Hey Patti

Unfortunately, both the Vitrifrigo and Engel will add some heat to the
interior. In fact anything but an ice chest will throw off heat. I
suspect that the original fridges in our westies produce a lot more
heat than a compressor fridge, especially while running on LP.

Upgrading the fridge is also on my list of improvements, but I find
that there is no perfect solution. Electric compressor fridges are the
popular choice since new LP units small enough to fit in the original
location are nonexistent as far as I know. Too bad because they make
no noise and don't require aux batteries.

For me, the choice comes down to three options:
1- Keep the old 182B running and use an ice box when additional food
storage and/or ice is needed.
2- Install a "Truckfridge"
3- Get a portable Waeco.  Keep the old fridge or gut it for dry
storage. There are kits available to retro fit to a cabinet with shelf.

Option #1 is the cheapest option and most versatile. Ice chest takes
up space and requires purchase of ice every 3-5 days. This is still my
preferred option.
Option #2 will set you back $479 plus shipping. If you don't have an
aux battery or 2, you will need that. Maybe a battery separator, solar
panel, controller, aux fuse panel, wiring and lots of elbow grease.
This will give you a little bit more food storage, stable temp control
and ice making capability in the little freezer.
Option #3 will cost $700- 1000 depending on size and also requires aux
battery and other electrical upgrades mentioned in option 2. Down side
is that it will cool or freeze, but not both. Portability is not
important to me, but it would be nice to leave the unit in the garage
when not needed.

So, it depends on what works for you and how much time & money you
want to spend on this mod.

Good luck!

Keith O.
90 Westy Syncro "VikingWagen"

> Date:    Mon, 8 Jun 2009 14:32:49 -0700
> From:    PB <pbrattan@GMAIL.COM>
> Subject: Trying to decide...
>
> I'm trying to decide between a Vitrifrigo or a portable Engel.  I
> was almost
> sold on the Engel until I realized that it'll probably blow warm air
> into
> the Westy, and while the AC DOES work, it's not the best AC in the
> world.  I
> do like the idea of being able to use it in different vehicles,
> though, even
> though it won't be that easy to transfer a 50 lb unit.
>
> Is anyone using a portable?  Is there anything I haven't
> considered?  One of
> my main considerations is the amount of battery power it uses, and I
> believe
> that both the Vitrifrigo and the Engel use very little.
>
> The good thing is that there's a store  that sells Engels around 25
> miles
> from where I live.  I can at least go and SEE one in person.  This
> website
> has great pix and detailed explanations about the different Engel
> fridges:
> http://expeditionexchange.com/engel/
>
> Thanks.
> Patti
> 90 Westy Automatic