The Dometic CFX3 Mega Thread

The dimensions on this look to be just about perfect for the whole side of my 75DZ, but I'd want to find something a bit cheaper.

https://overlandgearguy.com/products/utensil-organizer

Then it could go right on the side. I don't think it would cause too much cosmetic damage. Plus it's already a bit scrapped up so it would probably cover it up real good. Figure would be a perfect spot to keep some utensils close at hand.

 

I have a hanging bag that I really like, but I don't think it's really what you want:

$52 HTTMT - HANG-N-HAUL Storage Bag Organizer For Camping Home Office Picnic Waterproof Hanging Cargo One-Piece Bag W21" x H50" [Item Number: ET-BAG001]

https://www.amazon.com/HTTMT-HANG-N...ing+utensil+hanging+bag&qid=1616533081&sr=8-2

This, though, might be better for you:
https://www.amazon.com/SONGBIRDTH-M...g+utensil+hanging+bag&qid=1616533161&sr=8-203

 

Thanks @Dometic I'll check it out. Much appreciated.

 

Sweet, @deekyn I've got the '07 w/o the AC outlet...so the storage area there is a little bigger...and I'm trying to keep that for storage...but your setup looks nice. Thanks for posting a pic.

 

I put mine above the cubby, since I didn't want to lose the space. Best pictures I have but you get the idea.

 

Nice, @littlefish Is that panel all from Bluesea? Looks different than the Dometic one...I like that it has a voltmeter with the two 12v outlets...A voltmeter (if that is the correct term) is something I was thinking of adding...nice that yours has it all combined.

I like the location of yours as well...closer to the tailgate and more visible and easily accessed than the storage box above the wheel well....I guess I'm just a little OCD in not wanting to cut into the bedliner to install the outlets...

Thanks for sharing your setup...very cool.

 

Yes, it's a Bluesea. They have a ton of different configurations. I have a switch for the outlets, one 12V outlet, one double USB outlet, and then the voltmeter. I wouldn't worry too much about cutting into the bedside, but if that was your hangup then using the cubby cover makes perfect sense.

 

Nice, @littlefish Now you've got me thinking about adding a double USB outlet, voltmeter and switch! I'm going to have to weigh location/convenience of mounting the panel where you did vs. the cubby...

If I were to add a USB outlet, voltmeter and switch, would I be able to splice them right onto the Dometic-supplied 10ga cable? Any tips, or ideas on that configuration?

Maybe something like this that has the switch, usb ports and voltmeter all in one...

$16 Kohree 12V Marine Car Charger Socket Panel, 4 in 1 Waterproof Boat Cell Phone Rocker Switch Panel with Dual QC3.0 USB Power Outlet Cigarette Lighter Socket for RV Marine Boat Camper Truck Automotive

https://www.amazon.com/Kohree-Charg...oltmeter&qid=1616541113&s=electronics&sr=1-28

 

https://powerwerx.com/blue-sea-4366-panel-circuit-breaker-usb-volt

No splicing.
Unit comes wired.
Add a 10ga hot wire to the battery (with inline fuse).
Ground to a frame bolt.
12v plug plugs into panel.

 

Nice...Not cheap @ 90 bucks but I'm sure it's quality coming from Bluesea...

Regarding the splicing...I was referring to when I use my Dometic wiring (that goes from the battery to the Dometic 12v outlets), if I want to add a switch, usb ports and voltmeter, can I just splice those connections to the existing Dometic wiring? Looks like there are some cheaper all-in-one units on Amazon (about $18) that I imagine are pre-wired together...I would think that would leave only one set of wire to connect to the Dometic wiring...does that sound right?

 

I guess I’m not sure why you’d want to use the Dometic wiring and a different panel?
Use the full dometic set, or sell it and use a different one.

 

I guess the reason why is because the Dometic has a 2-pin threaded socket...the only redundancy with the other panel is an additional 12v outlet (which I don't really need...). Other than that, if has a switch, voltmeter and dual usb ports...

 

Oh!
You can buy just the socket:
BANDC 12V/24V DC Power Engel...

