Ice Box Conversion to 12v Fridge
Many older campervans have a passive ice box (a well-insulated chest that keeps food cool with ice packs). You can convert it to a proper 12v compressor fridge.
The Conversion Kit
The Waeco/Vitrifrigo BD35 conversion kit contains: Danfoss BD35 compressor, condenser, evaporator plate, thermostat, and control unit. Cost: £250-350.
Installation
- Remove the ice box from the van
- Mount the compressor in a ventilated compartment (near the ice box or underneath)
- Fit the evaporator plate inside the ice box (stick to the back wall)
- Connect the condenser coil to the compressor (outside the box, behind a vent)
- Wire the control unit to 12v power (fused)
- Fill the insulation gaps with foam
- Test: should reach 5°C within 2 hours
Skills Required
This is an intermediate DIY job. You need basic refrigeration knowledge (gas charging) or pay a fridge engineer to gas the system. Many van builders install the kit and take it to a refrigeration engineer for the gas charge (£50-80).
Result
A 40-60L fridge that draws 1.5-2.5A running. Fairly efficient. Costs £300-400 total (kit + gas + labour) compared to £500-800 for a new built-in fridge.
Conclusion
Converting an ice box to a 12v fridge is cost-effective if you already have a well-insulated ice box and want more capacity than a standard under-counter fridge.
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Getting Started
If you're new to this topic, start with the basics:
- Understand the key concepts
- Research your specific needs
- Set a realistic budget
- Plan your approach before buying
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Buying the cheapest option (often costs more long-term)
- Skipping research on UK-specific requirements
- Not reading reviews from other UK van lifers
- Forgetting about ongoing costs and maintenance
UK-Specific Considerations
Living in the UK means dealing with:
- Variable weather conditions
- UK regulations and standards
- British suppliers and support
- Right-hand drive vehicle considerations
Budget Planning
For most van lifers, we recommend:
- Budget option: £50-100 (basic but functional)
- Mid-range: £100-200 (good quality, lasting)
- Premium: £200+ (best quality, longest lasting)
Maintenance Tips
Keep your equipment working well:
- Check regularly for wear and tear
- Clean according to manufacturer instructions
- Store properly when not in use
- Replace parts before they fail
Community Recommendations
The van life community consistently recommends:
- Starting simple and upgrading as needed
- Buying from established UK suppliers
- Reading forums and Facebook groups for real-world advice
- Watching YouTube tutorials before attempting installations
