What gap should I leave aroung fridge

Build your frame around it but dont BLOCK the vents.
It can be close but not blocked.

Scotty I don't know what the specs are for your Engle but there are a couple of important rules for all fridges. The motors are basically heat exchangers taking the heat from inside, the heat you feel on the outside is exchanged heat plus the energy of the motor (compressor).

The more air circulation you can give a fridge the more efficient it will be ie it will cool faster and use less energy (battery power in your case) to do it's job.

Directing fresh air onto the compressor and coils means the motor will run for less time. A simple example is wind blowing over your wet skin and evaporating . . . you feel cooler. If you trap the emitted heat inside the box the compressor will stew in its own heat and run almost continuously. The heat must be removed.

If the motor end of the Engle is to be deep in the box leave good gaps and drill extra holes. And preferably fit a small 12v computer fan or two to blow through.

The heat can still build up in the car so put windows down a little or air con on will help immensely. Use window shades to keep the heat out when parked and use them on the side windows if the sun shines on the fridge.

Hope it helps.

Hi there

Can't help with the Frame but a a mate has the 57 Ltr Engel on a ORS firdge slide. I bought one the other day for my fridge (ABR Sidewinder). Works a treat. $430 will get it delivered to Sydney Metro or maybe a bit cheaper from the upcoming show at Rosehill.

Ta.

Strange thing, just bought a Waeco on the weekend, had an Engel owners manual inside !!! It says, Quote" Adequate ventilation and suitable distance from each wall (at least 150 mm or more) will result in maximum cooling efficiency and minimum electric current consumption. "

Ian

G'day Scott
Have you considered building your box out of mesh.
That might help with ventilation & you cat tie things to it.