full size freezer back of bus

[gbstewart]

here's a question, has anyone ever put a freezer at the back of there bus, on one of those carriers that mount in a hitch? we do vending and we need to add a far size freezer, don't want it inside, but would have it running while driving, just wondering if anyone tried this, and how much damage could be done. There's lots of bouncing that's for sure, but I'm going to try it and see what happens.
gbstewart

 

[Bon Voyage]

As long as you don't overload the hitch weight and keep the freezer level I don't see why there would be any problem.


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[Hvbuzz]

I made a carrier for mine. I would suggest doing more of a double receiver off of each frame rail and a custom carrier with two mounts. My carrier wobbles alot going down the road. A friend of mine had a great idea, and mounted tommy type truck lift to the back of his Wanderlodge. He did it to haul his motorcycle around. Tailgate down while hauling a bike, and tailgate up when not. Works really slick. I have no real need for one, but kinda just want one. Just seems it could be really handy.

 

[Robin97396]

I agree with Hvybuzz, on several levels.

I've seen a full size bus that had about eight freezers inside because the guy sold frozen fish on the side of the highway. That guy built an extension type back porch off of the frame rails, but rather than the freezer in back that was where he kept his generators.

Unless you're going to use a class 5 hitch I wouldn't put anything valuable back there. As suggested, either double class 3 hitches or frame rail extensions.

Cool idea.

 

[gbstewart]

I agree with Hvybuzz, on several levels.

I've seen a full size bus that had about eight freezers inside because the guy sold frozen fish on the side of the highway. That guy built an extension type back porch off of the frame rails, but rather than the freezer in back that was where he kept his generators.

Unless you're going to use a class 5 hitch I wouldn't put anything valuable back there. As suggested, either double class 3 hitches or frame rail extensions.

Cool idea.

I have a good hitch and strap set up, we carry our Honda scooter everwhere
gbstewart

 

[Robin97396]

Maybe I'm picturing a larger freezer than what you're planning to use. My mental image is a full size household freezer that would be full at times. I don't know how heavy your scooter is either. My scooter is 640 lbs and I wouldn't trust it on a hitch mounted platform. A lift gate maybe, because it has multiple attachment points. You can get cheap used lift gates easily. I'd put a big motorcycle on that.

You know what's best for your situation better than anyone. I've already loosened my hitch once with a little adventurous driving so I don't trust them that much. Plus I like back porches on buses.

 

[gbstewart]

Maybe I'm picturing a larger freezer than what you're planning to use. My mental image is a full size household freezer that would be full at times. I don't know how heavy your scooter is either. My scooter is 640 lbs and I wouldn't trust it on a hitch mounted platform. A lift gate maybe, because it has multiple attachment points. You can get cheap used lift gates easily. I'd put a big motorcycle on that.

You know what's best for your situation better than anyone. I've already loosened my hitch once with a little adventurous driving so I don't trust them that much. Plus I like back porches on buses.

I'm not worried about the hitch, or the weight, I'm wondering if the freezer will handle the road, hitch is class 5 bolted and welded, it take it, don't want to arrive with a freezer full of warm water lol
gbstewart

 

[Robin97396]

Yeah, I don't think you'll tear that class 5 hitch off with a freezer anytime soon. I'm thinking you've already got this worked out.

 

[Bon Voyage]

I'm not worried about the hitch, or the weight, I'm wondering if the freezer will handle the road, hitch is class 5 bolted and welded, it take it, don't want to arrive with a freezer full of warm water lol
gbstewart

What do you mean ""wondering if the freezer will handle the road"?

 

[gbstewart]

What do you mean ""wondering if the freezer will handle the road"?

sorry I should have made myself clearer, what I mean is will the freezer fall apart, quite worker, etc, there not really designed being bounced around day after day. With all the wisdom on this site, I was hoping someone would have some insight , either way ill have to do it this summer, have a few markets this summer.
tks
gbstewart

 

[Bon Voyage]

sorry I should have made myself clearer, what I mean is will the freezer fall apart, quite worker, etc, there not really designed being bounced around day after day. With all the wisdom on this site, I was hoping someone would have some insight , either way ill have to do it this summer, have a few markets this summer.
tks
gbstewart

Nah I don't think you'd have a major problem. I took a refrigeration and air conditioning course a couple years ago and there's nothing that would make me worry too much about it. Maybe after many years of it but I bet most freezers would hold together just fine.

 

[superdave-SKO]

all the bouncing will destroy that freezer in no time, buy used and try it out. keep one of those outdoor temperature sending units in it so you can monitor the temp inside the freezer. the sun beating down on it will make it work real hard to keep it cool. we swapped out a rv fridge for a home model and it made it 8 months in a 40' class a. samsung would not honor the warranty because it was in a vehicle.

 

[BlackJohn]

I'm seeing that freezer of yours having a very short compressor life. Better carry a spare freezer. The vibration and bouncing will break the refrigerant lines like twigs and compressors do like to be level for any expectancy of long life. Maybe fill it up with dry ice for cooling whatever you have to cool.

 

[gbstewart]

I'm going give it try this spring, I'll update on it, in case other people do any type of food vending out of there bus. Eventually I'm going to build concession stand and tow it
gbstewart

 

[plfking]

Maybe mount it on springs soft enough to continuously compress, but firm enough not to bottom out? But in that scenario, you'd have to keep a fairly consistent load in the freezer.

 

[gbstewart]

Maybe mount it on springs soft enough to continuously compress, but firm enough not to bottom out? But in that scenario, you'd have to keep a fairly consistent load in the freezer.

I talked to other vendors who haul freezers in trailers and they seem to have no issues, I going to look at how the compressor is mounted, and maybe reinforce it some how, heck if I get 1 or 2 seasons out of I'll be happy, this is just me over thinking this lol. But come summer time , we will be doing a lot more vending , and 1 event is 1500 miles one way.
gbstewart

 

[PNW_Steve]

I have read of a handful of people who are using the Igloo chest freezers as well as modifying them for use as a refrigerator in their conversions.

I have heard about a few DOA freezers but, so far, no notable complaints of shortened life span after installation. And... They are pretty cheap. 5.1 cu. ft. $184 at Walmart.

I imagine that having 2-3 smaller freezers, instead of one large one, may give you some peace of mind. If one failed you could distribute its contents to the others while waiting for replacement.

 

[gbstewart]

I have read of a handful of people who are using the Igloo chest freezers as well as modifying them for use as a refrigerator in their conversions.

I have heard about a few DOA freezers but, so far, no notable complaints of shortened life span after installation. And... They are pretty cheap. 5.1 cu. ft. $184 at Walmart.

I imagine that having 2-3 smaller freezers, instead of one large one, may give you some peace of mind. If one failed you could distribute its contents to the others while waiting for replacement.

that's the one I have been looking at, couple hundred bucks not to bad to try this out with.
gbstewart