Living without the Westy fridge to make space...

Post by **nordberg** » 26 Mar 2015, 13:38

I have a Westy which is a blessing and a curse at the same time. I would love to have the flexibility to start chopping and changing things, but I know that I will be devaluing my van if I do so, and would probably end up regretting it in the long term. However, I wonder if anybody reading this has taken the fridge out to make more room for storage and added a removable/portable 3 way fridge solution in it's place? If so can anybody post up to show their modifications or point me in the direction in the way of links so I can make a more educated decision as to weather i should continue to consider it as an option. Not going to do anything short term, and if I did it would be fully reversible.

Thanks

Post by **printmonkey** » 26 Mar 2015, 14:24

I've bought a portable waeco and couldn't be happier with it. You can look at this, watch the YouTube video and make your own.

http://www.gowesty.com/ec_view_details. ... parent_id=" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

Cheers
David

E D I T

I forgot to mention that I have a US Westy so the fridge vent matches this kit. A simple ally plate should block the euro fridge vent.

Post by **nordberg** » 26 Mar 2015, 15:02

printmonkey wrote:I've bought a portable waeco and couldn't be happier with it. You can look at this, watch the YouTube video and make your own.

http://www.gowesty.com/ec_view_details. ... parent_id=" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

Cheers
David

E D I T

I forgot to mention that I have a US Westy so the fridge vent matches this kit. A simple ally plate should block the euro fridge vent.

David,
Thanks for the link. It's certainly something I am going to give some thought to. As I say, I won't be cutting any copper pipes etc if i take the plunge as I would like to have the option of re-instating

Post by **printmonkey** » 26 Mar 2015, 16:01

You don't need to cut the pipes. Just disconnect and remove the unused pipe and store it with the fridge.

I've kept everything ready to go back in if I sell my van on and the buyer wants to restore to original spec.

Post by **shepster** » 27 Mar 2015, 16:10

Why not have a 'portable/removable' storage unit instead and keep the fridge where it is?

Post by **ninja.turtle007** » 27 Mar 2015, 17:14

How much storage do you need? We recently traveled a a family of four to Morocco. We were away for 4 weeks.

I don't know how anybody can eat properly whilst away without a fridge especially if you like cold beer or wine.

Have you considered a roof box or a Peli case for the front luggage rack?

Post by **lloydy** » 27 Mar 2015, 17:19

It's just a matter on really nailing down what you need to take with you. We manage with just the Westy overhead locker and wardrobe (weekender layout) family of four, three week holidays. Strangely we seem to take just as much stuff when we go away for a weekend!

Post by **Ralf85** » 27 Mar 2015, 17:24

Agreed. If the fridge works, leave it where it is. Use a trailer for extra stuff if you really need it. Otherwise, keep it simple and travel light.

Post by **keith** » 27 Mar 2015, 18:39

We've done 3 weeks in ours....3 of us....bags of space.

Fridge is a must and so convenient linked directly to gas.

Post by **printmonkey** » 27 Mar 2015, 18:49

Ralf85 wrote:Agreed. If the fridge works, leave it where it is. Use a trailer for extra stuff if you really need it. Otherwise, keep it simple and travel light.

If your fridge is working it doesn't make sense to remove it, get a small roof box. But on the other hand if your westy fridge is beyond servicing a removable fridge is a good idea.

Post by **nordberg** » 28 Mar 2015, 07:31

Ralf85 wrote:Agreed. If the fridge works, leave it where it is. Use a trailer for extra stuff if you really need it. Otherwise, keep it simple and travel light.

I have a trailer

Just considering different options and there does seem to be quite a lot of people that do loose the fridge in favour of an alternative solution. I an taking on board your comments though

Post by **danmetallic** » 28 Mar 2015, 07:44

As others have said if the fridge works leave it in. If you do take it out you'll only going to have to fit some sort of cooling box somewhere else so kind of defeats the purpose. With economic packing we can easily fit clothes etc for 3 people for looooong stretches of camping so don't really find lack of space an issue.

If you really feel the need get the GoWesty fridge elimination kit. http://www.gowesty.com/ec_view_details.php?id=4361" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

Or add extra storage with one of these behind the passenger seat.

Post by **jed the spread** » 28 Mar 2015, 07:48

We found putting shelves in the wardrobe made it so we could fit miles more stuff in our van.

Post by **keith** » 28 Mar 2015, 08:23

Im intrigued as to what you cant fit in....and to how you would fit loads more into the space taken by the fridge.

Post by **Ralf85** » 28 Mar 2015, 11:03

danmetallic wrote: If you really feel the need get the GoWesty fridge elimination kit. http://www.gowesty.com/ec_view_details.php?id=4361" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

Gowesty go on about the poor performance of the standard fridge, then try and sell you a very expensive replacement that only runs on electricity. My fridge gets so cold I normally have to turn it off overnight otherwise it freezes stuff!

Club 80-90 Forums