Reinforcing bottom shelf

[jdubslopro]

I am completely new to this site and currently working on my first kegerator system. I am starting with an old standup Kenmore Freezer in the basement and plumbing it upstairs to the sink. I have a 60 cfm blower and about a 7' run from kegerator to faucet, and a Johnson Controls A419 to regulate the temperature. My question is how to go about reinforcing the bottom shelf to sit the keg on. I am pretty handy when it comes to woodwork...so I could possibly build something with 2x4s and plywood...I am just skeptical about the longevity of the plywood being in a moist environment with 160 lbs sitting on it...any suggestions?
My options, as I see them, are to a)reinforce the current wire rack bottom shelf, b)cut 2" out of the door to fit the keg on the bottom of the freezer, or c)build some sort of platform to raise the keg about 12".

[cubby_swans]

I think a good thick plywood would last several years with no problems. Do a search on platform here to see some other methods. Here's an easy poor man's setup in this post...

Making it strong

[jdubslopro]

yes, I did see that one. I was concerned more or less with the actual 15" raise that would be required...but anyway...I kind of rushed it and pieced one together out of 4x4s and some leftover decking material...problem is...it was too big for the door to close. go figure. so i sawzalled out the two bottom shelves on the door to fit the keg. I'll just fill it with some expanding foam and have an ugly door. at least inside the freezer will look good...as well as the upcoming custom paint job on the exterior.

[beerbaitammo]

I used some bricks and some 2x4s. I hope it works my first keg is going to be chilling about 10:00 am tomorrow morning. Rookie here dont even know if im on the correct page.

[beerbaitammo]

I dont have my system going yet should I change the five ft. hose to a ten. This seems like something everyone does or should I just try it out and wait for any problems to occur. Just want the ideal beer to be poured!! Is there one thing I should never do to screw something up?

[lunkhead]

Originally Posted by beerbaitammo

I dont have my system going yet should I change the five ft. hose to a ten. This seems like something everyone does or should I just try it out and wait for any problems to occur. Just want the ideal beer to be poured!! Is there one thing I should never do to screw something up?

Depends on what your drinking and your altitude above sea level. 5ft is borderline short I.M.O. but for some it does work.

[El Geordie]

Last year I converted an old Kenmore upright freezer.
The internal floor was sloped at the rear so I made a "stool" out of 2 x 4 s and 3/4" plywood to lift up the kegs above the slope thereby increasing the flat floor area. I now get a 1/2 barrel and a sixer with my CO2 bottle all upright on the floor.