DOMETIC CRX50.. the best off grid 12v compressor fridge/freezer for full time VANLIFE?? Full review

[@Andy-TanyaWilko]

down to earth knowledge and normal ....many thanks and safe travels x

[@campervibe]

Thanks Andrew 😁

[@williamwilson1857]

Thank you, half way through my conversion, have this fridge in the box, in my shed, every time I see the box, I worry it’s too small, your video has convinced me it’s ideal, thanks for all the help in your content so far. Love how you are letting Emily be in the videos now 😃

[@campervibe]

Hi William, thank you for watching, I hope your conversion is going well. I would have loved for Emily to be in the earlier videos, I'm glad she's in them more now too! 😁😁 Thanks, Lou.

[@321seb]

thank you for the detailed power consumption info! really appreciated

[@HitchUpAndTow]

Interesting video. Our fridge has just stopped working on gas, so this might be an option. keep safe👍

[@tehdreamer]

Very good point about the sunlight exposure on the fridge, didnt think about that cheers!

[@campervibe]

No worries, thanks for watching 😁👍

[@davidburns5988]

Hi. If you move the top shelf up one then B&M do a shelf that would attach under the top shelf to provide a bit more space. Built purely for Freddies.

[@kevoldguysrule3758]

Brilliant video love the end bit Cheers 🙂

[@campervibe]

Thank you 😁👍

[@tvp-thevanproject]

Thank you for the video. I have this fridge ready to go in any day now.

[@campervibe]

No worries, thanks for watching 👍 good luck with your install 😁

[@angeltorz]

😂😂😂 Found you guys from your post in Women with Campervans this morning. Have chuckled my way through your vids, managing to easily waste a whole morning still crashed in bed. (Not a lot else to do in lockdown.....) really make me laugh. I love your build and videos.keep up the good work ladies xxx

[@campervibe]

Hello, thank you so much for watching, glad you found them entertaining, and you're right, not much else to do at the moment anyway! 😁👍

[@LostNative]

Nice job, I'm getting a Dometic chest fridge freezer so nice to know the energy consumption is low on the Domestics 👍 Poor Emily been sent to the drawer 🤣

[@campervibe]

😂😂 Poor Emily lol!! The dometic are great, we are really pleased with ours 😁👍

[@debbie62140]

Hi Louise & Emily. That's a superb fridge and you've sited it well to suit your needs. Sadly, no room for that in our old VW Transporter. I've been binge-watching your build over the last few days and finally caught up to date! You have a lovely van and I'm sure you'll have some great times in it when you are allowed to travel again. It's a shame you have shelved your plans to do Europe this year, but there are lots of places in the UK to visit that you might not have been to with your previous van. When you do eventually make it across the channel, there's a warm welcome for you here at our home in northern France. We are about an hour's drive from Calais in a lovely rural area near Montreuil-Sur-Mer. Looking forward to your following videos... Deb & Alex Sutton. xx

[@campervibe]

Hi deb and Alex 😁 thank you so much for following along with our build, it means a lot that people are enjoying our videos! We are hoping to get to Europe next year and France will obviously be the first place on our list. We've been to the South before but never really explored the North. Hope all is well over there for you in this current situation! Thanks again, Lou and Emily 😁😁

[@michaelolsen7867]

great video, Emily you are also a star in my book.

[@campervibe]

Thanks Michael, she's a star in my book too but my god do not tell her lol!! Thanks for watching, Lou. 😁👍

[@michaelolsen7867]

you can tell me all your secrets, lol

[@comalley5064]

Thanks for this, just got my cx-50. This was very helpful.

[@campervibe]

Glad we could help 😀👍

[@ngoudriaan000]

😆 love the explanation at the end. Still love you Emily 😻

[@campervibe]

Thanks, I do try my best to help her out 🤣

[@ngoudriaan000]

camper vibe 😆

[@pa_maj.MARTINI-van-MAN]

The real reasons are always the best 😂 You put me in the mood for a beer lol, I haven't had one for a month do to watching my carb intake 🙄

[@campervibe]

Well in that case, cheers! Enjoy your beer 😁😁

[@Marshy234]

Brilliant video 👍

[@campervibe]

Thanks Rick 😁👍

[@Laffexplore]

Love that you have a spot just for chocolate!!! My kind of person!!

[@campervibe]

It's a must for me, it's the only reason I exercise so I can eat more 😂

[@offgridsolaruk843]

Great video! Been looking at getting one of these.

[@campervibe]

I love my fridge, its a good but of kit 😁👍

[@rtalbot87]

Very informative. Thank you.

