weren’t long enough, so we extended them using 12-gauge wire and lever nuts (you can also use butt splices).
Connect to the Fuse Box: Attach the positive and negative wires to your van’s fuse box. We used a 15-amp fuse for this setup and appropriate size lugs for our fuse box.
Seal Connections: Use a heat gun to seal the wire sleeves for a secure and safe connection.
Testing the Installation
Once the wiring was complete, we powered up the fridge by plugging it into our inverter. Success! The fridge turned on, and we verified that the connections were secure and functional.
Final Touches
To finish the installation, we plan to add a decorative frame around the fridge to conceal the mounting screws and create a polished look. This step is optional but can enhance the aesthetic of your build.
Why the Bodega 65L Fridge is a Great Choice
The Bodega 65L 12V fridge combines affordability, functionality, and energy efficiency, making it a fantastic choice for van lifers. Its dual-zone design, adjustable shelving, and easy integration into a van’s electrical system make it a versatile option for both weekend adventurers and full-time nomads.
Conclusion
Installing the Bodega 65L 12V fridge is a straightforward project that can be completed in a day. By following the steps outlined above, you’ll have a secure, functional fridge ready to keep your food and drinks cool during your travels. Have questions or tips about installing a camper van fridge? Share them in the comments below!
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