Fridge/Freezer - Convince Me

[bring_it_on]

Anyone running with the Dometic CFX3 series? Thinking about giving the 46L version a try despite its inability to have both AC and DC sources plugged in together. Given the reliability of the Engel and National Luna, I'm just a little nervous about trying something that is this new to the market and has already gone through a recall..

 

[Bumbo]

Thinking about giving the 46L version a try despite its inability to have both AC and DC sources plugged in together.

I don't consider Dometic a new player... it's a good fridge with a good compressor, they just have an issue with the control board.

I would wait for a post recall fixed version... I think that feature is pretty useful.

We had some rolling blackouts and I was using the fridge at home with AC input, but I kept a DC battery connected to it so it would fail over when the power went out.

 

[Chilow]

Anyone running with the Dometic CFX3 series? Thinking about giving the 46L version a try despite its inability to have both AC and DC sources plugged in together. Given the reliability of the Engel and National Luna, I'm just a little nervous about trying something that is this new to the market and has already gone through a recall..

Wait for an official recall fix. I forgot where I saw it, IG maybe, but one of those vanlife folks had an electrical issue with a CFX3 and it burned his van down.

 

[bring_it_on]

I don't consider Dometic a new player... it's a good fridge with a good compressor, they just have an issue with the control board.

I realize that Dometic has been doing this for a while. I was referring to the CFX3 lineup being new on the market compared to something like the Engel which has basically not fundamentally changed for decades so it's easy to predict what the long term reliability is going to be (positives and warts are basically known)..very similar to the 4runner

I would wait for a post recall fixed version... I think that feature is pretty useful.

Yes that is a very useful feature and I would like the flexibility of using it in a similar manner to you. But the current CFX3 won't allow for that and I'm not sure whether Dometic has come out and said that they are re-introducing the CFX3 line to correct that design flaw. There response was to basically issue a warning sticker.

 

[Chilow]

Found what I was mentioning in my previous post.

WARNING :: Dometic CFX3 cooler units | IH8MUD Forum

 

[bring_it_on]

Found what I was mentioning in my previous post.

WARNING :: Dometic CFX3 cooler units | IH8MUD Forum

That's insane. Their response to the recall also left a lot to be desired. The 35-55 L models look quite attractive in terms of features and the overall form factor but if the customer service is crap then probably best to avoid a new product/model before its flaws have been rectified. I haven't really researched 12 volt fridges for very long since I didn't plan on having until recently, but we have it quite bad compared to the Australian or South African market. From Dometics frying your 12 v circuitry, to Engel and National Luna models (some) being out of stock more often then in-stock. ARB seems to be the only reputable fridge that is generally in stock.

 

[BlakeA]

I bought a CFX3-35 earlier this year, and I don’t really care for the “just put a sticker on it” response from Dometic. I emailed them regarding if they were going to fix the flaw in production going forward and if so could I return mine for a real fix or replacement. I heard nothing back. So, I won’t be buying Dometic again. Wish I’d gone with an Arb or Engel now.

 

[Dinosaur Overland]

I thought about Dometic and Snomaster but just didn't want to spend that much so I ended up with a Iceco and couldn't be happier. Less than half the cost and has worked flawlessly for us. 47.6QT VL45 Portable Refrigerator Freezer RV Truck Fridge | ICECO – www.icecofreezer.com

 

[ElectroBoy]

The Dometic CFX line isn’t that new. IIRC they came out in 2017. This issue relates to users who plug into both AC and DC power at the same time, then turn off the DC supply, in conjunction with a part failure.
The problem is described here:
Dometic CFX3 Recall info thread | Expedition Portal

Yeah, the warning sticker seems like a cheesy stopgap solution, but they figured it out and have a recall for a circuit fix. And if you don’t plug both power cords into the box you’ll never run into the problem. Some people would never use it that way so it’s of no concern to them. Hence the sticker solution, and you don’t have to ship and wait for your fridge to be returned after some unknown turn around time.

BTW, anticipating such a failure mode scenario is why good engineering performs worst case analyses. It’s not easy.

They have made some changes to the user manuals for CYA reasons and uploaded revisions on their website. But who reads those? Take a look.

