The Dometic CFX3 Mega Thread

You may have missed it but at SEMA back in November we launched and shared our new CFX3 powered coolers.

There is something for everyone depending on your use and space considerations



Some key improvements over the previous CFX coolers:

• Updated appearance
• Improved lids and handles
• Fender frame protected edges so it will stand up to more abuse
• Eliminated the dairy compartment to create more usable space
• Brand new user interface - better resolution
• Fully wrapped evaporator
• Bluetooth and wifi control from a much improved phone app - temperature control, diagnostics, temperature and energy consumption history
• Now includes a 5 year warranty (CFX was 2 years)

One of the big changes is that the CFX3 55IM makes ice! It has a freeze plate and includes silicone ice trays so you can make your favorite beverage on the rocks all while being off-grid.

All our units are available now at shop.dometic.com for pre-order. Shipments start February 1, 2020.

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Slides for the CFX3 models

Key upgrades from the CFX line of slides

• Lighter but same strength
• 3” more extension in same footprint
• New release mechanism - a lot more reliable and removes slop when slide is latched
• Dust cover to keep sand out
• Moved mounting holes for easier installation
• Improved packaging to keep the slides in great shape until you install
• Made in USA

Slide for the CFX3 28-35

Slide for the CFX3 55IM

Slide for the CFX3 75-95

Slide for the CFX3 100


Generally all are very similar in design except for the size of the slide and the cooler it matches up with.


Availability
You'll find additional product information and pre-orders open for the slides mid-March 2020.

Click here to visit our Accessories page

Note - As of Jan 22, 2020 we still have slides for the CFX series up on our site under the Accessories area.

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Reserved for info on accessories (covers, power, and more) for the CFX3 - info coming soon

 

I just bought a CFX on the holiday sale and now theres a new one

 

The upside is that you still got a great cooler at a great price and it will serve you many years. There is always something newer around the corner but you won't be disappointed in your purchase!

DOMETIC
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Just posted up photos and information on the new slides for the CFX3 line that will be available for pre-order mid-February.

See above

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I'd shared some noise level specs in another thread and thought they'd be useful here as well.

These are the dB levels on all the models in our CFX3 line when they are running:

CFX3 35 44 dB
CFX3 45 47 dB
CFX3 55IM 48 dB
CFX3 75DZ 50 dB
CFX3 95DZ 50 dB
CFX3 100 50 dB

To compare:

60 dB would be a conversation in restaurant, office, background music, or an air conditioning unit at 100 feet.

50 dB would be a quiet suburb, conversation at home or large electrical transformers at 100 feet.

40 dB would be a library, bird calls (44 dB), or the lowest limit of urban ambient sound

30 dB would be a quiet rural area

DOMETIC
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I Have a CFX75DZ it is a great Unit and travels well in the Tundra However it sits too High for the Tacoma under the Tonneau cover and if I buy the slide plus the cover it really will not work in the Tacoma So How weather proof is the CFX75? if I put the CFX IC75 on it will it be safe semi covered? not so much rain but sure there will be dust. @Dometic

 

The more you can keep it covered and protected the longer it will serve you. If you have a Tacoma with access cab or double cab ,a lot of owner's go with a rear seat delete and mount their Dometic's on a slider there. Not sure if this would be a consideration for you. This way they are accessible both when driving or when stopped (and well sheltered regardless). Double cab would be easier to support a 75 though.

If the rear seat delete isn't an option, in the short term try to keep the cooler covered as best you can while still allowing some airflow.

DOMETIC
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Over a lot of conversations, we've heard a lot of questions related to fridge use and energy consumption; in particular, how long can you run a fridge without ending up in a "no-start" situation.

There are a lot of factors involved in determining this: type of battery or batteries, condition of the charging system, wiring to the fridge, how often you open the fridge, actual electrical consumption that the fridge requires, etc. While we may not be able to determine the condition of your wiring or charging system, we can help with info on what the CFX3 line of fridges consumes power-wise.



In the above graph, we've measured each of our CFX3 models running at typical fridge (39 degrees F) and freezer temperatures (5 degrees F) and how external ambient temp impacts energy consumption. Given that the hottest temps will be in the day, you can rest assured that power consumption at night will be much lower regardless of what temp you set.

While the above graph will help you decide what CFX3 you might be interested in and how your power system will support, you'll also have access to our updated app. Not only does it help you control and monitoring everything on your cooler, it even tracks power consumption. You'll quickly get a feel of how it works with your battery, batteries, or a stand-alone power source like our PLB-40.

DOMETIC
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I got a question from a forum member and thought it would be helpful to share here as well.

The question was how long would the CFX3 75DZ run if using the Dometic PLB40 energy supply and the ambient temp was 75F?


