The Dometic CFX3 Mega Thread

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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What is the on vs off mean?

 

My biggest compliant is that you have to pack everything vertically so you're constantly unpacking to find stuff on the bottom of the pile. This really isn't much different than a cooler, but I thought changing to a fridge to reduce this. I've been trying to find stackable "bins" that fit perfectly so it's easy to layer everything. Do you guys have custom bins to help in fridge organization?

Edit: I should have added that this have nothing to do with the fridge itself as i imagine all of them could use more organization. Otherwise, my CFX-75 has been very solid in the 2 years I've owned it.

 

I've found that using deli containers fit perfectly and stack well. However they are round so you do lose some valuable space. I have the 75 so I can afford to lose a little space as long as all the beer fits.

 

The beer would fit fine if I didn't have so many juice boxes for the kids....

I'm thinking of designing some bins that float at the top (maybe hanging from the top of the wire bins) and 3D print them.

 

That would be awesome! If you do let me know I'd be happy to be a customer!!

 

It just means that is where the cooler will run vs. shut off. For example, the battery protection will kick in at 10.1V if set to Low mode when using 12V.

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

 

I've got an email into some team members about this as well. Hoping they have some recommendations or experience they can share. That said, there's likely an organizer opportunity for something like this. I know my wife figured something out like this because we had the same issue with our big home freezer. She used baskets to organize but those are little too big for this application. Regardless, I'll share what feedback I get from the team!

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

 

I have seen some very clever deep freezer organization which kinda inspired my post. I’m hoping to come up with something so I can get to the beer with less effort. I’ll be on the look out for any new options you come up with though.

 

Hope to see some of the new CFX3 fridges at the SX Overland Challenge this year. Would love to check one out. See you fellows down there!

 

We'll be there. Be sure to come by and check out the CFX3 line as well as the new slides and covers.

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

 

Yup, we'll be there too. Can't wait to hang out with our good buddy Blake.

 

So I entered promo code, got $25.00 off for group discount, was over 1500, went to camping world no discounts came out 1400.

Hmmmm

 

Is that who runs the page on here?

 

Oh lawd... I didn’t know Blake was the one running it on here...

 

Sorry...not Blake



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

 

Every distributor/partner can run their own pricing so it will certainly vary. The forum discount below is something we offer all the time and I'm sure we'll have same sales down the road that we'll be mentioning here first.

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

 

I was gonna say, no way Blake types that well