The Dometic CFX3 Mega Thread

Can anyone advise me if it's worth it to upgrade from my CFX75 to a CFX375? Is the newer version more efficient? I can sell mine for nearly what I can get the new CFX3 for right now with the sale. I'm most concerned with reliability and power efficiency. Thanks in advance.

 

@Dometic is this video for real?! Is the newer version CFX3 that much more inefficient than the older CFX?

Was seriously considering upgrading, but this has got me rethinking it.

https://youtu.be/qdvG_fRiR8w

 

Not really sure if there's a big difference in efficiency between the two, so I'm not going to comment on that.
What might be worth the upgrade, new fridge has a better/longer warranty, also Wi-Fi and Bluetooth app connectivity.
As for reliability, my opinion might be skewed because I already had my fridge replaced under warranty within six months, so there is that .

 

Summary: The older CXF50 won the battery test. Appearance the CFX3 looks better. No need to upgrade.

Way too long. 20 minutes but could've be edited to 3 minutes. I did YouTube videos, but would often have two hours of footage and edit to 10 minutes, but that took six hours. It's hard work doing short technical videos. I do appreciate them taking the time to document and post. Finally, I learned to script, storyboard, clear and concise. Screw it, I want to spend my time making things not documenting things. OxTool (machinist) does a great job on his videos.

details:
CFX3 55im with ice maker was sucking down 40W; lasted 17 hours 18 minutes (Jackery 500)
CFX3 55im with setting to 32F consumed about 2 W; later 56 hours (Jackery 500)
CXF50 setting to 32F consumed about 2 W; later 69 hours 36 minutes (Jackery 500)
The inside house was 72F; so colder weather means longer battery time.

Bluetooth: App needs to be running on your phone to tell you the fridge kicked off due to low voltage. Oops. (CFX3 feature).

When I had my Ford Transit Crew Cargo van, I had a Truck Fridge T65 (they cost about $550) and the compressor was about 4W when running, but had extra insulation as it was built in (T65 with 2" foam on sides) and got about the same results. I had a 100W solar panel I set out (fan, CPAP, fridge) and was topped up during the day. So fine for 4 days off the grid.

 

I appreciate you taking the time to write that. I knew the ice machine would draw more power but I didn't know it'd be that much.

 

It's gotta be consuming more than 2W. Based on the runtime and the Wh of the Jackery 500, the CFX3 is averaging ~9.25W. The CXF is averaging ~7.5W. The power consumption when the compressor is on is probably pretty close for both, but the duty cycle could be different. Or maybe that older CXF is worn in so the running current is slightly lower.

 

Same. That's a huge power difference for the ice maker. Lesson learned; don't do ice unless the truck is on/solar is working.

 

Yeah exactly. I use my "ice maker" more for keeping a frozen meal frozen but I forget to turn it off at camp sometimes. I'll have to be better about that.

 

...though I'm not gonna lie, I do enjoy having ice on the trail for drinks and such.

 

Yep, I was just reporting what they showed in the video. I suspect better installation on the older unit. I like the dual unit, as I would like to have gell packs for my knees after day of hiking!

 

To me this is odd. Joe you are correct on the 7.5-9.5 amp draw when running the compressor on start it should be pulling that and then cycles down to 2w or whatever they claim after the initial startup of the compressor. The CFX3 is far more efficient than my CFX2 I’ve got a 50 and 75 in both series both run longer on the PLB than the CFX 2 does. I’d be curious to know if Matt did this test on any other battery than a shitty Jackery how it would fair and the results would be.

matt does a great job on his videos and is learning and growing each day so take it easy on calling people out for their skill set, remember not all humans are the same.

 

Damn, I hope I didn't come across too harshly. I do appreciate them taking the time to make and post the video. I no longer post videos. Some people liked my videos; some complained "too short/too long," but they were just originally for other machinists to pass along tricks and helpful hints. As my Parkinson's has progressed, it made it more difficult to make videos; I don't have the time, so I appreciate what it takes to film/edit/post them.

On my T65 Truck Fridge, it would kick on with 4Amps (48W) then need 1Amp (12W) to run the compressor; I averaged about 7W/hour. I had a 100W Panel but would adjust the position every two hours for maximum output. I have an HP 6033 200W Power Supply, so I was able to characterize the consumption.

I'm planning on getting a CFX3 and testing with the HP 6033 to get a better idea. The weather is good (the mid-70s) in Texas this week. The real-world test is when we get 100F days (hint, lots of airflow around the fridge, and extra insulation helps).

Edit: I already passed along my HPIB interface to a college student (I used that to datalog the HP Power supply so I could crunch numbers later). Geek stuff.

 

Not too harsh just a friendly PSA is all.
I keep my mouth shut online because most think I am too harsh... back to lurking

 

@dcoursler so you are getting better runtimes with the cfx3. That's what I would have thought, that video just threw me off. I have someone coming to buy my cfx in an hour and already ordered the cfx3.

 

Definitely looks well secured now. Thanks for picking up a set!

DOMETIC
mobile living made easy
dometic.com
Use promo code TacomaW20 for $25 off your order of $75+

 

Well secured AND Instagram points. Couldn’t ask for anything more.

 

When you are making ice the 55IM definitely chews through power. If you aren't making ice or ice has been made, it should be comparable or better than the older CFX

DOMETIC
mobile living made easy
dometic.com
Use promo code TacomaW20 for $25 off your order of $75+

 

Our Spring Sale may be over but if you need something from our store be sure to use the code below. It will save you some additional $$ in your prep for Summer adventures!

DOMETIC
mobile living made easy
dometic.com
Use promo code TacomaW20 for $25 off your order of $75+

 

Nearly had a heart attack reading about the recall. Thankfully my model is later. Whew!

CFX3 Recall (never leave 12V and 120V plugged in at the same time to prevent 120V back flowing into the Vehicle, causing fires).

https://static.nhtsa.gov/odi/rcl/2020/RMISC-20E040-1629.pdf

The FAQ says you can leave both plugged in at the same time:

https://store-au.dometic.com/blog/portable-refrigeration-faqs

Can you leave it plugged into 12 V DC and 240 V AC at the same time?
Yes, you can. If both power sources are available to your Dometic Waeco CFX refrigerator, it will automatically select 240 volts AC as the priority so that you are not consuming battery power.

Applicable to models: CFX 28, CFX 35W, CFX 40W, CFX 50W, CFX 65W, CFX 75DZW, CFX 95DZW.
​

First order of business for my CFX 75DZ: Rootbeer Floats for my Parkinson's Boxing Class (ice cream on one side; root beer on the other side). Keep ice cream at 26F (a little soft); Root Beer at 36F; the goal is to have the ice cream with a crunchy shell. Next camping trip with friends, Peach Cobbler (dutch oven style) with Vanilla Ice Cream.

 

Hey all,

I just installed a Dometic slider to get Dometic CFx3 75 in and out my truck bed easily, but I noticed it seems the the slider don’t come all the way out, like some drawer slider out there. Barely can open my second fridge door. Anyone out there have this or is just how itis..ahahaha?