Keeping with the “build light” mindset, I recently downsized my fridge setup from a bulky 50L unit to the compact and efficient Alpicool 20L (C20). It’s a move that shaved off size and weight without compromising performance—and the new cabinet I built to house it keeps everything streamlined and road-ready.
The Setup
The cabinet is built from 1/4″ Meranti plywood—lightweight, sturdy, and easy to work with. I designed it to fit snug against the rear passenger-side cargo space and made sure it’s easy to move in and out as needed.
📸 [Image 1] shows the side profile during the build phase—clean lines, zero fluff.
📸 [Image 2] shows the fridge in place, topped with a Bluetti EB3A power station. That setup keeps the fridge running off-grid while using the vertical space efficiently.
The open space between the seat back and the fridge (accessible by flipping the seat forward) is perfect for stashing dry goods, TP rolls, trash bags—anything light that needs a home but not daily access.
Cost Breakdown
Total build cost came in just under $200, with the majority of that going to a new 20V cordless jigsaw—a worthy investment for smoother, cleaner cuts on future builds. If you already have tools, this could easily be a sub-$50 project.
The Alpicool C20 fridge was $265 delivered. Huge thanks (and a little sarcasm) to the delivery guy for leaving it on its end—I let it sit flat overnight just to be safe before powering it up.
Why Alpicool (Again)
This is actually my second Alpicool fridge. My 50L model has been running continuously as a backup deep freezer in my apartment ever since I pulled it out of the Explorer. Three years in, and it hasn’t missed a beat. Zero issues. That kind of reliability made the brand an easy choice when it came time to downsize.
Final Thoughts
This build checks every box: light, efficient, removable, and practical. It’s a minimalist setup that still handles the essentials—cold food, reliable power, and smart storage. If you’re looking to simplify your rig without sacrificing function, this combo’s hard to beat.