Eurovan camper fridge upgrade

[KAVANAYEN]

The Norcold 3 way refrigerator in my 2002 EVC had not worked since I bought it 6 months ago, instead of repairing it I preferred to change it for a more modern and efficient equipment. My preference was a device that works with 12 Volts DC and 120 Volt AC, I looked for several options and due to size, performance, noise level and price I decided on INDELB CR 65, it is the same Truckfridge CR65 but with the original manufacturer's brand, it is a Italian company that has been in business for decades. I Purchased directly from indelbnorthamerica.com, awesome service!!!

- I removed the old Norcold dinosaur, a lot of cleaning, sealing the exhausts. Copper plug for the LP Pipe.

- I took the power switch from the Norcold and adapted it to the board above the refrigerator, so I can select the power of the new refrigerator or turn it off: very convenient.

- For the 120 Volts AC supply, buy an AC to DC charger/transformer, with capacity for the refrigerator and connect it to the "house" circuit of the Van.

-To adapt and level the height of the refrigerator, buy a set of 4 furniture legs with adjustable height on Amazon, and place them in the same holes of the small rubber legs that the refrigerator comes with. The adjustable legs range from 50 to 70 MM. I have seen several refrigerator replacements online, but none of them used this adjustable leg option to make it easier to fit the refrigerator in the cabinet. Then with 2 screws in each side the fridge is fixed.

- For the space on the left side available, I used a REV A Shelf from Home Depot that is 5 inches wide and 10.5 inches deep, it is the only one I could find that would fit the space available. I had the front cover made at a place that manufactures kitchens.

Note: still looking for the headrests for the rear seat of my EVC, is anybody knows where or who has it, I will really appreciate the information. Thanks!!

[kourt]

Great use of materials, especially the adjustable feet. Thank you for posting.

kourt

[HeyCrutch]

This is one of the best Norcold replacements I've seen. Love that you re-used the control from the Norcold.

As someone who may try to emulate your implementation, any additional details you can add to your original post would be greatly appreciate (like links to your amazon adjustable legs, the Home Depot drawer, your converter, etc.).

Thanks for sharing!!!

[OB Bus]

We did our 2002 with the same Intel-B fridge. Truckfridge was way backordered but the Intel arrived in a few days.
Following another install post on FB we made a "box" out of 1X1 and 1X2 for the base. Not adjustable like yours but stable. We also reused the grill from the Nor-not-so-cold at the bottom.
We also used the same rev-a-shelf and put a 1X6 piece of Oak on the front. I so wish that shelf unit was deeper...there is room for another 6" of depth.
We are so much happier with the electric fridge. Our NorCold worked just sometimes and poorly. The new one is great. We now have a 100 watt solar panel that will be employed next trip.
When folks post about problems with the NorCold I usually respond: "junk the Norcold, get a modern compressor fridge (Truckfridge, Intel, Domestic, etc.) and you will be so much happier." Yes it is pricey but worth every penny.
_________________
Larry in OB
Stop dead photo links! Post your photos to The Samba Gallery!
69 Westfalia and 2002 Eurovan Camper.
People deserve the Government they voted for.

[giom22]

Hi. Nice work!
Thanks for sharing the photos.
I got exactly the same fridge a couple of days ago and I'm ready to install it in my 1996 European model.

Did you cut or shorten the old propane pipe? Mine is located between the back wall and the fridge. And it prevents me from pushing the fridge all the way back.

Thanks for you feedback.
I will probably have more questions

[OB Bus]

[Archie.Bunker]

How hard was it to adapt the norcold control panel to operate the new refrigerator

[idahobug]

Moved from vanagon post.
So i inherited a1999 eurovan camper and have little knowledge.

Ac fridge that plugs into shore power if connected to shore power. The fridge is ac probably 60w draw 5 amp which can plug into the cheap 100w inverter(bottom right corner, you can see inverter) The inverter starts but flashes angry red lights.

It has a 100ah deep cycle lead battery in back hatch above passenger side rear wheel.

The charger from the alternator works but seems to be intermittent.

I like to do long dry camping stints. I’ve have a 150 w suitcase solar charger mpt that did a good job on my prior setup 2 6v 100ah. My spouse wants a ‘real fridge’ not one of the new cheap plug in coolers.

1. Is there an original installed charger when connected to shore power/ac to house battery? Haven’t detected it or found it.
2. I don’t trust the fridge set-up food because: inverter dodgy, battery could not have enough charge even with solar, thinking of buying Bodegacioler 12v, much cheaper than dometic or truckfridge.

