The Dometic CFX3 Mega Thread

Running with temperatures set at -4/32 it would be at 11.6-11.8 after 12 hrs overnight. This is during the summer months when it’s 70-75 at night. I had the voltage monitoring set on the lowest setting because it was an aux battery but still was a little disappointed, after adding the second identical battery it never fell below 12.2 even after 24hrs of standstill. The solar helped during the day, but the dual zone just needs so much power to stay that low. When I would set it at 32/32 or close to that it would be better but I bought a dual zone for ice creams so.....

 

Thanks for info

Yeah, I feel you. According to my better half, ice-cream is essential while at camp!

 

My 4runner I’m building now will only have a cfx50 so I’m hoping one group 27agm can handle it because there’s no room for dual aux batteries.

 

Ok so let's assume that my fridge is functioning as it should, and I want to find a solution to make it work. What's my better option? Replace my Odyssey 34 with a Northstar 27, or go dual setup and get another Odyssey, since you need the same batteries for a dual setup if I'm remember correctly but could also be totally wrong?

 

I’m pretty sure 34 is the common size for a dual set up, so you’re halfway there.

 

Here I go again

 

Yeah...




Sorry for

 

Not definitive (because after all it is ebay in Australia), but the listing does state that the Dometic two prong connection is designed for "Engel Posi-Fit" sockets.

So

Engel Socket Panel Insert

this is an excellent alternative to the costly Dometic offering.

 

Good call! Looks like it should work, then.

 

Ended up ordering a PLB40 today from Maine Line Overland. Going up to pick it up in person since nobody online has them. Thinking this will solve my problem, without having to go down the rabbit hole that is a dual battery setup. It was between that and the Jackery 1000.

 

Why the PLB40 over the Jackery? Also, did you consider the Jackery 500 which is about the same energy capacity as the PLB40. Just curious.

 

Don't plan on using the ice maker a ton with the PLB40 fyi. It will work but the battery will drain in 20 hours. With the ice maker off, mine will last 55-60 hours.

 

I went with the PLB40 over the Jackery 1000 based on price mostly (Jackery is $1000, and I got the PLB40 for $765), and the fact that it has a smaller footprint and a flat top so it uses the space better. I was thinking the PLB40 and the Jackery 1000 were an apples to apples comparison capacity wise, and not the 500, but my electrical knowledge is super limited. The PLB40 has 40ah, where the Jackery 1000 is 46ah. The Jackery 500 only 24ah. I couldn't justify the extra price for 6 more amp hours, and I really don't need the other features, although great, of the Jackery.

 

I've got a 75DZ and am hopeful to run the smaller size as the freezer, but I really only need it to last overnight since we rarely if ever stay in the same spot for two days. If I know were going to be leaving the truck for a few days I'd eat all the ice cream, and use up as much frozen stuff as we could and just set it to refrigerate both sides.

 

I think you may have been a bit mislead. Next time focus on watt-hours (Wh). The Jackery 1000 has about 1000Wh and the PLB40 has about 512Wh. The Jackery 500 has 518Wh (pretty much the same as the PLB40).

Now, even though the energy capacities between the Jackery 500 and the PLB40 are almost identical, I'm not sure if it translates to the same "runtime". The Jackery is natively at ~20V (similar to a power tool battery, actually I think it might be a 6s pack whereas most power tools are 5s, but that's irrelevant for this discussion), but the PLB40 is natively 12.8v (pretty much identical to your trucks battery). So I believe the Jackery has to regulate the output voltage to step it down to ~12v. This means there will be some efficiency loss, though it's probably minimal if they are using a switching regulator.

I also think the Jackery is larger. It's probably using a standard 18650 lithium cell. I'm not exactly sure what format the LiFePO4 cell in the PLB40 is or if this contributes to size. I think the LiFePO4 cells are key to making the PLB40 a better option given that the native voltage matches what we will typically be using to power our equipment. Maybe the Jackery is larger just cause it has a few additional features like the inverter and AC outlet.

There are things I like about both options, which is why I was curious about your thoughts on the decision. Thanks for playing.

 

Damn, just when I think I've got things figured out I learn something new again and throws me for a loop. I'm sure it's not too late for me to change my mind. Price is a few hundred either way so I'm definitely wanting the best option for my needs. I don't need the inverter or the USB plugs on the Jackery, my only concern is run times for the CFX3. One thing I learned in my research is that the PLB40 is lithium iron while the Jackery is lithium ion. Domestic is claiming that the lithium iron is superior in terms of charge cycles and longevity.

 

Thanks for posting a follow-up on your new 55IM. It's great to hear it's working well and getting used as intended!

DOMETIC
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This is similar to what our DC hardwire kit offers. 10AWG from the battery back to your fridge will ensure you don't have a voltage drop due to factory wiring along the path to your fridge. Great recommendations on the different considerations to keep in mind relative to what you want to wire up.

DOMETIC
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shop.dometic.com
Use promo code TacomaW20 for $25 off your order of $75+

 

Oops...missed your original question. The reply that @ThatGuyDave provided is on point. Our DC Hardwire kit uses 20' of 10AWG from the battery back and includes a 15A fuse. If you'll be running more hardware, sizing up and integrating a fuse block is a good idea. At some point though, due to consumption, you might also need to consider an additional power source like an AGM battery, our PLB40, or some combination with solar to support your power needs when not running.

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

 

Unfortunately, slides have gotten pushed back again due to COVID-related supply chain issues (like a lot of other companies). It now looks like late July. Sorry I don't have better news on this front. We're also ready to have product shipping!

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