Hello! Log in or Register   |  Help  |  Donate  |  Buy Shirts See all banner ads | Advertise on TheSamba.com  
TheSamba.com
 
Vitrifrigo vs. TruckFridge? Recommendations?
Page: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5  Next
Forum Index -> Vanagon Share: Facebook Twitter
Reply to topic
Print View
Quick sort: Show newest posts on top | Show oldest posts on top View previous topic :: View next topic  

Vitrifrigo vs. TruckFridge Recommendation
Vitrifrigo
20%
 20%  [ 2 ]
TruckFridge
60%
 60%  [ 6 ]
Other?
20%
 20%  [ 2 ]
Total Votes : 10

Author Message
rockfish
Samba Member


Joined: February 13, 2007
Posts: 740
Location: Palo Alto, Calif.
rockfish is offline 

PostPosted: Tue Apr 14, 2009 12:02 pm    Post subject: Vitrifrigo vs. TruckFridge? Recommendations? Reply with quote

I'm in the middle of doing restoration and upgrade work on my 89 Westy. One of the key projects is installing a Aux. Batt. system (136ah) w/ 8 amp charger, a Solar charging system and new all-electric reefer. Karl (WestyVentures) has recommended Vitrifrigo in the past --- but now suggests the TruckFridge due to its lower cost.

http://www.vfamerica.com/eng/catalog.asp?id=1952&n=ocean

http://www.truckfridge.com/cr49.html

From what I've learned, both have about the same rating for power consumption, but the VF is $200-300 higher in price. CORRECTION: $50 HIGHER, NOT $200. The VF's interior space is only slightly larger (by 0.07 CuFt). The VF has a stainless steel door option, but I plan to get the model (either product) where I can replace the black mdf panel with a matching Westy cabinet laminate. I also plan to powder coat the reefer frame and door frame to match the stove faceplate (as well as the table bases, etc.).

I've seen several posts by Sambanistas who all love their VF reefers --- I have yet to see anyone provide feedback on the TF reefer.

Would appreciate any feedback or recommendations. I need to make the purchase this week.
_________________
89 Westy
GW 2.5 5-speed trans

"It's what you learn after you know it all that counts."
- John Wooden


Last edited by rockfish on Fri Apr 17, 2009 10:48 am; edited 1 time in total
Back to top
View user's profile Send private message Classifieds Feedback
Blood Loss
Samba Member


Joined: June 18, 2008
Posts: 129
Location: Baltimore
Blood Loss is offline 

PostPosted: Tue Apr 14, 2009 12:39 pm    Post subject: Reply with quote

I prefer a portable 12 volt freezer & an ice chest. I can't camp without ice cream. The ice chest is used to keep non-frozen stuff cold by letting frozen foods thaw in it. Block ice also works.
Back to top
View user's profile Send private message Gallery Classifieds Feedback
MarkWard
Samba Member


Joined: February 09, 2005
Posts: 16972
Location: Retired South Florida
MarkWard is offline 

PostPosted: Tue Apr 14, 2009 12:49 pm    Post subject: Reply with quote

Karl, seems knowledgeable about a lot of Vanagon stuff from reading his posts. In the end, I'd wonder about which is easier to install. Time can also be money. I am torn. My Dometic still works. While it won't keep ice cream, it does give you the option of running it on propane, 12v, or 110. I am not sure if I would miss that feature. If it dies, then I can decide. I do like the idea of a "real" refrigerator. We also carry an igloo cooler to float our drinks in. That seems to help the Dometic if we are not opening it everytime we are thirsty. My 82 has the door latch at the top. I like the idea of hinging the top of the Dometic door to access the controls without opening the door. This mod seems to be better suited for the doors with the latch in the middle. You may want to compare warranties and ease of service if there is a problem.
_________________
☮️
Back to top
View user's profile Send private message Gallery Classifieds Feedback
billwilson
Samba Member


Joined: March 16, 2009
Posts: 171
Location: San Clemente, CA
billwilson is offline 

