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Episode 5: Minivan Camper Fridge – A 12V Dual-Zone Fridge Cabinet with Folding Table

▶ Watch Episode 5 on YouTube

This module is the centrepiece of my build: it hosts the fridge and freezer, stores snacks on rails, and adds plenty of surface for cooking or working, including a folding table. A fridge is essential for multi-day trips far from stores, and since our dog Toby mostly eats home-cooked food, we need a freezer too.

Bare birch plywood fridge cabinet with angled top and large front opening, placed next to the reclined front seat of a Toyota Sienna
The cabinet frame: the top is angled to follow the reclined front seats.

Choosing the Fridge

I wanted a 12 V, dual-zone, portable, top-opening fridge with app control. The 35-liter BougeRV CR35 ticked every box, including an optional detachable battery. My lid arrived warped, but BougeRV promptly sent a replacement. For hot trips to the Okanagan, where summers exceed 45°C, I added an insulated cover.

Black insulated cover on a 12V dual-zone camper fridge sitting in the plywood cabinet opening, with folding table arms above
The fridge in its insulated cover, sitting at the bottom of the cabinet.

Cabinet and Lifting Storage

I built the cabinet slightly oversized for a possible larger fridge, with vent holes in the back wall for airflow. Space and bed access put the fridge at the bottom, so the storage bin lifts on rails and locks in the raised position. A ball chain with a ring releases the fridge latch, and a magnet holds the lid open.

Plywood storage bin raised on metal rails above the fridge cabinet in a minivan camper, with the Corian lid held open
The storage bin raised on its rails to reach the fridge below.
Hand pulling a ball chain to release the latch and open the lid of a dual-zone camper fridge inside a plywood cabinet
Pulling the ball chain releases the fridge latch.

Corian Lid and Folding Table

The lid and folding table are Corian saved from an old kitchen renovation. The lid has lift-off hinges, soft-close arms and travel locks. The folding table extends the surface for cooking, dining and working, and a latch holds it in place while driving.

Unfolded Corian folding table extending the countertop of a minivan camper kitchen, with a plate, mug and paper towel holder
The folding table unfolded, extending the work surface.

Quick Facts

  • Fridge: BougeRV CR35, 35 L, 12 V, dual zone, Bluetooth app control
  • Insulation: BougeRV insulated cover
  • Cabinet: fridge at the bottom, lifting storage bin on rails above
  • Lid and table: reused Corian, soft-close arms
  • Travel security: lid locks and a table latch
  • Extras: paper towel holder

Next up, Episode 6: Cooking and Storage Module. I cover its three sliding sections, the cooking section and the electric appliances I use.

← Episode 4: Sink  |  Full build story  |  Episode 6: Cooking and Storage →