 

[RichinRidgewood]

The Dometic CFX line isn’t that new. IIRC they came out in 2017. This issue relates to users who plug into both AC and DC power at the same time, then turn off the DC supply, in conjunction with a part failure.
The problem is described here:
Dometic CFX3 Recall info thread | Expedition Portal

Yeah, the warning sticker seems like a cheesy stopgap solution, but they figured it out and have a recall for a circuit fix. And if you don’t plug both power cords into the box you’ll never run into the problem. Some people would never use it that way so it’s of no concern to them. Hence the sticker solution, and you don’t have to ship and wait for your fridge to be returned after some unknown turn around time.

BTW, anticipating such a failure mode scenario is why good engineering performs worst case analyses. It’s not easy.

They have made some changes to the user manuals for CYA reasons and uploaded revisions on their website. But who reads those? Take a look.

This is just crap engineering. This should have never made it to market. Are these UL certified? I bet not. They would have caught that in testing.

 

[ElectroBoy]

This is just crap engineering. This should have never made it to market. Are these UL certified? I bet not. They would have caught that in testing.

Yeah and they’ve got a crappy in-house test program if they let this one slip by. You gotta test all configurations a user might attempt and push all the buttons to see if anything breaks before you go to market or submit it for certification.

Poking around other vehicle forums I see Dometic has created recall info threads. Has anyone seen a Dometic thread like that here?

On the Tacoma forum I see their official recall notice says that registered users get a packet with an instruction card, a response card, a new manual and a sticker. Nothing about returning it for repair.

Hey [MENTION=212966]Dometic[/MENTION], you wanna clear this up for us?

 

[Bumbo]

Yeah and they’ve got a crappy in-house test program if they let this one slip by. You gotta test all configurations a user might attempt ...

Hey [MENTION=212966]Dometic[/MENTION], you wanna clear this up for us?

It's a gross oversight because this type of operation is pretty standard in most all equipment like this... marine / RV / camping.

The device is supposed to take AC priority because it assumes its plugged into shore power when docked or at a campsite, and transfer to DC when AC isn't present.

I use my ARB 50 in a lot of environments and it is almost always plugged into two power sources unless its inside my 4th gen 4Runner.

Even in the 5th gen 4Runner, I made a portable battery to use (because I didn't want to install a permanent dual battery) and it uses both AC and DC connections. When the trucks running it's powered by the inverter, which keeps the DC accessory port free to charge and top off the power pack. When the truck is turned off DC takes over. Because I have these two ports back there, its basically a zero modification dual battery setup. Very convenient.

 

[bring_it_on]

It's a gross oversight because this type of operation is pretty standard in most all equipment like this... marine / RV / camping.

The device is supposed to take AC priority because it assumes its plugged into shore power when docked or at a campsite, and transfer to DC when AC isn't present.

I use my ARB 50 in a lot of environments and it is almost always plugged into two power sources unless its inside my 4th gen 4Runner.

Even in the 5th gen 4Runner, I made a portable battery to use (because I didn't want to install a permanent dual battery) and it uses both AC and DC connections. When the trucks running it's powered by the inverter, which keeps the DC accessory port free to charge and top off the power pack. When the truck is turned off DC takes over. Because I have these two ports back there, its basically a zero modification dual battery setup. Very convenient.

That sucks because the fridge otherwise has excellent design features, lots of sizes, is app enabled, is compact and comes with a 5+ year warranty and the CFX family (pre CFX3) has had pretty good reviews overall. I'm actually considering it even with this current flaw just because of the form factor of the 35 and 45 Liter models and because I'm pissed off at Engel for not introducing the MTV series in the US

 

[Old Tanker]

...I just ordered a CFX3-45 and also a DFG Offroad Tilt Slide. Just going to attach it to my Goose Gear Plate System that is on order, so hoping it will work out well...

I know the discussion is a little stale, so sorry... I have a Goose Gear plate system, and just got a DFG slide. I see two approaches - drill holes in the Goose Gear plate and insert threaded T-Nuts to match the DFG mounting holes, or drill new holes through the DFG slide to use the existing threaded holes in the Goose Gear. Did you do either of these, or some other approach, and what would you recommend?

