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korfmach
Samba Member
Joined: February 28, 2014
Posts: 267
Location: Fort Collins, CO
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 Posted: Sat Sep 27, 2025 3:24 pm Post subject: Re: fridge replacement projects - post here |
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| korfmach wrote: |
| Ordered a C50i from camperinteriors.co.uk. Price was $722 plus $230 shipping to Colorado, US. |
Finally getting around to updating this project. My old OEM Dometic still worked, but even after cleaning, upgrades, etc. was still very difficult to start on propane above 8000 ft (2450 m) elevation...and most of our camping is well above that. I had installed solar power, controller and battery to run it on 12V when the propane circuit didn't work, but (as you perhaps know already) this is an imperfect and not very efficient solution.
The fridge took nearly two months and a couple of overseas phone calls to get it to my home in the US. Neither CamperInteriors, FedEx, the original shipper (an obscure French firm) nor myself ever figured out what took so long--probably the stupid tariffs which were in flux at the time. It did finally arrive, with some small non-consequential dents to the metal at the rear of the fridge; CamperInteriors offered to send a replacement but I declined as the project was already well behind schedule at that point! CamperInteriors were very helpful in keeping things moving; I suspect they are as annoyed by the shipping complexities as I.
After all that...the install was straightforward. It fits easily into the original space. I didn't order the trim kit; instead, I used some 3/4" aluminum angle which looks just as good and was a lot less expensive. The wiring was simple. I have mine wired to DPDT switch so I can run it off the alternator when the engine is running. Otherwise it runs off a 50 A-hr LiFePO4 battery behind the driver's seat, charged by a 200W portable solar panel and Renogy 20A controller originally intended to run the OEM Dometic. I also added a quick-disconnect so I can pre-cool the fridge on line (mains) power using a separate 12VDC transformer. If anyone's interested in the wiring schematic, I can send or post.
The solar/battery setup is a bit of overkill--the battery will run the fridge in moderate weather (e.g., 80F/25C) for three days without even using the panel. The panel will fully charge the battery in a few hours of full sun, even while running the fridge.
Performance has been, in a word, excellent. The fridge made ice in two hours after initial startup, and the only problem I've had is regulating the thermostat so it doesn't freeze our produce. Power consumption is minimal. On one trip, with daytime highs over 90F (32C), the compressor's duty cycle was still only about 50% during the day, and used about 20 A-hr in 24 hours.
This is a very well-designed fridge, and performance has exceeded expectations. The interior volume as about the same or maybe a little bigger than OEM, and the reliability and low power consumption have eliminated a significant source of stress on our camping trips--no more worries about the fridge losing power and all of our food spoiling. I can't overstate how much this has improved our camping trips. The cold beer is nice too.
The replacement project hasn't been cheap. Between the fridge, solar panel, controller and battery, the investment has been about $1400. So far as I'm concerned, it's been worth it and then some. If you are considering a replacement, and you've got the scratch, do it.
Thanks to all who have contributed to this thread; it's been very helpful.
_________________
1989 Westy, "La Barchetta Rosa" (Rosy)
2022 ID.4, "Ivy"
Gone, but not forgotten:
2016 Golf TSI
1974 Dorper Baywindow, "The Bleeding Trout"
1998 Jetta TDI, "Trixie"
1987 GTI, "Heike"
1974 Thing, "The Luftwaffel"
1974 Ghia
1966 Ghia |
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wpegden
Samba Member
Joined: June 14, 2007
Posts: 53
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| Posted: Thu Aug 21, 2025 7:34 am Post subject: Re: fridge replacement projects - post here |
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| WestiT3_1986 wrote: |
Nice to see the write-up still being used! Great work!
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Yes the write-up is fantastic and made the job (I suspect) much easier than it would have been the first time. With your measurements I needed very little trial and error for fitting. |
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WestiT3_1986
Samba Member
Joined: January 26, 2016
Posts: 46
Location: Germany
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| Posted: Mon Aug 18, 2025 3:39 am Post subject: Re: fridge replacement projects - post here |
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Nice to see the write-up still being used! Great work!
| wpegden wrote: |
| WestiT3_1986 wrote: |
Dear Vanagon/Westfalia friends,
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Greetings from Germany
Sven |
Just wanted to chime in here and say that I followed Sven's path and it worked out great.
