One of the upgrades I'm making on the camper is installing a refrigerator in the space where there used to be an icebox. The little (1.7 cubic foot) refrigerator is a 3-way unit. As strange as it seems, the interior of the little box is cooled by means of heat. Here is an article that briefly explains the process, https://www.rvrepairclub.com/article/how-absorption-refrigeration-works/#, though it still seems pretty mysterious to me. The heat source is a propane flame, or a 110 or 12-volt current (thus 3-way). What is clear is that getting the heat away from the unit as efficiently as possible is important. A lower and upper vent utilizes convection to cause the hot air to flow out the upper vent and draw cooler air into the lower. These vents have to be properly aligned with the unit, so this is another time when interior decisions have to be made before exterior work can be completed.
The little frig actually requires less cabinet space than the icebox it replaces, so I was also able to gain a couple extra inches of bed space. Here is a before picture of the kitchen cabinet.
The blank spot over the icebox is where the three-burner stovetop goes. The drawer for the open space is in the floor. To the right of the kitchen cabinet is one of the seats for the former dinette. It contains a freshwater tank. Note the gap of a few inches between the two.
Kathy and I have a typical female-male difference of opinion on decoration (actually I have few decorating opinions). Her tendency is to paint it. My preference, when I have one, is to use stain and varnish on wood surfaces. Much of the interior paneling in the Frolic was in bad shape. The ceiling was a really ugly--made uglier by age--masonite product with a plastic covering that was peeling in places. So, either the walls and ceiling were going to be totally replaced, or replaced where needed, repaired and painted. We opted for the paint option. The cabinets themselves will also be painted. The drawer fronts and doors will be stained and varnished. See tasteful ladies and mostly tasteless guys can get along.
Here is the kitchen unit, modified, patched, and with a coat of primer on it.
The large, or "less small" opening on the bottom right is where the refrigerator goes. It is sealed off from the rest of the cabinet so the hot air will go where it is supposed to go--out the upper vent. Note that the little stovetop was willing to pose for the picture. Also, note that I was able to make an opening for a small drawer below the stove. On the bottom left, there is also another space for a drawer. This space was formerly blocked off with a piece of paneling. Though the wheel well sits behind this opening, there is still room for a drawer about six inches deep. I was able to use some lumber I already had on on hand to make drawer fronts for these two new drawers. I believe they'll match the old refinished doors and fronts pretty well. The offset on the right end of the unit, together with closing up of the gap that used to be between the dinette/bed and the kitchen, will give us an additional six inches, or so,
of bed space.
I need to get this unit in the trailer before I reinstall the door (I also need to sand and paint the door before it goes back in) I'd like to get that done before some upcoming traveling, as that will make the little home on wheels much more secure.
One more note:
If you aren't too far away you might be able to help me with something I need (or want). The trailer has an awning rail on its door side. Slides/hooks to attach a tarp to the rail can be easily and cheaply made. I need two poles for the corners opposite to trailer. I have one. If you have an old aluminum telescoping tent pole or some such, 6-5 to 7 feet long that is destined for the recycling bin, I could make use of it.
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