TheSamba.com :: View topic - fridge replacement projects

Wed Jun 11, 2025 8:02 am

Smileydude wrote: Don't buy the c50i from camperinteriors!!
Just ordered and the fridge was marked as if it is made in China.
Meaning you are charged tariffs as if it is from China.

Also the flush mounting frame has not made it through custom either as they didn't complete that paper work correctly either...

They have gone silent on me and won't return my emails.

Just a major expensive headache and nothing to show for it.

Did you ever get all your components?

Wed Jun 11, 2025 9:10 am

metahacker wrote: MarkWard wrote: Recent install of a Dometic NRX 50C.
......
My only complaint is condensation never clears up. I don't know how the moisture is getting in. Seal seems fine. Just may need to put some things in plastic bags that you'd prefer to keep dry.

check the wiring entry point for the interior light and/or temp control... it may need some help from butyl. i had to do a warranty claim on a fancy Vitrifrigo in my bay window because of that. luckily, the moisture only made it inside the light housing (which filled with water and fried the pcb) it was fine after sealing it up.

Was surprised to see this thread come up. We just returned from our last road trip. I contacted Dometic back when I discovered more moisture than I'd seen with the original Dometic fridge. They advised that I take it to a service center. So basically no help. I tried the dollar bill test and it passed. Still wasn't happy with how tight the door closed. Thought about it off and on and it occured to me that I could improve the two catches with some whipping line. Two passes on both catches and the door still closes and opens easily, but is very snug.

So, the condensation problem is mostly gone. In other words acceptable. Mrs Ward is very happy with the new fridge. Especially that it is actually cold and the extra space. Battery consumption seems to be a reasonable 1 amp per hour. The unit is so quiet, you really can't hear it. The compressor cycling seems based on temp not a time limit like others. So a year later, we are very pleased with our decision to purchase the Dometic NRX 50C

Wed Jun 11, 2025 8:12 pm

I installed the Dometic CRX50 about a year ago. It's been working great, I just need to get around to making a drawer below.

Sun Jun 22, 2025 9:36 am

I think I'm about to give up on the original Dometic propane fridge. I just can't get the performance out of it that I want/need. (Believe me I tried!)
Anyways, the NRX50 is available up here in Canada, so I was thinking of going with that model as the CRX50 is now unavailable.
Has anyone installed a Dometic NRX50? If so, how did it go and are you satisfied with the performsnce.
TYIA

Sun Jun 22, 2025 10:26 am

skemems wrote: I installed the Dometic CRX50 about a year ago. It's been working great, I just need to get around to making a drawer below.

Is it possible to get that drawer mounted above the fridge instead of down on the floor?

Sun Jun 22, 2025 11:24 am

Braukuche wrote: Smileydude wrote: Don't buy the c50i from camperinteriors!!
Just ordered and the fridge was marked as if it is made in China.
Meaning you are charged tariffs as if it is from China.

Also the flush mounting frame has not made it through custom either as they didn't complete that paper work correctly either...

They have gone silent on me and won't return my emails.

Just a major expensive headache and nothing to show for it.

Did you ever get all your components?

No. Looking at going another direction once all the money tied up in credit card and tariff disputes is freed up. Hopefully.

Sun Jun 22, 2025 2:39 pm

bertobarb wrote:
Is it possible to get that drawer mounted above the fridge instead of down on the floor?

Yes, I thought about that option but will be putting a heater there down the road, I also preferred the fridge higher so the door does hit things on the floor etc.

Wed Jul 02, 2025 8:18 pm

After much deliberation I decided to go with the Vitifrigio C50i and am very happy with it.
As others have said it fits right in the space with no alterations. It blends in nicely with the stock cabinets and with the frame makes for a clean, stock like looking install.
I purchased it from the only source I could find which is Camper Interiors in the UK. The cost of the fridge and frame with shipping was around $1200.
I took a while to get it and there was a bit of a communication hang up, but they did get back to me and once it was shipped it took just four days to get it.
I would have no problem recommending them.
Install was easy. The frame is a bit to large so I cut about 1/2 inch off the horizontal piece and then stuck the edge of the left side into the slot for the stock fridge door and screwed the other side it with t stock screws using the stock grey rubber trim pieces. Then it was just a matter of wiring, which I used a fused wire to the battery. The fridge slid right in with a slight gap. I used a few screws threw the existing stock holes to secure it.
I used the fridge this week and ran great. Quiet, made ice fast kept items in the freezer frozen and everything in the fridge cold even in low 80s temps.
I have it hooked up to a 100AH lithium battery through a DC to DC charger that also enables me to use my solar panel. Had no issues with power.

Wed Jul 02, 2025 10:24 pm

Nicely done! I notched the left side of my cabinet all the way to the floor to accommodate the frame. Love my C50i.

Thu Jul 03, 2025 7:15 am

Corwyn wrote: Nicely done! I notched the left side of my cabinet all the way to the floor to accommodate the frame. Love my C50i.

[pic]

Looks sharp!
I don’t know why vendors on this side of the pond aren’t selling this unit.