Dometic is sellling these Dometic CRX50 fridges for $500 on amazon right now, with free shipping:
https://www.amazon.com/DOMETIC-CRX0050TN-Compressor-Refrigerator-Navistar/dp/B0BDTMLB6J
this one has a different outside appearance for installing in some particular truck, but this doesn't matter since you disassemble the door anyways. This version is the one I used and it worked fine. At the end you have a modern, roomy compressor fridge/freezer with a totally stock look when the door is closed.
Only thing to note is that this is the DC only version. If you want to add AC capability you can use the following Dometic switching power supply:
https://www.suremarineservice.com/Galley/Refrigeration-Accessories/MPS-35_2.html |
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wpegden
Samba Member
Joined: June 14, 2007
Posts: 53
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| Posted: Fri Aug 15, 2025 3:45 pm Post subject: Re: fridge replacement projects - post here |
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Here are photos of the finished project (excusing the missing gang box cover to the left):
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wpegden
Samba Member
Joined: June 14, 2007
Posts: 53
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| Posted: Fri Aug 15, 2025 11:57 am Post subject: Re: fridge replacement projects - post here |
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| WestiT3_1986 wrote: |
Dear Vanagon/Westfalia friends,
...
Greetings from Germany
Sven |
Just wanted to chime in here and say that I followed Sven's path and it worked out great.
Dometic is sellling these Dometic CRX50 fridges for $500 on amazon right now, with free shipping:
https://www.amazon.com/DOMETIC-CRX0050TN-Compressor-Refrigerator-Navistar/dp/B0BDTMLB6J
this one has a different outside appearance for installing in some particular truck, but this doesn't matter since you disassemble the door anyways. This version is the one I used and it worked fine. At the end you have a modern, roomy compressor fridge/freezer with a totally stock look when the door is closed.
Only thing to note is that this is the DC only version. If you want to add AC capability you can use the following Dometic switching power supply:
https://www.suremarineservice.com/Galley/Refrigeration-Accessories/MPS-35_2.html |
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MarkWard
Samba Member
Joined: February 09, 2005
Posts: 19072
Location: Retired South Florida
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| Posted: Sat Aug 09, 2025 5:31 am Post subject: Re: fridge replacement projects - post here |
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| The Dometic I installed above also averages about 1 amp an hour, but with a 100 amp lithium battery, the math doesn’t work out to 6 days of run time. It’s nice to have options that fit from multiple places. |
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vanis13
Samba Member
Joined: August 15, 2010
Posts: 4588
Location: ABQ NM USA.... Except when not
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| Posted: Thu Aug 07, 2025 7:58 pm Post subject: Re: fridge replacement projects - post here |
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| 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
_________________
83.5 Westy with Subaru 2.5, 4 spd manual, center seat, COLD A/C on 134a!, Winter camp heated with an Espar B4 gasoline furnace
www.SuperVanagon.com - some stuff I make |
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scotty timmerman
Samba Member
Joined: January 10, 2010
Posts: 1050
Location: gigharbor W.A
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grandfatherjim
Samba Member
Joined: April 23, 2007
Posts: 182
Location: near Ottawa, Canada
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| Posted: Thu Aug 07, 2025 6:24 pm Post subject: Re: fridge replacement projects - post here |
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| Averaged about 26 during the day, down to 16 at night (61/79F). |
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vanis13
Samba Member
Joined: August 15, 2010
Posts: 4588
Location: ABQ NM USA.... Except when not
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| Posted: Thu Aug 07, 2025 5:52 pm Post subject: Re: fridge replacement projects - post here |
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| 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.
