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fishgo
Samba Member
Joined: June 21, 2018
Posts: 127
Location: Madison, WI
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 Posted: Sat Nov 07, 2020 6:58 am Post subject: Re: fridge replacement projects - post here |
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| djkeev wrote: |
| fishgo wrote: |
| More details please! How was that fridge wired? It seems 12V only, is there an option for running the fridge off 110VAC? |
Using a simple off the shelf AC to DC voltage convertor, it would be simple to run and 12 v DC item on AC shore power.
Dave |
Very true, but it seems it could also be ordered dual voltage? I like the look of that fridge. |
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therastavan
Samba Member
Joined: July 30, 2020
Posts: 81
Location: California
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| Posted: Sat Nov 07, 2020 7:43 am Post subject: Re: fridge replacement projects - post here |
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| fishgo wrote: |
| therastavan wrote: |
Researched the heck out of the best option for a new fridge. Most said the Truckfridge TF49, but it’s Chinese and sticks out a lot plus it only comes in black. There were new Dometics but they wouldn’t fill in that huge empty space. Then I came across a lone post by “owokie” on the Samba forum. He swore by the Vitrifrigo C50i. Said it was the best choice. Nobody listened to him. I did. Hunted a new one from CamperInteriors.co.uk in the UK because nobody sells this model Vitrifrigo in the USA. It’s Italian. It’s the perfect color. It’s the perfect size. Fits flush. It’s just PERFECT! This is THE BEST refrigerator for the Westfalia. Period. Installed in 20 minutes. Not too deep to require any cutting behind it.
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More details please! How was that fridge wired? It seems 12V only, is there an option for running the fridge off 110VAC? |
Super easy to wire! I used Anderson Powerpole connectors I bought here https://www.acerracing.com/products/powerpole-connectors-10-pair
They are real silver plated copper and can handle 30amps continuous which is way more than is needed for this fridge which by the way uses 35% less energy than the TF49 (40amp/24 hours vs 25.8 amps/24hours) and that saves a lot of battery power. So I snipped off the original wires off the original connectors and just used these to make a very efficient connection. I used their special crimping tool so I didn’t have to solder https://www.acerracing.com/products/ratcheting-crimper-for-use-with-15-30-45-amp-power-pole-contacts
It’s a 12v fridge but you can easily use a power inverter to go from 120v to 12v and the wires are in the cabinet next to the fridge so simply disconnect these Powerpole connectors and connect the inverter wires.
The Powerpole connectors are widely used in the camping world for these types of connections.
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djkeev
Samba Moderator
Joined: September 30, 2007
Posts: 32639
Location: Reading Pennsylvania
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therastavan
Samba Member
Joined: July 30, 2020
Posts: 81
Location: California
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| Posted: Sat Nov 07, 2020 10:46 am Post subject: Re: fridge replacement projects - post here |
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Here is the link to Vitrifrigo's website for the C50i
https://www.vitrifrigo.com/ww/en/c50i_internal_cooling_unit
Since it is tall, it is not so deep that it will stick out like the other units. But the inner capacity is the same. |
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crazyvwvanman
Samba Member
Joined: January 28, 2008
Posts: 9940
Location: Orbiting San Diego
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| Posted: Sat Nov 07, 2020 11:09 am Post subject: Re: fridge replacement projects - post here |
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I like those dimensions, where can I buy one?
thanks,
Mark
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therastavan
Samba Member
Joined: July 30, 2020
Posts: 81
Location: California
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crazyvwvanman
Samba Member
Joined: January 28, 2008
Posts: 9940
Location: Orbiting San Diego
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| Posted: Sat Nov 07, 2020 2:12 pm Post subject: Re: fridge replacement projects - post here |
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About $250 for shipping by air from that UK source.
I was hoping for a US source but didn't find one yet.
Mark
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owokie
Samba Member
Joined: May 21, 2003
Posts: 533
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| Posted: Sat Nov 07, 2020 2:36 pm Post subject: Re: fridge replacement projects - post here |
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| crazyvwvanman wrote: |
About $250 for shipping by air from that UK source.
I was hoping for a US source but didn't find one yet.
Mark
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Email them. Mine shipped for $75. Unless you're more resourceful than me, you won't find one in the states. |
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djkeev
Samba Moderator
Joined: September 30, 2007
Posts: 32639
Location: Reading Pennsylvania
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skills@eurocarsplus
Samba Peckerhead
Joined: January 01, 2007
Posts: 16889
Location: sticksville, ct.