PostPosted: Tue Apr 14, 2009 1:19 pm    Post subject: TF Reply with quote

Just finished the truck fridge install with bottom cabinet

My goal is max floor space
I do not want to have to worry about ice
The spot for the portible 12v fridge is taken by my dog crate

Truck fridge is pretty dam big

Finishing the 130 w solar panel and 210 ahr batteries today

over
Back to top
View user's profile Send private message Gallery Classifieds Feedback
westyventures
Samba Member


Joined: December 29, 2004
Posts: 2305
Location: Oregon Outback
westyventures is offline 

PostPosted: Tue Apr 14, 2009 7:49 pm    Post subject: Reply with quote

The VF 51 and TF 49 are very close to identical in most every way except country of production. Both will fit the same, use the same compressor. A call to Andrew at Truckfridge / Commercial Products will help to find the differences first hand.
Back to top
View user's profile Send private message Send e-mail Visit poster's website Instagram Gallery Classifieds Feedback
Alaric.H
Samba Member


Joined: March 28, 2009
Posts: 2529
Location: Sandy Springs GA
Alaric.H is offline 

PostPosted: Wed Apr 15, 2009 4:44 am    Post subject: Reply with quote

They look so similar I guess save the cash and put a shelf underneath.
I have had frozon food for a month in mine.
Image may have been reduced in size. Click image to view fullscreen.
Back to top
View user's profile Send private message Send e-mail Gallery Classifieds Feedback
woggs1
Samba Member


Joined: February 22, 2007
Posts: 531
Location: South Pacifica California
woggs1 is offline 

PostPosted: Wed Apr 15, 2009 8:01 am    Post subject: Reply with quote

westyventures wrote:
The VF 51 and TF 49 are very close to identical in most every way except country of production. Both will fit the same, use the same compressor. A call to Andrew at Truckfridge / Commercial Products will help to find the differences first hand.


Karl, on your website it says:


westyventures wrote:

UPDATE to the fridge! The Vitrifrigo dealer linked above is now selling their own model, it is a close copy of the VF. It carries a full 2-year warranty, and the best part is that it is LESS expensive! The AC-DC model is $499, slightly less if you want 12-volt only. The direct number to Truckfridge/Commercial products is 941.756.7225. Ask Andrew for the Truckfridge CR49 model.


I am wondering if the Truck Fridge model we are supposed to order is the CR49 or TF49 or are they the same model? I am ordering one soon, just want to clear that up. Thanks
_________________
4 speed 88 Westy
Back to top
View user's profile Send private message Visit poster's website Gallery Classifieds Feedback
westyventures
Samba Member


Joined: December 29, 2004
Posts: 2305
Location: Oregon Outback
westyventures is offline 

PostPosted: Wed Apr 15, 2009 9:22 am    Post subject: Reply with quote

woggs1 wrote:
westyventures wrote:
The VF 51 and TF 49 are very close to identical in most every way except country of production. Both will fit the same, use the same compressor. A call to Andrew at Truckfridge / Commercial Products will help to find the differences first hand.


Karl, on your website it says:


westyventures wrote:

UPDATE to the fridge! The Vitrifrigo dealer linked above is now selling their own model, it is a close copy of the VF. It carries a full 2-year warranty, and the best part is that it is LESS expensive! The AC-DC model is $499, slightly less if you want 12-volt only. The direct number to Truckfridge/Commercial products is 941.756.7225. Ask Andrew for the Truckfridge CR49 model.


I am wondering if the Truck Fridge model we are supposed to order is the CR49 or TF49 or are they the same model? I am ordering one soon, just want to clear that up. Thanks


The first is a typo - there is no CR49, it's a TF49 as you will see on their site:
http://www.truckfridge.com/models.html
Back to top
View user's profile Send private message Send e-mail Visit poster's website Instagram Gallery Classifieds Feedback
82WestyMan
Samba Member


Joined: December 28, 2006
Posts: 1098
Location: Western OR
82WestyMan is offline 

PostPosted: Thu Apr 16, 2009 1:48 pm    Post subject: Reply with quote

One quick question...

