Planning an outdoor adventure in an RV, campervan, or even a regular car or truck with a camper shell requires some key equipment. Having a portable refrigerator on board is essential to keep food and drinks fresh and cool. This allows you to stock up on perishables before your trip and not have to buy ice constantly.  

But a standalone portable fridge on its own has some downsides. This is where fridge slides truly shine for outdoor living. 

What Are Fridge Slides 

Fridge slides, sometimes called refrigerator slides, are designed for installation into a camper, RV, van build, or other vehicle. They integrate a fridge space seamlessly while maximizing open floor area when not in use. 

A fridge slide is like any other slide-out compartment or drawer built into many larger RVs. However, a fridge slide is specifically sized to hold a portable refrigerator or refrigerator/freezer. It slides out when opened so you can easily access the contents. Then, when closed, it conceals the fridge out of the way. 

Many custom vans are built, and RV or campervan conversions utilize fridge slides to incorporate necessary appliances without sacrificing living space. The slides allow situating appliances like portable fridges even in modestly sized vehicle living spaces. Depending on your budget, favorite brand, and model, you can acquire quality slides to serve you and your family. Additionally, you can buy other accessories such as safes, drawers, boxes, bags, and interior shelving to enhance your outdoor experience. 

Benefits of Fridge Slides for Outdoor Recreation 

Installing a slide to house your portable camping fridge has tremendous benefits compared to bungee cording or strapping the fridge into place. Here are some of the best perks fridge slides offer for outdoor adventures: 

1. Space Saving Design  

Even small portable refrigerators take up valuable floor space. This can make moving around inside a campervan or small RV challenging. Fridge slides allow the fridge to integrate seamlessly into cabinetry or counter space. When closed, you regain the floor space while chilling drinks and food inside. This is perfect for maneuvering inside your living space at a campsite or when the weather forces you inside.  

2. Easy Accessibility  

Standalone portable refrigerators often end up tucked out of the way or used as an improvised counter or table. This limits handy access to your chilled items. You must walk over and reach into the fridge every time you want a snack or beverage. Installing a fridge slide places the fridge at the waist or countertop level for convenience. Sliding out the fridge tray places everything right at your fingertips. 

3. Secure Storage  

Strapping a fridge in place or letting it sit on the floor allows it to shift and slide around when driving. However, sudden stops or bumpy terrain can even tip it over, damaging the fridge. Fridge slides securely anchor the fridge in place while protecting it during transport. The snug fit also insulates the fridge, improving cooling efficiency.  

4. Versatile Positioning 

Fridge slides allow the installation of a refrigerator where it otherwise wouldn’t fit. Well-designed slides work in confined spaces like interior cabinets, under benches, or bedside tables or counters. Top-mount slides even allow overhead installation. This facilitates positioning the fridge wherever it’s handy within your available layout. The fridge then conveniently retracts out of the way when not needed. 

5. Effortless Installation  

Professionally manufactured fridge slides follow cabinetry standards for simple installation, like any drawer or pull-out shelf. Fridge slides utilize side mounting rails adjustable to different opening widths. With basic tools, they fasten into place by screwing into surrounding cabinetry without intricate wiring or ducting. Custom-fabricated slides offer more flexibility for unusual spaces or multiple fridges.  

6. Added Resale Value 

Upgrading any RV, trailer, or campervan with smart space-saving features boosts the resale price. High-end fridge slides represent an attractive selling point over basic portable fridges bungee corded in a corner. Buyers recognize the value of integrated appliances and customized conveniences built into any vehicle conversion. Fridge slides demonstrate refined design and craft for increased desirability.  

Ideal for All Kinds of Outdoor Recreation 

While fridge slides offer advantages for any camping trip, they provide particular benefits for certain outdoor activities. 

• Overland Adventures -Overlanding entails exploring long distances across countries and continents in a fully self-sufficient vehicle. Overland rigs require enough food and supplies for extended remote travel far from grocery stores. Fridge slides allow for maximizing storage for these provisioning needs without dominating interior space. Their rugged design also handles constant punishing travel over rough terrain. 
• Beach Camping -Spending days camped on the beach means keeping plenty of cold beverages and snacks handy for family or guests. A fridge slide simplifies stocking up on many drinks, so you don’t have to pack a separate cooler to lug down to the shore. Quick access to the fridge from beach chairs or hammocks prevents constant ups and downs in the vehicle from grabbing another soda. 
• Tailgating Parties -Avid sports fans with RV tailgating vehicles utilize fridge slides to keep beverages perfectly chilled up to game time. Fridge slides allow packing in bottled water, soda, adult beverages, and more cases. The party drinks stay conveniently at hand by sliding the fridge out while socializing. This saves having to root around coolers constantly rearranging ice. 
• Boating And Marinas- Marine voyages mean coping with space constraints even on sizable vessels. Before heading out fishing or island hopping, fridge slides allow for stocking plenty of cold provisions. With limited room in galleys or cabins, slides keep food and drink handy without filling the counter space or floor area. Below decks models work in confined spaces.  

Conclusion 

Getting an RV, overlanding vehicle, custom camper van, or trailer fully outfitted can be complicated. But quality fridge slides offer one straightforward upgrade that makes cooking, dining, or hanging out much more pleasurable. Keeping all your chilled items within arm’s reach saves frustration while making the most of compact spaces. 

Fridge slides add touches of luxury and convenience, usually reserved for larger motorhomes. Relying on fridge slides allows outdoorsy couples, families, or solo adventurers to tour comfortably without sacrificing amenities. The simple addition of secure storage for a portable refrigerator makes a living out of a vehicle vastly more practical. This then allows you to journey anywhere the open road takes you!