I’m tired of my stock Vanagon fridge barely keeping things cool. What exactly does this kit include to replace it, and how much space will I actually gain?

This Fridge Elimination Kit transforms your inefficient stock fridge area into a functional storage cabinet. You'll gain approximately 2.4 cubic feet of usable space! The kit includes a laminated cabinet shelf (available in gray or tan), a vinyl-covered rear panel, and a stainless steel vent block-off plate, along with all necessary hardware and detailed instructions. It's a fantastic upgrade for storing your supplies!

Is this Fridge Elimination Kit difficult to install? What tools and materials will I need?

The installation typically takes around two hours. You'll need a Bentley Repair Manual for removing the original fridge, plus essential tools like a Phillips screwdriver, tape measure, drill with a 3/16" bit, a small hammer, an 18mm wrench, and a flathead screwdriver. We also provide detailed instructions to guide you through the process.

Will removing my stock fridge affect the exterior of my Vanagon? How is the vent area handled?

No, removing your stock fridge won't negatively affect your Vanagon's exterior. The kit includes a stainless steel vent block-off plate that effectively caps the outside vent, preventing elements from entering your camper. This ensures a clean and sealed finish.

Does this Fridge Elimination Kit really make a difference in storage space? What are the dimensions of the new cabinet?

Absolutely! You’ll gain about 2.4 cubic feet of storage space, a significant improvement over the stock fridge's limited cooling capacity. The included laminated shelf measures 16" x 16.75" x 0.75", creating a versatile cabinet area for all your gear.

Fridge elimination kit

Name: Tan Fridge Elimination Kit [Vanagon]
SKU: GVW-FRIDGE-B-GONE-TAN
Price: 165.0 USD
Availability: InStock

Fridge Elimination Kit [Vanagon]

Product:	GVW-FRIDGE-B-GONE
Works With:	1980-1991
Manufacturer:	GoWesty
Availability:	Low Stock
Wrench Rating:	Requires some hand & power tools and minimal mechanical knowledge.

$165.00

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This kit allows you to remove the stock fridge and convert that area into a storage cabinet with shelves to store all your supplies. The outside vent is capped with the provided aluminum block-off plate to keep the outside elements from getting inside your camper. Approximately 2.4 cubic feet of usable space is gained with this kit!

Let's face it: The stock Dometic fridge in Vanagon full campers is really inefficient. At best, these fridges provide a temperature 40° lower than ambient, and in rare circumstances, it can create tiny little ice cubes. Most of the time, though, the Dometic fridge can barely keep your perishables from perishing. Another common complaint is the difficulty in actually lighting the fridge—and the lighting process gets even more challenging at altitude. After years of servicing these units, we finally decided that eliminating the stock fridge was the way to go. Thus, the GoWesty Fridge Elimination Kit was born.

Kit includes:
• Laminated 16" x 16.75" x 0.75" cabinet shelf (available in gray or tan) -Want to add an extra shelf in there? Click here.
• Vinyl-covered rear panel
• Stainless steel vent block-off plate
• All necessary hardware
• Detailed instructions

Installation time will take approximately two hours.

We recommend installing a highly efficient, top-loading Engel Fridge/Freezer in your vehicle. These units work flawlessly, they don't take up too much space, and they provide an unrivaled level of refrigeration and/or freezing ability.

5 stars: 12 (80%)
4 stars: 2 (13%)
3 stars: 1 (7%)
2 stars: 0 (0%)
1 star: 0 (0%)

The YouTube video that is available after purchase is especially helpful. The step-by-step guide makes this a straightforward project with great looking results.

absolutely cavernous...

its a little pricey for what it is, but the laminate matches well. the vinyl on the backing panel is nice quality but does not match OEM. it does match some of the aftermarket stock look door panels out there (dont think GW carries those any more. gowesty aught to sell the same material by the yard.

this cabinet is absolutely cavernous, i dont even know what else to put in there. its a strange feeling to fill the bus up for a trip for a week and have EXTRA space.
Do yourself a favor and ditch the dometic, get a portable fridge, and enjoy the space with this kit. mid build image attached.

My new storage.

Perfect for my new Goal Zero 1500x . Will stay put in cabinet and not out in the open. Win Win. Thanks.

Customer Service!

I lost and needed the installation instructions for the refrigerator elimination kit. I emailed customer service and within 15 minutes had the instructions and a great email response! This isn't the first time I've reached out for assistance and every time has been great response time and very helpful. Thanks!

Easy project if you want to remove your refrigerator! The new shelf and rear backing extremely well built! I was really impressed with the vinyl/leather cover on the back panel!

Easy to install and looks great. We have so much extra room now!

Easy to install and nice to get rid of the fridge that never worked

Excellent quality

Excellent quality and thoughtful design — highly recommended for fellow van enthusiasts considering a purchase.

Good product

The vanagon refrigerator doesn't work very well. We ended up using it as storage. Finally pulled the trigger and bought this kit and couldn't be happier. It took me about 2 hours to remove the refrigerator and install this delete kit. Way more storage than before.

Easy Install

All in all this is a pretty good kit if you dont want to build your own. Im satisfied

Fridge Elimination Kit

The quality and materials were all very good. The youtube video really helped me figure out how everything goes together, it would have been difficult if I just had the instructions without a video. The only issue was the holes in the 4 L brackets for the single screw that attaches to the door frame were drilled too big for the screws. This required me to drill new, properly sized holes off center. The off center holes did not impact the proper installation of the door frame though and the finished product looks great. I would have given 5 starts had it not been for the wrong hole sizes.

Much needed space!

This kit adds much needed storage space to the Westy. A solid trade-off for a fridge that never really worked...

The instructional video is really clear, and it's an easy upgrade. After the fridge is removed the cabinet face is held on by putting the original screws through some L-brackets. The fit on these is pretty loose, so I'm not sure how long they'll hold up, which is really the only reason I didn't give 5 stars. I suppose they could be replaced with small bolts if they came loose.