[@campervibe]

Our pleasure 😊

[@shezadkins2614]

Entertaining yet informative and edumuhcational as always. "What's in the freezer?" Vodka. Just a suggestion. Lmao. Love you guys. 🤣😷😘😷

[@campervibe]

Hi shez 😁 I'm sure Emily will put vodka in there at some point lol! Hope all is well on your side of the world 👍

[@ant_hart]

I definitely agree about the fridge volume in litres 🙃 it makes no real world sense!...it should say 8 Peroni’s , full pack of dairylea dunkers and a cabbage!lol I’ve got the CRX50 in my T5, it’s served me well , had it about 2years, no issues at all. I removed my freezer bit and usually run it on the 4th light down while I’m driving or to begin with then after a few hours drop it to the 2nd light once parked up. Can’t recommender enough...although it is ridiculously fking expensive for what it actually does!!! I’m planning in the new build to have the 80l version as for much over a 5 days ish I think I’d struggle . Yours looks soo good against the ‘mystery blue paint’ 😉

[@ant_hart]

P.S....If it wasn’t intended to wear clothes that perfectly match the inside of the van then that’s just hilarious 😂🤣😂 ...I’m calling it Lou’s van camo! Almost lost you at one point!lol

[@campervibe]

😂😂 No it wasn't intended, I had to just go back and check what I was actually wearing in the video lol! And you're right, I'm in camo lol!!

[@terranno]

Hi , have the same fridge definitely Best Buy ,I put a small computer fan at the back of unit that it's in and it's made a big difference to the running of it you'll probably not need one where you have it fitted,by the way nice van.

[@campervibe]

Thanks jed. Nice idea with the fan! It's a really good fridge, thank you for watching 😁👍

[@ryandavinci2087]

It would be interesting to have an update on power consumption now you're in spain :D

[@campervibe]

Thanks Ryan it is on a ever growing list 😀👍

[@wildnaturestudios9861]

nice well done love your channel u got me hooked

[@campervibe]

Thank you, glad you like the videos 😁👍

[@leesmith9299]

hot days there'd be more solar so all works out. except maybe you'd want to find shade on the really hot days.

[@campervibe]

That's very true, but yeh we'd need a bit of shade for our dog 😁

[@lukeowenray]

Another Good one Ladies

[@campervibe]

Thanks Ray 😁👍

[@anthonyellis1409]

How is it going on your house. In Ireland

[@garyodriscoll3009]

Hi girls good vid very good demo ..and informative

[@campervibe]

Cheers Gary, thanks for watching 👍

[@shezadkins2614]

I am sooooo trying to think of other videos you can do.... Running to get a Pretz All Day Breakfast for the hungover doesn't count, I know. Lmao. But it's been 29 years and I'm gagging for it!!!!

[@campervibe]

😂😂😂🤣

[@theonlywoody2shoes]

Can you get the freezer separator/compartment out, if the door only opens 90 degrees as you have it installed please? I was concerned when Emily suggested that tiny (5 egg size) compartment for chocolate - WAAAAY too small, I have half a (domestic size) fridge shelf for mine! Another great informative and entertaining video thank you.

[@campervibe]

Thanks Ian. No you cannot remove the freezer part with the door how we have it, the door needs to be much more open to allow enough space to slide it out. One thing I'd like to say tho is, no matter how big the shelf, who the hell keeps chocolate in the freezer?!! You are as mad as Emily lol!! 😋 Thanks for watching 👍

[@nm-ge4tb]

👍👍Well thought out , brilliant👍👍🌹🙏

[@campervibe]

Thank you so much 😁👍

[@catherinewinterburn1043]

Hi just seen that your in France so exciting. So do you have the fridge on all the time it just controls its self and only uses if kicking in. I dont know whether to get a 3 way or this. Just not sure how to fit the 3 way. Are you still pleased with the fridge

[@campervibe]

Hi Catherine, yes very pleased! So the fridge is on all the time, the compressor just kicks in when it starts to get warm to cool itself down again.

[@davido1031]

Great video lmao at the end 👍🏻🤣🤣

[@campervibe]

🤣🤣 Thanks David 👍

[@johnoneill9056]

Just come across your site and i find it so lovely. You are both so pleasant to the eye, witty, charming and inspirational. Yourself and other van lifers have inspired me to buy a newish Citroen Relay self converted van. Im in a situation, i have left my job and my girlfriend is still working My question is, once this lockdown is over on December 4th do i go travelling and upset my girlfriend or do i or do i just look at my new van and only use it on weekends? Any suggestions?

[@campervibe]

Hi John, thank you and thanks for watching 😁👍 as for your question we really can't answer thst one, only you can decide what is best for you and how it will impact your relationship. Maybe sit down and have a long talk with your girlfriend and see what you can come up with. Either way, good luck with it 😁👍

[@TheWhatacracker]

Good job girls

[@sunseeker8457]

I just want to get this one right. The fridge you brought will be full of Emily's alcohol, mixers and snacks?? So that means you need to get another fridge for food to survive?? Way to go Emily!