3. Or Should I upgrade to a power station? Keep the ac fridge? Power station has other benefits, move to kitchen station run laptop etc. , this one fits next to fridge.

4. How nice are these roof fans. Afraid to cut a hole in top. Only 16” I could find.

Didn’t know if you all rather I dredge up these old posts or start new.

[dsh1705]

Welcome to EuroVan ownership!

[idahobug]

Thanks.
I’ve used propane and it works well. Seems hard to find, domestic doesn’t seem to sell them anymore, and I’m a little I’m a little worried about getting the install correct because fatal events may occur.
I’d love to upgrade battery to lithium but then there is the snowball effect of having to buy a $200 dc to dc converter for the alternator. A ac to dc converter etc etc.

[dsh1705]

You would need to find a used one. Someone here may have one to give you. Nothing difficult about the propane install - as easy as a backyard BBQ.

Dual 6 volt golf cart batteries will only set you back a few hundred bucks, and you can still use the existing charging scenario. Go from 100 to 225 amp hours.
_________________
David
1705.net

[idahobug]

Wow really appreciate feedback. The eurovan sat for two years as a yellowjacket nest in rainy Washington.
Recovering form ruptured Achilles surgery and have more time to ‘noodle’ on these things.

In my silly mountain town two 6v deep cycle batteries are $650 a bigger battery box from gowesty or poptop is $100.

New ac generator charges lithium, one you had in article is not available.
Think this would work:

For $750 I could fit a 200 ah lithium in the box I think. Just use ac charger and solar then disconnect the alternator. Or buy a $200 smart charger thing you added, I’m afraid of the new wire, was the only new wire you added to charge car battery with house battery?

I could use the existing battery box save $100 and have the wonderment of lithium, but we do camp when 0 degrees at night and battery box is so well vented from the heat from inside, and lithium gets funny at low temps.

Other needed stuff:
1. is cut plywood for bunk,
2. replace top tent,
3. figure out drains for top front storage,
4. Haven’t pulled out the ARB awning yet to see what it needs.
5. Water pump just runs and runs doesn’t hit pressure. I filled it with the winterizing anti freeze, spouse probably won’t like taste, I’m guessing it’s hard to replace or clean the basin.
6. Cup holders.
Anyone use this: gotta love what 3d printers can make.

7. Remove a stereo fix wiring, love to install a CarPlay but only single dinn.
8. The rear seats are so hard to convert thinking of building a nice box bed like yours. Is the bench comfortable? Would you do it differently now?
9. Passenger front seat won’t turn can’t get the latch to get out of the notch in the circular plate.

I’m happy to spend money but we don’t have a mechanic in 100 miles that will touch a 99 VW, worry about major auto repairs making big spending on the ‘house’ side silly. It does have the coveted VR6, 177k miles, no rust, 16 inch wheels, a silly backup camera. Also a metal foil sticker that certifies it has housing with state of Colorado.

We live in the mountains, like dry camping it’s easier with our two dogs. Even campgrounds are harder with dogs have to use tie outs. Really really prefer outdoor kitchen and outdoor hanging out. Rarely go to RV parks, where it’s nice to have privacy, and usually don’t have more than a day of rain. So don’t need to live and cook indoors.

[dsh1705]

[Blaque Jacques]

Hi and happy Eurovan ownership. I've owned a 78 westy, I own a 86 westy and a couple of eurovan campers (99 and '02). They each have their strong points fun aspects. I've really enjoyed getting to know and tinkering with the Eurovan platform over the last few years and its my go to for long highway road trips. Very comfortable and easy driving.

that said, I've replaced the Norcolds in both of my vans with 12v compressor fridges and I have both of them available if you would like. I'm happy to give them away, and help with any knowledge needed to refurb. I think that the biggest weakness of these is the relighter board, which I found I had to replace relatively frequently. these boards can be found for just over $100 online and can be replaced w/o removing the entire fridge. I've done comeplete overhauls of the fridges and when they work well they are great, use little fuel and stay decently cold.

If you want them I'd first check to see how the propane supply was handled by the PO. look in the back and see if the line is still there and just plugged. if so install should be pretty easy.

I'm in Moab, Ut, and would probably not be interested in shipping the fridge(s) but folks are always passing thru town and perhaps someone would be willing to transport for you.

cheers,

jacques
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86 2wd Westy GW2200. 97, 99 02 EVC. Lots and lots of bikes