VW westfalia Dometic fridge?

[Dirtgypsy]

Anyone have any experience with the dometic Fridges that are in VW's? I have been digging around for a used fridge but have not had any luck finding one in my price range. I may have found one of these from a VW in great condition that may fit my needs. It is an older model 160ce. Has anyone seen or a have any experince with this model? My reaserch online has been so far very limited.

thanks, cliNt

 

[Hltoppr]

I looked at the Westy's for a bit, and the fridges seemed to either work great or be problematic. Apparently, the propane fridges work great when parked level and not shaken to death....

Hence why I bit the bullet and went with my Engel 35L....worth every penny FWIW...

-H-

 

[hoser]

Dirtgypsy, what is your price range? A new Waeco CF-40 can be had for like $440.

 

[Dirtgypsy]

thanks for the tip hltopper. i will try to do some more research. right now it is just a 110V/ 12V only Dometic so I am not sure on durability but assume it has less parts to go wrong.

hoser, thank you for the offer. my budget is about $200 maybe $250 depending on fridge. those weaco's look great but a bit out of budget.

I am going to do some more digging and look harder after the first of the year!

cliNt

 

[davegonz]

Clint,

I see those types of fridges on craigslist all the time. Look under the RV section. Norcold makes them for RVs as well.

 

[e9999]

don't know about the VWs specifically, but you're probably aware that a lot of these RV type fridges are absorption, not compressor devices. They are nowhere as effective at cooling as the compressor types. OTOH, they are great when used with propane range wise (we get at least 3 weeks of cooling with one 20 lb tank, maybe more, with our Dometic) if not temperature (not great for freezing). But with electrical power, these things will kill your battery in no time at all.

 

[Weedhopper]

We had the fridge in our VW camper a long time ago and I remember it working great. Kept the beer cold thats all that mattered at that time.

 

[hudyhue]

theres a big bus club in wa. around seatle? what years the westie

 

[Dirtgypsy]

not sure what year it is from. I just need something for parishables so I don't have to run to the store every two days for ice.

here is one from ebay I am watching:

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&ih=001&sspagename=STRK%3AMEWA%3AIT&viewitem=&item=110194914000&rd=1

thanks for the help!

cliNt

 

[esh]

I think I'm going for this one when the warmer weather hits. Overland Journal had a nice review on fridges and this was not only cheapest but seemed to perform better than the rest. Only downside seemed to be the heavy use of plastic construction.

http://www.waecousa.com/page.aspx?p=CF-35

 

[hoser]

Except for the hinge, I'd say plastic is an advantage. Keeps the contents cooler, lightweight and no rusting.

 

[e9999]

I think I'm going for this one when the warmer weather hits. Overland Journal had a nice review on fridges and this was not only cheapest but seemed to perform better than the rest. Only downside seemed to be the heavy use of plastic construction.

http://www.waecousa.com/page.aspx?p=CF-35

don't you think they may be cheaper / more available in the winter?


I seem to remember that it drew more current than some of the others, though, no?

 

[Dirtgypsy]

that looks like a nice fridge. here is one I am interested from Dometic that I found from digging on the v-dub one:

http://www.pplmotorhomes.com/parts/rv-refrigerators/compact-refrigerator-rc4000.htm#Order

cliNt

 

[hoser]

I seem to remember that it drew more current than some of the others, though, no?

Yes, it did draw the most current in those tests, however, the Danfoss compressor can be modded to have a switchable current draw. This feature comes standard on the CF-80 and larger but none of the smaller ones.

 

[romey]

check www.rvwestfalia.com if you haven't already done so. they're out of montreal, canada, and they ship in mint westy's and synchro's, kinda pricey tho, but they do have that outback or luxuryimports type of service with their rigs. they do full maintenance of their campers so i'm sure they've can get you a fridge... if it helps...

just gotta hit "english" first. they have nice stock! i think most of the stuff comes from germany.

 

[e9999]

that looks like a nice fridge. here is one I am interested from Dometic that I found from digging on the v-dub one:

http://www.pplmotorhomes.com/parts/rv-refrigerators/compact-refrigerator-rc4000.htm#Order

cliNt

when it says "3 way" they likely mean an absorption device, not a compressor.

 

[esh]

don't you think they may be cheaper / more available in the winter?


I seem to remember that it drew more current than some of the others, though, no?

I'll have more greenbacks when it's warmer.. kinda went nuts with the spending this autumn.

 

[Dirtgypsy]

when it says "3 way" they likely mean an absorption device, not a compressor.

it is an asorption type fridge. sorry for my dumb question but what is wrong with this style fridge?

cliNt

 

[e9999]

it is an asorption type fridge. sorry for my dumb question but what is wrong with this style fridge?

cliNt

the ones I used are great for long term refrigeration when you use propane, but nowhere as good for freezing or as fast for cooldown as the compressor ones. I can get close to freezing or just about there with mine but definitely not well below freezing like a comp one can. And on 12V they'll kill your battery much faster. YMMV.