Fri Jul 11, 2025 5:18 pm

Recently pulled the trigger on the Vitrifigo C50i (after reading some great posts - thanks!). Had no issues ordering from camper interiors - total cost around $1100 with shipping (includes fridge + frame). That's from UK to Cape Cod (MA). UPS says it will arrive Monday - which would be about 10 days from the order date. I'll try to post an update once received & share install pics.

Fri Jul 11, 2025 8:54 pm

Pianoxcape wrote: Recently pulled the trigger on the Vitrifigo C50i (after reading some great posts - thanks!). Had no issues ordering from camper interiors - total cost around $1100 with shipping (includes fridge + frame). That's from UK to Cape Cod (MA). UPS says it will arrive Monday - which would be about 10 days from the order date. I'll try to post an update once received & share install pics.

Pretty sure you’ll be happy with it.
Post some pix when you have it installed.

Fri Jul 18, 2025 7:46 am

Received the fridge, and completed the install of Vitrifico C50i. As others have mentioned, it's a great fit and fairly straightforward install. A shout out and thanks to the others who posted their pics and experience - it helped a lot.

I did botch one spot on install. While removing left edging to mount trim kit, I errantly took off a small piece of the top left cabinet facing with my oscillating blade. Bummer. Other than that, was super easy. I reused original hardware and grey screw caps to keep some of the original vibe.

After wiring up to 15 amp fuse, I added a battery-powered thermostat. The internal temp went from 79 degrees to under 40 degrees in about 20 minutes. I now have fridge temp setting near "min" and reading 38 degrees on the thermometer.

One note I haven't seen mentioned. When I removed the original/stock Westy fridge, I capped the gas line with a 3/8" flared cap. I know GoWesty video shows removal under the vehicle, but I wanted to keep the option if I added propane heater or other propane accessory in the future. I did the whole soapy water test on the fitting for safety.

Here's a photo after moving our travel stickers from the original fridge door. Now I'm itching for our next trip. Summer in the Northeast has always included a second DC powered fridge and this should be a great upgrade.

Kind regards,

Sun Jul 27, 2025 10:33 am

Pianoxcape wrote: Received the fridge, and completed the install of Vitrifico C50i. As others have mentioned, it's a great fit and fairly straightforward install. A shout out and thanks to the others who posted their pics and experience - it helped a lot.
...

After wiring up to 15 amp fuse, I added a battery-powered thermostat. The internal temp went from 79 degrees to under 40 degrees in about 20 minutes. I now have fridge temp setting near "min" and reading 38 degrees on the thermometer.

Congrats on the fridge install. And glad you like it.
Can you elaborate on the battery powered thermostat? Where does it install and where did you get it?
Thanks.

Sun Jul 27, 2025 3:34 pm

That thermometer was purchased from Amazon (about $10).
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01924UGZI?psc=1&ref=ppx_pop_dt_b_product_details

I just used Velcro to attach to fridge. The sensor wire routed to the inside of fridge and taped in place. Nothing fancy.

Thu Aug 07, 2025 4:22 pm

I recently installed a Bodega R50 fridge in our 85 Westy. Here's a video about it:

We just went camping for almost 6 days without running the engine or any solar (it's yet to be installed) and I found the fridge drew about 1AH/hour, in "average" weather. Before installation I measured the power consumption and it was oddly inconsistent, ranging from 29 to 42 watts, and usually around 38. Not bad, considering it's spec'd at 60.

I had communicated with Bodega prior to receiving the fridge and was happy to find that they always responded within a day, but they didn't really understand my questions. Get what you pay for.... this was under half the cost of the TF/VF models of the same size.

It does not have a provision for 120v so you're on your own for that.

I'd be interested in comments on the video.

Thu Aug 07, 2025 5:52 pm

grandfatherjim wrote: I recently installed a Bodega R50 fridge in our 85 Westy. Here's a video about it:

https://youtu.be/qMMXKaKMsbk

We just went camping for almost 6 days without running the engine or any solar (it's yet to be installed) and I found the fridge drew about 1AH/hour, in "average" weather. Before installation I measured the power consumption and it was oddly inconsistent, ranging from 29 to 42 watts, and usually around 38. Not bad, considering it's spec'd at 60.

I had communicated with Bodega prior to receiving the fridge and was happy to find that they always responded within a day, but they didn't really understand my questions. Get what you pay for.... this was under half the cost of the TF/VF models of the same size.

It does not have a provision for 120v so you're on your own for that.

I'd be interested in comments on the video.

What were the outside temperatures during those 6 days where you saw that power draw.

Thu Aug 07, 2025 6:24 pm

Averaged about 26 during the day, down to 16 at night (61/79F).

Thu Aug 07, 2025 7:41 pm

I also did a bodega R50 install. Can be seen on page 35 of this thread. I put 1/2” foam board on the sides, bottom and back for more insulation. Also wired in a 120v adapter power supply and switches to toggle between 120v adapter power supply, house battery and 12v off starter battery when the engine is running.

Thu Aug 07, 2025 7:58 pm

grandfatherjim wrote: Averaged about 26 during the day, down to 16 at night (61/79F).

Yours is a nice installation. Those temps however are not yet a real test. Even the propane fridge when running 40f under ambient has no issues at 80f ambient.... Please report again then you are in 90f+ in sun and let us know the draws under those conditions so we have another data point for those considering this fridge. Thanks