$10 BANDC 12V/24V DC Power Engel Fridge Socket for 4WD 4x4 Camper Caravan Trailer Marine Boat

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01HOI0MJ4?ref=ppx_pop_mob_ap_share

I put it in my Blue Sea panel to make sure it couldn’t rattle loose.

 

That's good to know! Unfortunately, that item is "currently unavailable". I've already got the Dometic hardwiring kit...so no reason not to use it...as far as I can see...Don't really want to go through the hassle of listing it for sale, dealing with potential buyers, shipping it, buying another item, etc. But, good to know for other folks who may want this type of product.

 

If you’ve already got the kit snd don’t need the switch or USB port then use what you have. It’ll achieve the same results. You can mount it wherever you want either way.

 

Looking ahead at next level stuff...

Because the Dometic (and most "electric coolers") can run on AC and DC (CFX3 issues notwithstanding), I am thinking of adding an AC port on the interior bed switch / 12v DC panel connected an AC receptacle on the outside of the truck...so that we don't have to run an extension cord through the bed cap window...

Something like the following:



Seems like it should be pretty strait forward wiring between the receptacle and the outlet...Any recs on wire sizing between the two? Also, potential mounting locations for the receptacle on the exterior of the vehicle?

$19 Journeyman-Pro 5279 15 Amp 120-125 Volt, NEMA 5-15 Flanged Outlet, Black Commercial Grade, 2 Pole-3 Wire, Straight Blade Plug Charger Receptacle (w/ Front & Back Covers)

$19 Journeyman-Pro 5279 15 Amp 120-125 Volt, NEMA 5-15 Flanged Outlet, Black Commercial Grade, 2 Pole-3 Wire, Straight Blade Plug Charger Receptacle (w/Front & Back Covers)
https://www.amazon.com/Journeyman-P...JJT7N2JG5MH2KWARY&refRID=R8YJJT7N2JG5MH2KWARY

$18 Journeyman-Pro 5278 15 Amp 125 Volt, Flanged Inlet, Black Commercial Grade, 2 Pole-3 Wire, Straight Blade, Nema 5-15 (with Cover/Cap)

$18 Journeyman-Pro 5278 15 Amp 125 Volt, Flanged Inlet, Black Commercial Grade, 2 Pole-3 Wire, Straight Blade, Nema 5-15 (With Cover/Cap)
https://www.amazon.com/Journeyman-P...JJT7N2JG5MH2KWARY&refRID=R8YJJT7N2JG5MH2KWARY

And, finally, possibly having a panel like the following (with switch, voltmeter, dual usb ports and an extra 12v outlet) spliced into the Dometic-supplied 10AWG cable:

 

Please note reviews on those cheap panels and switches. Not sure which one is it pictured here, but some (most) of them are NOT waterproof. Now , since you already have a socket (or couple) maybe this would be right for you

$24 Blue Sea Systems 4364 Water-Resistant Accessory Panel, 15A Circuit Breaker, 2 Blank Apertures

https://www.amazon.com/Exterior-Pan...gid=pla-897819994443&ref=&adgrpid=96944448634

 

@Bastek thanks for the heads up...I will check the reviews. Description says it's waterproof...and we do have a Leer cap (so it will be "inside")...but who knows about the quality...I'm sure the Blue Sea is far superior...and I like the compactness of that product...thanks again for posting it up.

 

I have a very similar no-name panel installed in my truck. It works, but I'd do Blue Sea or something better next time. Fit/finish doesn't look great, the on/off button pops out all the time, rubber covers don't stay closed, etc. It's not worth removing, but don't feel like it was worth the $$ saved.
It also didn't come pre-wired, which would have been nice.

Also, @Dometic has talked about there being issues if both power cords are plugged in at once.

 

I got annoyed by my mismatched cam straps holding the fridge down so I caved and spent $50 on a set of dometic ones. These straps are way longer than the ones I got with my fridge slide (for the last fridge) which I guess helps explain the cost. I’m much more pleased with the matching straps now.