The Truckfridge TF-49 looks like it only comes in DC (12/24)
where as the Vitrifrigo C51iAC comes in AC/DC (115/230-12/24)

I didn't see any AC/DC option for the Truckfridge and I really want the AC option if I'm going to give up propane
_________________
"The floggings will continue until morale improves"
"I never did give anybody hell. I just told the truth and they thought it was hell" - Harry S. Truman
82 Westfalia - w/ a Raby 'Camper Special' engine
Back to top
View user's profile Send private message Send e-mail Gallery Classifieds Feedback
pnwkayaker
Samba Member


Joined: April 01, 2008
Posts: 918
Location: Sammamish, WA
pnwkayaker is offline 

PostPosted: Thu Apr 16, 2009 1:56 pm    Post subject: Reply with quote

I've just received a new Truckfridge CR49 last week (I'm finishing the cabinet mods today), and it has both DC and AC options (11-240v). It's possible to get a DC version only, but thought having the AC option was really cool.
_________________
87 Syncro Westy EJ25 ("Tardis")

Seattle Meetup at Marymoor (link)
A collection of Simple Useful Mods (SUM) (link)
Back to top
View user's profile Send private message Gallery Classifieds Feedback
woggs1
Samba Member


Joined: February 22, 2007
Posts: 531
Location: South Pacifica California
woggs1 is offline 

PostPosted: Thu Apr 16, 2009 2:04 pm    Post subject: Reply with quote

pnwkayaker wrote:
I've just received a new Truckfridge CR49 last week (I'm finishing the cabinet mods today), and it has both DC and AC options (11-240v). It's possible to get a DC version only, but thought having the AC option was really cool.


What was the price for the Truckfridge? How long did it take to get it?

Thanks,
_________________
4 speed 88 Westy
Back to top
View user's profile Send private message Visit poster's website Gallery Classifieds Feedback
pnwkayaker
Samba Member


Joined: April 01, 2008
Posts: 918
Location: Sammamish, WA
pnwkayaker is offline 

PostPosted: Thu Apr 16, 2009 2:20 pm    Post subject: Reply with quote

Quoting from memory, I think it was around 550 including shipping for the DC/AC model, and it took about 5 business days to arrive from FL to WA (I can check the actual amount tonight if you want)
_________________
87 Syncro Westy EJ25 ("Tardis")

Seattle Meetup at Marymoor (link)
A collection of Simple Useful Mods (SUM) (link)
Back to top
View user's profile Send private message Gallery Classifieds Feedback
madspaniard
Samba Member


Joined: August 18, 2008
Posts: 3795
Location: Alameda, CA
madspaniard is offline 

PostPosted: Thu Apr 16, 2009 2:23 pm    Post subject: Reply with quote

I see there are two people from SF Bay Area looking at a fridge (rockfish and woggs1). I might be interested too, would it be worth looking into a purchase group and potentially save some bucks?
Back to top
View user's profile Send private message Gallery Classifieds Feedback
billwilson
Samba Member


Joined: March 16, 2009
Posts: 171
Location: San Clemente, CA
billwilson is offline 

PostPosted: Thu Apr 16, 2009 5:11 pm    Post subject: Reply with quote

have mine installed
but Wilson is still getting modded at the shop
will post when i get it
HOPEFULLY tomarow Smile
_________________
'84 Wolfsberg Westy
Shore Power Free since 10 Apr 09
well i was untill 01 Jun 09......
.... but only after 6 days of no sun Smile
16' rims / WBX
Fiamma, 130 watt solar, 198 amp hour batts
Truck Fridge, Coco Mats
and of course:
the hard mount for my Pith Helmet!
Back to top
View user's profile Send private message Gallery Classifieds Feedback
woggs1
Samba Member


Joined: February 22, 2007
Posts: 531
Location: South Pacifica California
woggs1 is offline 

PostPosted: Thu Apr 16, 2009 6:16 pm    Post subject: Reply with quote

madspaniard wrote:
I see there are two people from SF Bay Area looking at a fridge (rockfish and woggs1). I might be interested too, would it be worth looking into a purchase group and potentially save some bucks?


