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The Pros and Cons of Fridge Slides vs. Drop Slides

When you’re setting up your 4WD for touring, camping, or even just a weekend away, one bit of kit that can make or break your setup is your fridge slide. Whether you’re running a 40L Engel or a massive dual-zone unit, the choice between a fridge slide and a drop slide can have a big impact on accessibility, space, and convenience.Here’s our breakdown of fridge slides vs. drop slides to help you choose the right option for your rig.

What is a Fridge Slide?

A fridge slide is a straightforward, heavy-duty drawer-style runner that allows you to pull your fridge out from the back of your 4WD or canopy. It stays at the same height, giving you access without having to crawl in the back.

What is a Drop Slide?

A drop slide does the same thing, but with an added twist. Once pulled out, it lowers the fridge down, making it easier to reach inside. This is ideal for high setups like ute trays, tall drawer systems, or wagons where the fridge sits at or above shoulder height.

Pros and Cons of Fridge Slides

Pros

  • Simple Design: Fewer moving parts means less to go wrong.
  • Lightweight: Fridge slides are usually lighter than drop slides, which helps with GVM concerns.
  • Cost-Effective: A good-quality fridge slide costs significantly less than a drop slide.
  • Easy to Use: One-handed operation, simple to lock and unlock.

Cons

  • Height Issues: If your fridge sits high up (e.g. in a ute tray), you’ll struggle to see or reach inside without a step.
  • Limited Accessibility: Can be a hassle for shorter users or anyone with back or shoulder issues.

Pros and Cons of Drop Slides

Pros

  • Improved Accessibility: The main benefit, your fridge comes down to you, rather than you reaching up or climbing in.
  • Safer Loading/Unloading: No more stretching or awkward lifting.
  • Ideal for Tall Setups: If your fridge is mounted above waist height, a drop slide is a game changer.

Cons

  • Heavier: Drop slides are typically heavier than standard slides, something to keep in mind if you’re tight on GVM.
  • More Expensive: The lowering mechanism adds to the cost.
  • Bulkier: Drop slides take up more space when stowed, especially in drawer systems or compact canopies.

Things to Consider Before Buying

Before you choose, think about the following:

  • Fridge Size & Weight: Larger fridges benefit more from drop slides, lifting a 60L fridge isn’t fun.
  • Mounting Height: The higher your fridge is mounted, the more value you’ll get from a drop slide.
  • Available Space: Some drop slides require more clearance when deployed.
  • Budget: If you’re decking out your rig on a budget, fridge slides are the more affordable way to go.

Our Picks at Off Road Equipment

At Off Road Equipment, we stock a solid range of both fridge slides and drop slides from top Aussie brands. Whether you’re after a no-fuss slide for your Engel, or a heavy-duty drop slide for a dual battery setup in your canopy, we’ve got something that’ll fit.

Popular Options Include:

  • Clearview Drop Slides – One of the most popular options in Australia, especially for big touring setups.
  • ARB Fridge Slides – Built tough to handle harsh Aussie conditions, ARB slides are smooth, sturdy, and perfectly matched to ARB fridges and drawers.

Choose a fridge slide if you’ve got a low-mount setup, want to keep things simple, and need to save on weight and cost. Go for a drop slide if your fridge sits high, accessibility is a priority, or you’re running a serious touring setup.