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| Posted: Sat Nov 07, 2020 2:40 pm Post subject: Re: fridge replacement projects - post here |
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| crazyvwvanman wrote: |
About $250 for shipping by air from that UK source.
I was hoping for a US source but didn't find one yet.
Mark |
https://www.vitrifrigo.com/us/us/
according to this they have a office in florida. may be worth investigating. if this works well, i think i'd be game for one
edit:
http://www.marinewarehouse.net/Vitrifrigo.html
_________________
| gprudenciop wrote: |
my reason for switching to subaru is my german car was turning chinese so i said fuck it and went japanese....... |
| Jake Raby wrote: |
| Thanks for the correction. I used to be a nice guy, then I ruined it by exposing myself to the public. |
| Brian wrote: |
| Also the fact that people are agreeing with Skills, it's a turn of events for samba history |
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owokie
Samba Member
Joined: May 21, 2003
Posts: 533
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| Posted: Sat Nov 07, 2020 2:44 pm Post subject: Re: fridge replacement projects - post here |
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The challenge is not finding a place that sells VFs, there are plenty. None of them import this model, at lease a year ago when I called the place you listed, Sure Marine, and every other vendor I could find. Only one offered to order one in, for more than I could get it shipped from the UK.
It works well. |
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WestiT3_1986
Samba Member
Joined: January 26, 2016
Posts: 43
Location: Germany
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| Posted: Tue Mar 09, 2021 2:44 am Post subject: Re: fridge replacement projects - post here |
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| therastavan wrote: |
How does the CRX50 fit so flush? The depth seems more than the Truckfridge. |
Sorry, wasn't on here for quite a while.
I didn't cut anything at the back, but I removed the front insulation and door and fitted the inside to the old wooden Westfalia door. That makes up for quite a bit of space. |
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Rorke
Samba Member
Joined: August 04, 2016
Posts: 255
Location: Traverse City, MI
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| Posted: Wed May 26, 2021 5:37 am Post subject: Re: fridge replacement projects - post here |
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Challenging project here (for me anyway). Thanks to the Samba pioneers for information and inspiration. The original door isn't beautiful or fancy, but just easy on the eyes.
New fridge is a bit bigger, colder, has a freezer, doesn't use propane. But noisier.
It was tricky to keep my City water port because the delicate fridge guts are in the way. I also added a new port forward of the original three for an air compressor. To make room for this, I had to modify the "guts" with a homemade aluminum bracket.
nice door
bigger fridge for my woman's white wine
Air - City Water - AC - Water Fill - Diesel Fill
Not enough clearance for air
with the bracket
best view of inside obstructions
Looking good. I would like to get a new port over the diesel so it all matches. Next year. |
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JenEye
Samba Member
Joined: October 24, 2022
Posts: 4
Location: Boise, Idaho
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| Posted: Tue Nov 08, 2022 3:28 pm Post subject: Re: fridge replacement projects - post here |
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Hi! We are interested in adding the Vitrifrigo fridge to our 1989 Westy. Can you tell me how much power it draws? Also, how much of a gap is there left over at the bottom of the fridge and how did you seal that off? Thanks!
Also, what is your AUX battery setup? Would this work with a standard, under the drivers seat AGM gel battery system? |
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R0Batt
Samba Member
Joined: April 05, 2021
Posts: 58
Location: Charlotte, NC
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| Posted: Tue Mar 07, 2023 11:42 am Post subject: Re: fridge replacement projects - post here |
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I am also about to pull the trigger on a Vitrifrigo C50i.
Is it a bigger capacity than the factory westy fridge?
How useful is the freezer portion? I see there is an option to order one without it.
There is also a seller on ebay that is selling them. Looks like they are only selling black ones at the moment, but I messaged them to see about silver.
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85 Westy
Charlotte, NC |
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jimf909 
Samba Member
Joined: April 03, 2014
Posts: 7481
Location: WA/ID
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| Posted: Tue Mar 07, 2023 11:58 am Post subject: Re: fridge replacement projects - post here |
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| R0Batt wrote: |
I am also about to pull the trigger on a Vitrifrigo C50i.