It wouldn't hurt to ask. I am defiantly getting one before my two-week road trip in May. I will call tomorrow and see if they give quantity discounts.
_________________
4 speed 88 Westy
Back to top
View user's profile Send private message Visit poster's website Gallery Classifieds Feedback
ohlott
Samba Member


Joined: March 28, 2007
Posts: 294
Location: san clemente CA
ohlott is offline 

PostPosted: Thu Apr 16, 2009 7:09 pm    Post subject: Reply with quote

Bill, I would love to see your set up when you get if finished. I have been lurking on doing the same set up as yours.
Lott
_________________
83.5 westy 2.2 subi
Back to top
View user's profile Send private message Gallery Classifieds Feedback
billwilson
Samba Member


Joined: March 16, 2009
Posts: 171
Location: San Clemente, CA
billwilson is offline 

PostPosted: Fri Apr 17, 2009 6:43 am    Post subject: Reply with quote

ohlott wrote:
Bill, I would love to see your set up when you get if finished. I have been lurking on doing the same set up as yours.
Lott


Buddy
no worries
looks like we both live in SC
would be glad to give you a Tour Smile
Feel free to pm me
BW out
_________________
'84 Wolfsberg Westy
Shore Power Free since 10 Apr 09
well i was untill 01 Jun 09......
.... but only after 6 days of no sun Smile
16' rims / WBX
Fiamma, 130 watt solar, 198 amp hour batts
Truck Fridge, Coco Mats
and of course:
the hard mount for my Pith Helmet!
Back to top
View user's profile Send private message Gallery Classifieds Feedback
MarkWard
Samba Member


Joined: February 09, 2005
Posts: 16972
Location: Retired South Florida
MarkWard is offline 

PostPosted: Fri Apr 17, 2009 7:06 am    Post subject: Reply with quote

They are located in Florida? About time something for my Vanagon is near me for a change. Laughing
_________________
☮️
Back to top
View user's profile Send private message Gallery Classifieds Feedback
westyventures
Samba Member


Joined: December 29, 2004
Posts: 2305
Location: Oregon Outback
westyventures is offline 

PostPosted: Fri Apr 17, 2009 7:12 am    Post subject: Reply with quote

billwilson wrote:

Buddy
no worries
looks like we both live in SC
would be glad to give you a Tour Smile
Feel free to pm me
BW out


SC = South Carolina Wink
You meant SoCal?
Back to top
View user's profile Send private message Send e-mail Visit poster's website Instagram Gallery Classifieds Feedback
ohlott
Samba Member


Joined: March 28, 2007
Posts: 294
Location: san clemente CA
ohlott is offline 

PostPosted: Fri Apr 17, 2009 7:37 am    Post subject: Reply with quote

Karl,
San Clemente in So Cal.
_________________
83.5 westy 2.2 subi
Back to top
View user's profile Send private message Gallery Classifieds Feedback
Display posts from previous:   
Reply to topic    Forum Index -> Vanagon All times are Mountain Standard Time/Pacific Daylight Savings Time
Page: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5  Next
Page 1 of 5

 
Jump to:  
You cannot post new topics in this forum
You cannot reply to topics in this forum
You cannot edit your posts in this forum
You cannot delete your posts in this forum
You cannot vote in polls in this forum

About | Help! | Advertise | Donate | Premium Membership | Privacy/Terms of Use | Contact Us | Site Map
Copyright © 1996-2023, Everett Barnes. All Rights Reserved.
Not affiliated with or sponsored by Volkswagen of America | Forum powered by phpBB
Links to eBay or other vendor sites may be affiliate links where the site receives compensation.