[@RussWoodard]

I have the same fridge sitting on my dining room table ready to be fitted tomorrow. I am also going to replace the cable for 6mm2 but the factory fitted female spade connectors seem to be a complete git to get off. Did you have any problems removing yours? Are they locking connectors? I have been enjoying your build process, you have done an amazing job 👍

[@campervibe]

Hi russ, one came off really easily and the other I had to really pull, was quite worried when I done it if I remember but could see there being potential for a problem. Ours is all fine tho, despite the force I had to use removing one lol! Thank you for watching and following along with our build 😁👍

[@RussWoodard]

Ahhh, thank you thats a great help. Like you I was worried about causing some damage 😭. Seems that I just need to man up with them 😂. Thanks again 👍

[@jbro1166]

Love the videos! But gotta ask! Louise you have so many skills and can turn your hand to anything? What is your occupation? Are you a carpenter? Did your father teach you all these skills etc?

[@campervibe]

Hi ya, yeah she is and yeah he did teach her stuff when she was younger 😁👍

[@jbro1166]

camper vibe you can tell! She is sooo talented! She never boasts or discusses her Monday to Friday job though!

[@davidm9643]

Hi. Just a tip You don't need to keep eggs in a fridge you could use the space for something else

[@campervibe]

Haha, this is very true. Thank you for watching 😁👍

[@paulsmart7564]

Hi girls. As always great video. Louise, can’t find the fridge wiring loom on Rayneautomotive site. Did you have to ask for it? Fridge is my next purchase. Cheers girls 👍

[@campervibe]

Hi Paul, yeh I rang up and asked, just gave them my cable run length, and my battery terminal size for the lugs and they just made it all up. It came really quickly too, tho that was before the corona delays!

[@paulsmart7564]

Cheers Louise.

[@paulsmart7564]

Hi Louise. Thanks for the info on fridge wiring loom. You are going to run straight from battery. Are you putting in an isolation switch or just turning off from fridge. Sorry for all the questions. You have been a massive help to me and my build. Thank you. You two have Also given me a great laugh too 😂. Right, now to watch your latest vid, so no doubt you will be hearing from me later too. Cheers 🍻 Paul

[@campervibe]

😂😂 Your comment is usually the highlight of my Fridays these days lol! I haven't added an isolation swith yet, just the in line fuse. The fridge does have its own switch but I think it is something I may add in the future, probably a bit safer if there's ever an issue.

[@charitybosua]

Just found your channel. Love it so much. Have you looked into fridge ventilation? I've read they need to have a good airflow in order to work (especially in warm temp.) Kinda not keen on cutting holes in the side of our van for grids. What do you think?

[@campervibe]

Hi charity, welcome aboard, glad you like the channel 😁 if you go for 12v compressor fridge like we have you don't need to cut holes in the van, they are extremely economical on electric compare to a 3 way fridge. 3 ways are the ones that run on gas also. It'll depend on what kind of battery set up and solar you are going for. Personally, every van er I know, given the choice would go foe 12v compressed with good solar these days but it all depends on the build you are going to do. Hope that helps.

[@charitybosua]

@@campervibe we wanted to go for the same fridge as you but a bit bigger. Maybe won't cut holes then. Thanks a lot. BTW also I found your kitchen picture on Pinterest and used it as our main source of inspiration. In the same time I was watching your videos and suddenly realized it's your kitchen! So stunning well done.

[@campervibe]

@@charitybosua 😂🤣 how funny lol! Thank you. They're great fridges, we have 300 Watts of solar and it copes just fine. Would struggle in the winter but then I think that will always be the case so would need to hook up from time to time, or, install a battery to battery charger and a bit of a drive will charge them up, works great for us.

[@marks-0-0]

Another fun vlog with great production girls. Is the fridge open to the garage or did you house it in its own box?

[@campervibe]

Hi Mark, it's boxed on the most part but left open at the top where the fan is. I've put holes in the surround tho, I had to part box it in or Emily would just chuck all kinds of stuff at it when we are loading the garage lol!

[@marks-0-0]

@@campervibe i wonder how effective it would be to have a floor vent under the fridge to help to draw cool air up and around the fridge. Might be an idea if you find later on that the fridge is struggling 👍

[@campervibe]

I definitely think it's worth considering, I'll see how it gets on when it's really hot.