Is it a bigger capacity than the factory westy fridge?
How useful is the freezer portion? I see there is an option to order one without it.
There is also a seller on ebay that is selling them. Looks like they are only selling black ones at the moment, but I messaged them to see about silver. |
I have the VF51 so not exactly what you're looking for but I believe this is still relevant:
1 - Much bigger than the stock Dometic. I don't have the dimensions but it's noticeably bigger and we love the added capacity.
2 - I love the freezer. We keep ice cream bars and have two ice cube trays for stirring the essential Manhattan or Martini for cocktail hour. We also start trips with some meats frozen in the freezer.
_________________
- Jim
| Abscate wrote: |
Do not get killed, do not kill others.
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Current: 1990 Westy Camper - Bostig RG4, 2wd, manual trans w/Peloquin, NAHT high-top, 280 ah LFP battery, 160 watts solar, Flash Silver, seam rust, bondo, etc., etc.
Past: 1985 Westy Camper - 1.9 wbx, 2wd, manual trans, Merian Brown, (sold after 17 years to Northwesty who converted it to a Syncro). |
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R0Batt
Samba Member
Joined: April 05, 2021
Posts: 58
Location: Charlotte, NC
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| Posted: Tue Mar 07, 2023 12:14 pm Post subject: Re: fridge replacement projects - post here |
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| jimf909 wrote: |
| R0Batt wrote: |
I am also about to pull the trigger on a Vitrifrigo C50i.
Is it a bigger capacity than the factory westy fridge?
How useful is the freezer portion? I see there is an option to order one without it.
There is also a seller on ebay that is selling them. Looks like they are only selling black ones at the moment, but I messaged them to see about silver. |
I have the VF51 so not exactly what you're looking for but I believe this is still relevant:
1 - Much bigger than the stock Dometic. I don't have the dimensions but it's noticeably bigger and we love the added capacity.
2 - I love the freezer. We keep ice cream bars and have two ice cube trays for stirring the essential Manhattan or Martini for cocktail hour. We also start trips with some meats frozen in the freezer. |
Great information. Good to know about the freezer being functional.
Now time to shop around and find a good deal lol
Since I have the white/brown interior, hopefully I will be able to paint the silver parts around the door brown pretty easily.
Did you use any of the mounting flanges that are optional?
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85 Westy
Charlotte, NC |
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Chilepines
Samba Member
Joined: October 11, 2022
Posts: 143
Location: New Hampshire
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| Posted: Sun Apr 09, 2023 9:43 am Post subject: Re: fridge replacement projects - post here |
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I've been fretting for a while about which fridge to get. Seems the Dometic CRX 50 is a really good unit, and it now seems they are available in the US but only in black.
Does anyone know if the front panel on the black is changeable? I really like the factory look you get that way, and don't want an all black fridge in an otherwise original interior. |
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josepvan
Samba Member
Joined: May 13, 2023
Posts: 1
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| Posted: Sat May 13, 2023 11:51 pm Post subject: Re: fridge replacement projects - post here |
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| WestiT3_1986 wrote: |
Dear Vanagon/Westfalia friends,
I thought my just finished fridge swap might be of interest for some of you...
Sven |
Hi Sven!
I recently bought a CRX50 fridge and I'm planning to follow your steps. Thanks to share your experience!
But I would like to know how you rate the results so far. Is there any further advice to give about the process or to improve the results?
Many thanks!
Josep |
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therastavan
Samba Member
Joined: July 30, 2020
Posts: 81
Location: California
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| Posted: Thu Jun 08, 2023 7:36 pm Post subject: Re: fridge replacement projects - post here |
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| R0Batt wrote: |
I am also about to pull the trigger on a Vitrifrigo C50i.
Is it a bigger capacity than the factory westy fridge?
How useful is the freezer portion? I see there is an option to order one without it.
There is also a seller on ebay that is selling them. Looks like they are only selling black ones at the moment, but I messaged them to see about silver. |
Yes the Vitrifrigo C50i is much larger than the factory fridge and it really is the best option out there hands down. Nothing else comes close to it. Forget about the TruckFridge or Dometic. The C50i is the right color, easy to install, sits flush, and fills the entire space. Someone like GoWesty or BusLab really needs to import these to the USA so people can have easier access to them instead of hunting one down from Europe although it's not that hard to find with a simple google search. |
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