Datsun Man
Member
For the last 3 years I was running a Dometic CFX335 that I bought used. At first I thought it wasn't big enough for my needs, but I was certainly wrong. For just myself it has been the perfect size for myself on a good weekend trip at the least. Also while the Fridge was used, it helps up very nicely.
With that all said I started to have my eyes on the new CFX5 fridge when it came out last year, but I had other priorities to take care of first. Now I was able to get one thanks to an awesome deal from Frontrunner(thanks Labor Day Sale!). With the Fridge installed for a week I was able to get a good general comparison on how much more efficient it is vs the old fridge.
For the comparison I kept the same size fridge(hard to compare if it is a different size) meaning I have the CFX535. Fitment was easy. It was as simple as removing the old and installing the new fridge. Even the plugs are the same. Once the fridge was connected and set to the desired temp, the fridge did its thing and got cool real quick(I thing it was down to temp in about 15-20 minutes on 12 volt). I also noticed the Compressor to be real quiet compared to the CFX335(not as important to me though). One other thing I really liked about the CFX535 was the fact that lid closes very easily vs the old CFX335 where you have to put effort into it.
Now after a week of running the Fridge I was able to get a better idea of how much more efficient it is. For my setup I have a 100 AH Lithium Battery in the back for the Fridge and other things. With the CFX335 I was averaging about 24 AH per day(that's for the full 24 hours). For the CFX535 I averaged about 16.8 AH per day. Because you want to try and not use more than 80% of the Battery life, I basically have 80 AH available for use(a little more wont hurt). Doing the math I can go 3 days with the CFX335 using a total of 72 AH. On day 4 I would have to charge my battery by running the vehicle(currently do not have Solar). With the CFX535 I would use 84 AH in 5 days and would need to charge the Battery right after.
With that math I basically added one and a half days worth of available power for my battery(assuming I'm not using other accessories). Not bad when you thing about it. To say the least it has me happy. I can also state that I would recommend the CFX5 series fridge to those interested. I can also say that if you find a good used CFX3 series fridge for a good price, buy it! It's still a good work horse that will get the job done reliably.
With that all said I started to have my eyes on the new CFX5 fridge when it came out last year, but I had other priorities to take care of first. Now I was able to get one thanks to an awesome deal from Frontrunner(thanks Labor Day Sale!). With the Fridge installed for a week I was able to get a good general comparison on how much more efficient it is vs the old fridge.
For the comparison I kept the same size fridge(hard to compare if it is a different size) meaning I have the CFX535. Fitment was easy. It was as simple as removing the old and installing the new fridge. Even the plugs are the same. Once the fridge was connected and set to the desired temp, the fridge did its thing and got cool real quick(I thing it was down to temp in about 15-20 minutes on 12 volt). I also noticed the Compressor to be real quiet compared to the CFX335(not as important to me though). One other thing I really liked about the CFX535 was the fact that lid closes very easily vs the old CFX335 where you have to put effort into it.
Now after a week of running the Fridge I was able to get a better idea of how much more efficient it is. For my setup I have a 100 AH Lithium Battery in the back for the Fridge and other things. With the CFX335 I was averaging about 24 AH per day(that's for the full 24 hours). For the CFX535 I averaged about 16.8 AH per day. Because you want to try and not use more than 80% of the Battery life, I basically have 80 AH available for use(a little more wont hurt). Doing the math I can go 3 days with the CFX335 using a total of 72 AH. On day 4 I would have to charge my battery by running the vehicle(currently do not have Solar). With the CFX535 I would use 84 AH in 5 days and would need to charge the Battery right after.
With that math I basically added one and a half days worth of available power for my battery(assuming I'm not using other accessories). Not bad when you thing about it. To say the least it has me happy. I can also state that I would recommend the CFX5 series fridge to those interested. I can also say that if you find a good used CFX3 series fridge for a good price, buy it! It's still a good work horse that will get the job done reliably.