[@alexferenci]

Isnt noisy during nights? Thanks

[@campervibe]

Hi, only when the compressor kicks in, to be honest I think we would hear it just as much if we had put it 1 meter away in the kitchen, plus, if it was there the compressor would kick in more often

[@alexferenci]

@@campervibe thank you! I sleep as a rabbit, Im not sure if compressor would wake me up, bit worried about ... tempted with absortion fridge but dont like to have gas in car. Cheers :)

[@leesmith8420]

Is it just electric or is it a three-way fridge? Love the video girls keep up the good work

[@campervibe]

Hi Lee, it's a 12v compressor fridge, so electric only, far more efficient than a 3 way running on 12v and negates the need for gas. If you have decent solar on the roof they're great, we love it 😁😁 glad you like the vids and thank you for watching 👍

[@leesmith8420]

@@campervibe I have a touring caravan I've done a lot of off site camping/ glamping I have been looking into solar panels I have a Honda generator which I run of LPG but saying that I don't really move around a lot I tend to stay in one place! I have been looking at buying a fan possibly T5 or T6! A question for year when you put your van did you buy it from a dealer? I should go back and watch your first video shouldn't I lol

[@campervibe]

😂🤣 Yeh we bought from a dealer but a small independent one, finding the van was the hardest part to be honest.

[@stuRDiven]

Hi great video on the fridge. I have the dometic crx50 as well, I am interested to know how you are finding it now it is installed does it suit your needs. I have found recently that my freezer rarely freezes and the fridge does not get that cold any longer even on lowest setting . Anyone have any ideas if there is a problem or is it just because of the ambient temperatures

[@campervibe]

Hi Stuart, sorry to hear of your problems. Ours still performs as normal.

[@mariannescarlett7262]

Awesomeness 🥰🥰🇪🇦

[@greenfrog58]

God choice!

[@campervibe]

Oh most definitely 👍

[@tonysutton6559]

You can get more canned beer than bottled beer in a fridge because the tin is thinner than glass.

[@campervibe]

So true but I only had bottles 😂

[@caseycooper8631]

Just bought one of these fridges. Do you know if it requires to be drained periodically? How have you found yours in that respect? Cheers 😊

[@campervibe]

Hi, we have not drained ours, it works well so far, just don't over fill it or there will be some water at the bottom where the air can not circulate 👍

[@ladygardener100]

I found the diagrammatic user manual to be puzzling, not sure about the defrosting.

[@ladygardener100]

Eggs should not be stored like that, they need to kept in the box, preferably cardboard, pointy end down

[@ladygardener100]

​@@campervibeevery fridge collkects water which then becomes ice

[@ladygardener100]

The lowest compartnent seems to be same temp as rest of fridge but hard to access and to clean

[@Shadow_Wraith]

Holy shit the price! That's worth more than my van lol.

[@campervibe]

🤣🤣 I know, it's ridiculously expensive right!

[@ladygardener100]

Thus is day, unboxing, by day 2 the silly egg space will be no more as the blue lid breaks more easily than the eggs. I keep eggs in their cardboard box in the veg compartment, about 5C

[@campervibe]

Been using it almost full time for 3 years and our blue lid is still there working perfectly 😃

[@PK_Blinder]

I see Em has had to label her own food in the fridge now.... I saw some marked up as "Pots of Joy".... 😏

[@campervibe]

🤣🤣🤣 if only, they are really nice but not vegetarian 😕😒 they belong to Louise 😆

[@kitleighclark49]

"real reason..." 🤣🤣🤣

[@4SafetyTraining]

The end great....LOL

[@campervibe]

😁👍 Cheers David

[@clgraham82]

I cannot believe you're drinking American beer...I thought all Brits drank was Guinness?! ;)

[@campervibe]

🤣 oh no, Guinness makes your farts smell really bad 😆🤦‍♀️

[@sukamayoutube2323]

Who drinks Guinness apart from the Irish and Old men? 😂 I'm from the UK and tried it once when I went to Ireland.

[@1JYNOT]

£650 quid though!

[@ohioclassCcamper]

I can not believe you would by cools lite that is just water.

[@campervibe]

Sorry I don’t know why you mean 🤔

[@shezadkins2614]

If you are able to add a Patron account. I'll be there for sure. Or even if you just add a PayPal account where you can receive "one time donations" could be a goer. Love you girls. You make me laugh til I nearly pee my pants,!!! I'll support you in any way I can. Love you guys. Shez & GG (Melbourne, Australia)

[@campervibe]

Hi shez and GG! Thank you so much for the support, it really does mean a lot to us that people like the channel and the videos! 😁 I hope you are both OK down there in oz! Hopefully we will be able to travel locally soon so there will be a few videos about that I'm sure 😁

[@JonMadsen70]

:)

[@campervibe]

😁👍

[@orangealpine5267]

Can you let me out of the fridge now please

[@campervibe]

😂🤣😂 Absolutely not lol!

[@orangealpine5267]

@@campervibe have a fab weekend, lol

[@campervibe]

@@orangealpine5267 you too 👍

[@peterellis4982]

No no sorry it just to small

[@campervibe]

😆 it does alright for us 😁