Given that the PLB40 has 40Ah of capacity, ambient temperature is constant at 75F, and the 75DZ consumes .8-.9 Ah/h (rounding up to 1Ah/h just for simplicity) holding internal temp to 39F, you should get around 40 hours of use - little more/little less depending on how you have it packed, how many times you open it, etc.

If you were running the internal temp at 5F, the 75DZ would be consuming about 2.7Ah/h, so the run time with the PLB40 would be around 14-15hrs. Plenty for overnight, and you are on the move and charging the next day.

The best part of the PLB40 is that you can use it in-line (switched power from the vehicle to the PLB40 then to the cooler). As you drive, it charges the PLB40 and also powers the cooler. When you stop, it just pulls from the PLB40, so you aren't drawing down your main battery.

If you haven't seen this video it might be helpful...



And a good walkthrough by Main Line Overland...




For more info on the PLB40 click here

DOMETIC
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One of the more complicated questions we get is relative to how our battery protection system works.


When does it know to shut off the cooler before you get to a no start situation (if you are using a single battery for your vehicle)? Even if you are using a secondary battery the same question applies except it removes the no start situation.


If you are using a single battery (starter battery) we recommend that you start out with our battery protection set to HIGH initially (and perhaps MEDIUM after you've done some testing to see how it works with your vehicle).

Here's why....

1. Voltage is sensed at the CFX DC socket and not at the terminals on the batteries. Many people don't realize just how much voltage loss occurs with thin gauge wire, poor electrical connectors, and old wiring. For example, a member of our team has a '87 FJ60. When trying to using the 12V socket in the dash, there is such a terrible loss that it won't power a CFX regardless of battery protection setting.
2. When current is pulled through a wire, the voltage drops by default, which causes more loss (Pukert's law).

Symptom

All the above can cause the battery protection to activate since the cooler isn't getting the power it needs - regardless of the reason. This also protects the cooler components.


Solution

If you have problems powering your cooler with your existing wiring pick up one of our DC Hardwire Kits. 10AWG direct from your battery to a socket for your cooler.



If you use a dual battery set up (in vehicle or one of our PLB40s) set battery protection to LOW.


Below is information showing at what points the battery protection for the CFX3 will kick in and shut the cooler down as well as in what range it will happily run.



DOMETIC
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We're received a few questions related to how the CFX3 accessories, specifically slides, and covers, compare, or are interchangeable between the product lines.

Sliders
For sliders, the CFX sliders will work for the CFX3 as long as you don't jump sizes. Given this, you shouldn't have to upgrade your slide to the CFX3 version though it can extend further (in the same footprint), is lighter but stronger, has an improved locking mechanism, and includes a dust shield to keep sand and gunk out.

The bolt pattern of the CFX3 slider is a little different and therefore, wouldn't line up perfectly to existing mounting holes if you decide to upgrade to the CFX3.

Covers
For covers, the CFX3 covers are MUCH improved! Better fit, easier to open/close, keeps your cooler cleaner, and more.

The CFX covers won't work with the CFX3 units, nor will the CFX3 covers work with the CFX units.


Let us know if you have additional questions, and we'll work to get them answered!

DOMETIC
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shop.dometic.com
Use promo code Tundras20 for $25 off your order of $75+

 

https://www.mainlineoverland.com/products/dometic-cfx3-sld55-fridge-slide-for-cfx3-55im

Is this the new slider for the CFX3 55IM? If so, are you saying that they probably dont have it in stock and are just advertising it?

 

I'm a bit removed from the supply chain but we don't have them in our online store yet and we're usually the first to have them. I was told just a week or so ago that production has been delayed a bit due so I don't think they would have them yet either. As soon as they are generally available pre-order or otherwise I'll be updating our thread here

DOMETIC
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We've started to see a couple of photos being posted up of new CFX3 models arriving at their new homes.

Anyone have a new CFX3 going into their Tundra? If so, would you post up a few photos?

Thanks!

DOMETIC
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Use promo code Tundras20 for $25 off your order of $75+

 

In this new age of cleaning and sanitizing everything, we've seen a couple of questions come through from the forums that we thought would be helpful to share.

Question: Can I use Lysol or Clorox disinfecting wipes to clean inside/outside of the fridge?

Answer: Yes - this shouldn't present an issue at all. Just leave the top open after cleaning so everything can evaporate and you should be good.

You can also use a simple Dawn dishwashing detergent and water solution on a washcloth to wipe down everything. That should make it squeaky clean and pleasant smelling as well.

DOMETIC
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Use promo code Tundras20 for $25 off your order of $75+

 

You might have seen on our site that we're experiencing shipping delays. I've got an email out to the team to get updates on CFX3 shipments along with availability/shipping updates on the CFX3 sliders and covers. I'll post here when I have updated information on these!

