Vitrifrigo vs. TruckFridge Recommendation |
Vitrifrigo |
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20% |
[ 2 ] |
TruckFridge |
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60% |
[ 6 ] |
Other? |
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20% |
[ 2 ] |
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Total Votes : 10 |
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rockfish Samba Member
Joined: February 13, 2007 Posts: 740 Location: Palo Alto, Calif.
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Posted: Tue Apr 14, 2009 12:02 pm Post subject: Vitrifrigo vs. TruckFridge? Recommendations? |
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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 |
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Blood Loss Samba Member
Joined: June 18, 2008 Posts: 129 Location: Baltimore
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Posted: Tue Apr 14, 2009 12:39 pm Post subject: |
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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. |
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MarkWard Samba Member
Joined: February 09, 2005 Posts: 16972 Location: Retired South Florida
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Posted: Tue Apr 14, 2009 12:49 pm Post subject: |
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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. _________________ ☮️ |
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billwilson Samba Member
Joined: March 16, 2009 Posts: 171 Location: San Clemente, CA
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Posted: Tue Apr 14, 2009 1:19 pm Post subject: TF |
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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 |
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westyventures Samba Member
Joined: December 29, 2004 Posts: 2305 Location: Oregon Outback
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Posted: Tue Apr 14, 2009 7:49 pm Post subject: |
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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. |
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Alaric.H Samba Member
Joined: March 28, 2009 Posts: 2529 Location: Sandy Springs GA
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Posted: Wed Apr 15, 2009 4:44 am Post subject: |
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They look so similar I guess save the cash and put a shelf underneath.
I have had frozon food for a month in mine.
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woggs1 Samba Member
Joined: February 22, 2007 Posts: 531 Location: South Pacifica California
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Posted: Wed Apr 15, 2009 8:01 am Post subject: |
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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 |
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westyventures Samba Member
Joined: December 29, 2004 Posts: 2305 Location: Oregon Outback
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Posted: Wed Apr 15, 2009 9:22 am Post subject: |
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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 |
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82WestyMan Samba Member
Joined: December 28, 2006 Posts: 1098 Location: Western OR
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Posted: Thu Apr 16, 2009 1:48 pm Post subject: |
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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 |
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pnwkayaker Samba Member
Joined: April 01, 2008 Posts: 918 Location: Sammamish, WA
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Posted: Thu Apr 16, 2009 1:56 pm Post subject: |
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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) |
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woggs1 Samba Member
Joined: February 22, 2007 Posts: 531 Location: South Pacifica California
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Posted: Thu Apr 16, 2009 2:04 pm Post subject: |
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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 |
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pnwkayaker Samba Member
Joined: April 01, 2008 Posts: 918 Location: Sammamish, WA
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Posted: Thu Apr 16, 2009 2:20 pm Post subject: |
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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) |
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madspaniard Samba Member
Joined: August 18, 2008 Posts: 3795 Location: Alameda, CA
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Posted: Thu Apr 16, 2009 2:23 pm Post subject: |
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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? |
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billwilson Samba Member
Joined: March 16, 2009 Posts: 171 Location: San Clemente, CA
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Posted: Thu Apr 16, 2009 5:11 pm Post subject: |
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have mine installed
but Wilson is still getting modded at the shop
will post when i get it
HOPEFULLY tomarow _________________ '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
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! |
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woggs1 Samba Member
Joined: February 22, 2007 Posts: 531 Location: South Pacifica California
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Posted: Thu Apr 16, 2009 6:16 pm Post subject: |
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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 |
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ohlott Samba Member
Joined: March 28, 2007 Posts: 294 Location: san clemente CA
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Posted: Thu Apr 16, 2009 7:09 pm Post subject: |
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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 |
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billwilson Samba Member
Joined: March 16, 2009 Posts: 171 Location: San Clemente, CA
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Posted: Fri Apr 17, 2009 6:43 am Post subject: |
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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
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
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! |
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MarkWard Samba Member
Joined: February 09, 2005 Posts: 16972 Location: Retired South Florida
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Posted: Fri Apr 17, 2009 7:06 am Post subject: |
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They are located in Florida? About time something for my Vanagon is near me for a change. _________________ ☮️ |
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westyventures Samba Member
Joined: December 29, 2004 Posts: 2305 Location: Oregon Outback
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Posted: Fri Apr 17, 2009 7:12 am Post subject: |
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billwilson wrote: |
Buddy
no worries
looks like we both live in SC
would be glad to give you a Tour
Feel free to pm me
BW out |
SC = South Carolina
You meant SoCal? |
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ohlott Samba Member
Joined: March 28, 2007 Posts: 294 Location: san clemente CA
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Posted: Fri Apr 17, 2009 7:37 am Post subject: |
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Karl,
San Clemente in So Cal. _________________ 83.5 westy 2.2 subi |
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