ICECO APL55 + Fridge Slide Mounted on DIY Base Plate

[Trail4R]

Finally got the ICECO APL55 and fridge slide mounted on our 6th Gen 4Runner DIY base plate. The base plate setup is finally starting to come together. The APL55 is their flagship model that comes with just about every feature you would want in a fridge - but it's not perfect (spoiler... I like the APL35 more for my personal needs after running both). First, let's get into the good. Super clean design, rugged feel, and packs a ton of features.

Check out the base plate setup here: https://6thgen4runner.com/threads/diy-gear-plate-system-6th-gen-4runner-hybrid.792/

The design is very rugged with bumpers on each corner, which gives you the confidence that you can toss it around, slam it up against surfaces, all without damaging the black stainless (also comes in regular stainless). Like most refrigerators, it's a dual-zone setup so you can run the fridge and freezer at the same time, but here is one difference about ICECO vs. others that you may not have seen. ICECO has a divider in the middle (not just mesh basket dividers) that lets you run it as a single zone - you're not locked into a static fridge/freezer setup. If you want to fully open the fridge up, just remove the center divider and run one temperature for the whole fridge. If you want to section off compartments for more dialed temp control, just slide the divider back in place.

Digital controls are all click buttons, not finicky touch screen buttons like your average Bodega and Smittybilt units.

The handles are spring-loaded and actually come off if you’re tight on space with a slide but I always prefer to leave mine on for tie down points. The lid has locking clamps so it won’t pop open, and although it features the slow-close lid, this is not my favorite feature. On the ICECO APL35, they feature a zero gravity hinge, which is THE BEST FEATURE I'VE EVER SEEN on a fridge. I think that this should be the new standard for 12V refrigerators, and you should highly consider this as a must-have. Once you have it, it's hard going back to another fridge. It's actually quite annoying. The lid is nice, don't get me wrong. It does come down slowly, but the zero gravity hinge on the APL35 really is a game-changer when it comes to 12V fridges.

What the APL35 doesn't feature is front and rear power ports. On the APL35, you get ports in the rear only. On the APL55, you get power inputs front and rear, AC and DC, plus USBs at both ends for charging gear. This is a great feature if you have a fridge slide, being able to run cables out the back prevents wires from getting tangled from pulling the unit in and out.

The size of the unit overall is much bigger and heavier compared to the APL35 I had in my 5th Gen.

APL35
External dims: 27.0 × 14.4 × 15.7 in (L × W × H)
Internal dual‑zone split: 27 L + 8 L
Weight: 32 lbs

APL55
External dims: approx 28.7 × 18.7 × 18.9 in
Capacity: 55 L (58 QT) dual‑zone
Weight: around 63 lbs

APL45
External dims: 27.4 in × 15.8 in X 19.2 in
Weight: around 45–50 lb.

I went with the APL55 at first because the APL35 felt just a little too small. But after running both back to back, I actually prefer the APL35 for my needs. It has those zero-gravity hinges too, which make a big difference when you're digging around for a snack or drink... super convenient. I usually travel solo, so I don’t need a ton of food storage. If you're rolling with 2-3 people though, the APL55 or even the APL45 makes more sense. The APL45 might be the real sweet spot. Its narrow footprint (15" wide) means it doesn’t eat up your cargo floor, and it makes up volume with height (about 19"). Plenty of space for food, and you still get room on the sides for storage bins or recovery gear.

You can read a full review on the APL 55 here: https://trail4runner.com/2023/05/04/iceco-apl55-review/

You can read a full review on the APL 35 here: https://trail4runner.com/2024/10/04/iceco-apl35-ultralight-dual-zone-aluminum-fridge/

I will have a full follow-up comparison of the APL35 Vs. APL55 on Trail4Runner.com soon.

Let me know which one you would go with and why.

Cheers,