 

[4r-4ever]

i have a 50 liter dual zone fridge but mostly, i just use it as a fridge. in addition to my fridge, i have my portable battery that i built myself. see it from this video. Portable Dual Battery using REDARC DC-DC charger - YouTube

having a fridge definitely saved me a lot of time not worrying about the food going bad. no need to waste time looking for ice.

during my family's 2 week trip last july, no food were wasted. our one way 3 day trip, we had to stay in a cheap accomodation and the fridge just stayed in the truck. during the day drive, the battery gets recharged. we stayed 6 nights camping and during the day, we are pretty much on the road visiting places. my battery in that video, it's a 70ah agm battery. worked great for my setup. in addition to that, i can use that portable battery for other purposes. i'm loving it.

 

[Endle55_5earch]

I'm not a baller so I bought a cheap fridge off amazon, added 5 year warranty with it, and paired it with a Jackery 500 to keep it running for overnight camping trips. It lasted through my CO/UT trip over 7 days, I use the combo for soccer-dad days, and the kids keep the fridge upstairs for waters/gatorade since it doesn't stay in the car.

Honestly, I'll probably never buy a Dometic or premium fridge. My longest trips are a week and if it the fridge dies I have enough dry foods to keep me alive.

Here's the cheapo fridge if anyone is interested: Amazon.com: F40C4TMP 12V Car Fridge Portable Fridge Refrigerator 30 Quart(28L), Portable Freezer (-7.6℉~50℉) with 12/24V DC and 110-240 AC, Travel Refrigerator for Vehicles, Car, Truck, RV, Camping and Gift : Automotive

 

[salsanacho]

Here's the cheapo fridge if anyone is interested: Amazon.com: F40C4TMP 12V Car Fridge Portable Fridge Refrigerator 30 Quart(28L), Portable Freezer (-7.6℉~50℉) with 12/24V DC and 110-240 AC, Travel Refrigerator for Vehicles, Car, Truck, RV, Camping and Gift : Automotive

Would be curious on how that fridge works for you long term. While I love the idea of a portable fridge, I don't think I'd use it often enough to justify the higher price points of the name brand fridges.

 

[4r-4ever]

buying a cheap fridge would be okay if your purpose is to use it during the summer time only while travelling. that would last you longer many years. if you are still using it at home, that's a different story.

Would be curious on how that fridge works for you long term. While I love the idea of a portable fridge, I don't think I'd use it often enough to justify the higher price points of the name brand fridges.

 

[Endle55_5earch]

Would be curious on how that fridge works for you long term. While I love the idea of a portable fridge, I don't think I'd use it often enough to justify the higher price points of the name brand fridges.

In between road trips, I've been using the fridge as a water bottle and gatorade cooler for my kids; I keep it upstairs so they don't have to run up and down stairs to grab a drink.

It's been running 4 months strong now. I got a 5 year warranty on it so if it dies I'll just buy another cheapo cooler. I don't think they offer the warranty (additional through Amazon) on it anymore though

buying a cheap fridge would be okay if your purpose is to use it during the summer time only while travelling. that would last you longer many years. if you are still using it at home, that's a different story.

Not sure if I agree. When traveling off-road, the cooler gets jostled around a bit, even when I have it strapped down. It takes more abuse when it travels with me. I might just be missing your point though haha :jump:

 

[BorotHex]

I'm not a baller so I bought a cheap fridge off amazon, added 5 year warranty with it, and paired it with a Jackery 500 to keep it running for overnight camping trips. It lasted through my CO/UT trip over 7 days, I use the combo for soccer-dad days, and the kids keep the fridge upstairs for waters/gatorade since it doesn't stay in the car.

Honestly, I'll probably never buy a Dometic or premium fridge. My longest trips are a week and if it the fridge dies I have enough dry foods to keep me alive.

Here's the cheapo fridge if anyone is interested: Amazon.com: F40C4TMP 12V Car Fridge Portable Fridge Refrigerator 30 Quart(28L), Portable Freezer (-7.6℉~50℉) with 12/24V DC and 110-240 AC, Travel Refrigerator for Vehicles, Car, Truck, RV, Camping and Gift : Automotive

It has great reviews. I think paying double is just stupid. It’s all Chinese junk at the end of the day. Buy what works and fall back on the warranty if you have to. Seems logical to me. Thanks for the link!