DOMETIC
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Use promo code Tundras20 for $25 off your order of $75+

 

@Nomad13 over on TacomaWorld just got his new CFX3 75DZ and a PLB40 and ran a little home test to see how long the PLB40 would power it. Here is his findings:

When fully loaded the performance should even improve. We're looking forward to hearing other experiences like this as new CFX3 units are landing around the country!

DOMETIC
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And this is a proper accessory to go with your fridge!



DOMETIC
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I just got update from the team this morning, and we hope to be back in stock for all CFX3 models (except the 45) by this Friday (earliest) or end of the day next Monday (latest). If there is a size you are interested in head to our site and get an order in as they seem to be going very quickly.

Here is a link to the fridge section of our site



Thanks!

DOMETIC
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We recently got the following question, and I wanted to share it as well as our feedback.

There is one compressor and one controller. There are two evaporator systems, one for each compartment. A solenoid diverts coolant to each compartment depending on the feedback it is getting from the temp sensor in each zone.

Each of zone is controlled. This is different than other types of dual zone fridges where there is one large compartment with a removable divider. With these you can’t easily dictate the temp in each compartment - you can only use trial and error.

DOMETIC
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Use promo code Tundras20 for $25 off your order of $75+

 

Also, an update on slides and covers for the CFX3...

Estimates are still very fluid because of the pandemic, but our best estimate right now is May or June. In the meantime, if you are looking for model numbers of the slides or covers that you'll need here is the full list:

Sliders
Description - SKU
CFX3 SLD3545 Slide Mount Kit 35/40/45 - 9610000651
CFX3 SLD55 Slide Mount Kit 50/55/65 - 9610000652
CFX3 SLD75 Slide Mount Kit 75/80/110 - 9610000653
CFX3 SLD95100 Slide Mount Kit 95/100 - 9610000655

Covers
Description - SKU
CFX3-PC35 Protective Cover for CFX3 35 - 9600026462
CFX3-PC45 Protective Cover for CFX3 45 - 9600026463
CFX3-PC55 Protective Cover for CFX3 55 - 9600026464
CFX3-PC75 Protective Cover for CFX3 75 - 9600026465
CFX3-PC95 Protective Cover for CFX3 95 - 9600026466
CFX3-PC100 Protective Cover for CFX3 100 - 9600026467

DOMETIC
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shop.dometic.com
Use promo code Tundras20 for $25 off your order of $75+

 

If you're considering a CFX3 here is some helpful sizing information to help you find the size that will work best for your needs!



DOMETIC
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Use promo code Tundras20 for $25 off your order of $75+

 

If you have been trying to figure out which CFX3 size will work best, check out this video from Dometic's CFX3 product manager - Reed Frick. He walks you through all the details and info you'll need to choose the right size.



DOMETIC
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Use promo code Tundras20 for $25 off your order of $75+

 

What's up with that app? I bought a new CFX3 largely because I was convinced by the app control feature, and the fact that Dometic came up with a new app (the old app is widely regarded as lacking).
The new app does not work. I have a Galaxy S7 phone, and like many Android users (apparently, now that I see the app reviews on Google Play) the app does not play well with Android phones.
Dometic - I appreciate the good marketing in this thread. How about equally good support? I'd like to be able to use my fridge as advertised - by controlling it with the app.
If not, the fridge is going back.

*Please help.*

6/3/20 Update - Dometic got back to me today with a very friendly and professional message, seeking additional details to help sort out this problem. Kudos to Dometic for doing so, I appreciate it. I'll post another update as we work this out.

6/29/20 Update - Still no fix for the CFX3 app, it still does not work with my Android phone. Dometic has emailed me a few times, but no solution yet. The fridge is good, the app is wack.

 

@bicycleagent003 - just sent you a private message to get some details on what you are seeing. I'll get this over to the team.

Thanks!

DOMETIC
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Use promo code Tundras20 for $25 off your order of $75+

 

This is helpful; thank you!

Following along for info on app remedies or links to tweaks to make it work.

 

If you have also run into problems, shoot me a private message with the following info. The more information we can gather on the issues impacting Android devices, the faster we'll be able to get them sorted out.

• Short description of the issues you are seeing
• Detailed description of issue - steps to reproduce and any errors that are displayed
• Phone brand and model number
• Version of Android you are using
• If you can provide any screen shots or a video of what you are seeing that would be especially helpful.
• Your contact information (name, phone, email)

Thanks!

DOMETIC
mobile living made easy
shop.dometic.com
Use promo code Tundras20 for $25 off your order of $75+

 

Hi, Do you have any 4th of July sales coming up? Thanks!