_________________
83.5 Westy with Subaru 2.5, 4 spd manual, center seat, COLD A/C on 134a!, Winter camp heated with an Espar B4 gasoline furnace
www.SuperVanagon.com - some stuff I make |
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grandfatherjim
Samba Member
Joined: April 23, 2007
Posts: 182
Location: near Ottawa, Canada
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| Posted: Thu Aug 07, 2025 4:22 pm Post subject: Re: fridge replacement projects - post here |
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I recently installed a Bodega R50 fridge in our 85 Westy. Here's a video about it:
Link
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. |
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Pianoxcape
Samba Member
Joined: July 04, 2021
Posts: 5
Location: Cape Cod
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| Posted: Sun Jul 27, 2025 3:34 pm Post subject: Re: fridge replacement projects - post here |
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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.
_________________
1990 VW Westy
"Vanna" |
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Braukuche
Samba Member
Joined: September 03, 2004
Posts: 11230
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| Posted: Sun Jul 27, 2025 10:33 am Post subject: Re: fridge replacement projects - post here |
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| 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.
_________________
Go Reds! Smash state!
Retirement is here!
1960 double cab
1960 Baja Bug
1963 stretched double cab
1962 Golde sunroof Ghia
1963 356 B coupe
1963 Notchback
1967 21 window less rusty now
1989 Westfalia |
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Pianoxcape
Samba Member
Joined: July 04, 2021
Posts: 5
Location: Cape Cod
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| Posted: Fri Jul 18, 2025 7:46 am Post subject: Re: fridge replacement projects - post here |
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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,
_________________
1990 VW Westy
"Vanna" |
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Braukuche
Samba Member
Joined: September 03, 2004
Posts: 11230
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| Posted: Fri Jul 11, 2025 8:54 pm Post subject: Re: fridge replacement projects - post here |
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| 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.
_________________
Go Reds! Smash state!
Retirement is here!
1960 double cab
1960 Baja Bug
1963 stretched double cab
1962 Golde sunroof Ghia
1963 356 B coupe
1963 Notchback
1967 21 window less rusty now
1989 Westfalia |
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Pianoxcape
Samba Member
Joined: July 04, 2021
Posts: 5
Location: Cape Cod
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| Posted: Fri Jul 11, 2025 5:18 pm Post subject: Re: fridge replacement projects - post here |
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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.
_________________
1990 VW Westy
"Vanna" |
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Braukuche
Samba Member
Joined: September 03, 2004
Posts: 11230
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| Posted: Thu Jul 03, 2025 7:15 am Post subject: Re: fridge replacement projects - post here |
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| 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.
_________________
Go Reds! Smash state!
Retirement is here!
1960 double cab
1960 Baja Bug
1963 stretched double cab
1962 Golde sunroof Ghia
1963 356 B coupe
1963 Notchback
1967 21 window less rusty now
1989 Westfalia |
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Corwyn 
Samba Member
Joined: December 29, 2009
Posts: 2446
Location: Olympia, Washington
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| Posted: Wed Jul 02, 2025 10:24 pm Post subject: Re: fridge replacement projects - post here |
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Nicely done! I notched the left side of my cabinet all the way to the floor to accommodate the frame. Love my C50i.
_________________
'90 White Westy ("White Lightning")
FAS Gen V 2.0
The Annual Baja Rally
https://www.thesamba.com/vw/forum/viewtopic.php?t=604813&highlight=baja
"If anything's" gonna happen, it's gonna happen out there"
~ Captain Ron ~ |
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Braukuche
Samba Member
Joined: September 03, 2004
Posts: 11230
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| Posted: Wed Jul 02, 2025 8:18 pm Post subject: Re: fridge replacement projects - post here |
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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.
_________________
Go Reds! Smash state!
Retirement is here!
1960 double cab
1960 Baja Bug
1963 stretched double cab
1962 Golde sunroof Ghia
1963 356 B coupe
1963 Notchback
1967 21 window less rusty now
1989 Westfalia |
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skemems
Samba Member
Joined: February 23, 2017
Posts: 254
Location: Oregon
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| Posted: Sun Jun 22, 2025 2:39 pm Post subject: Re: fridge replacement projects - post here |
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| 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.
_________________
87 VW Westfalia - EJ25
86 VW Westfalia - EJ22
85 VW Westfalia - WBX 2.1 project |
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