Dometic fridge - opinions

[caseyc]

I am curious about Dometic portable refrigerators that I see in Camping World stores. Does it really work? I do not need to make ice, but to keep things reasonably cold such as orange juice, milk, eggs. In particular, the Dometic CF-035AC110 model looks interesting as it's reasonably compact and runs on AC and DC power. I am in the process of adding a 35 hour auxilary battery with a 1000 watt inverter in my Ford E150 conversion van. I would plug this fridge directly to the second battery. Thanks, Casey

 

[Les H]

Dometic is a well known brand that has been around since the sixtys. They are well made, work well, and draw relativly low power. The cheapest i have seen them online is around $500, so a bit pricey, but if you can afford them, they are oerfect for vandwellers. I have a mid 70's three way that still works perfect.

 

[sl1966]

I've got one. Thought mine was a 3 way, but turned out it was only a 2 way. I love it just the same!!!<br /><br />

 

[caseyc]

Thanks for the replies. Is the 3 way including propaned powered? If so, they must have discontinued that model. If current, can someone send me a link? Thanks, Casey

 

[sl1966]

Thanks for the replies. Is the 3 way including propaned powered? If so, they must have discontinued that model. If current, can someone send me a link? Thanks, Casey

<br /><br />Yes. For clarification 3 way means the following ...<br /><br />1. Electric<br />2. Battery<br />3. Propane<br /><br />

 

[caseyc]

Might you know the model number of the 3 way powered fridge? &nbsp;Is it by Dometic? &nbsp;<br /><br /><br />

 

[sl1966]

Might you know the model number of the 3 way powered fridge? &nbsp;Is it by Dometic?

<br /><br />No sir, but I'm pretty sure someone at Dometic might. Give their sales dept a call and see what they have to offer.&nbsp;<br /><br />

 

[Les H]

Steve, have you pulled the electric cover off the back to check? Mine had only the 110v cord sticking out, but when I downloaded the owners manual, it said it left the factory prewired for 110 OR 12v Dc. Mine, I pulled the cover off ( lower left hand corner looking at the back) and there were terminals and a wiring schematic. Sure enough, there were terminals for 12vdc (, just had to add 14 ga ( minimum, as per owners manual) and has a ceramic fuse for 8 amps) so it might be worth checking out.
Casey- I know they are still available, but around $6-700 for a 2 cf model, around $1000 for a 4 cf. Try a google search for domestic 3 way fridge.

 

[sl1966]

Steve, have you pulled the electric cover off the back to check?

<br /><br />Les ... you are a godsend. I will do that when I've got the time to check, but will keep it in mind until then. If it's possible I will most def have it altered for that kind of a setup.&nbsp;

 

[caseyc]

Hi guys, &nbsp;<br /><br />I found this website that sells 3 way units, but it appears to be out of the country.<br /><br />I also did some Google searches, and some articles and YouTube videos warn that when using propane power, the fridge must be level in order to work well, plus to only use outside or risk suffocation. &nbsp;One YouTube video also mentioned something to the effect that the 12 volt power is less effective for a 3 way unit, as opposed to a 2 way powered unit (rough paraphrase) ?? &nbsp;Not sure what that meant.<br /><br />Hmmmm, as much as I'm intrigued about 3 way powered, I'm starting to think maybe I should stick with the 2 way powered instead? &nbsp;Camping World currently has a 2 way model on sale for $600. &nbsp;Seems a little pricey, but if it works well, I have no problem with the price.<br /><br />See links below:<a href="http://www.fridgeandpower.com.au/3-way-fridges/waeco-3-way-fridge-ca-35.html"><br /><br />http://www.fridgeandpower.com.au/3-way-fridges/waeco-3-way-fridge-ca-35.html<br /><br /></a><a href=""><br /><br /><br /></a>

 

[caseyc]

Link for site that sells 3 way powered fridges (outside the US?):<a href="http://www.fridgeandpower.com.au/3-way-fridges/waeco-3-way-fridge-ca-35.html"><br /><br />http://www.fridgeandpower.com.au/3-way-fridges/waeco-3-way-fridge-ca-35.html<br /><br /></a>

 

[Willy]

&nbsp;Why not just get a 12 v compressor fridge? I have a Waeco that basically runs off solar. It also can be tilted up to 30% and will still work fine. ..Willy.

 

[Les H]

Thanks,Willy, i knew there were others but couldnt think of the brand!

 

[caseyc]

Hi Willy, might you have a link, or brand name and model? Thanks, Casey

 

[adi]

Some of the 12v top loading fridges are marketed more towards overland and offroad travel, so they start going against the cheap way of life, but ARB, National Luna, Engel make well built, efficient 12/120v fridges.

 

[sl1966]

Here's an idea. You can look for and probably get a used one for a decent price. I've seen guys buy old campers/rvs for 2-3 bills for the appliances inside them. The stuff inside is worth more than what the vehicle sold for but most owners never think to sell off the parts piecemeal.<br /><br />

 

[sidat202]

The three way fridge was mostly used in RV's and mounted more permenently. If you check with an rv dealer you can probably find one. Depending on what you want. some of the dometic 3 way fridges run over one thousand dollars. If you get one with propane you have to mount it somewhere and plum a propane line to it. And yes it has to be level and is not good to use the propane while driving. If its not level it wont light, and if its lit and gets out of level it will shut off. Hope this helps.

 

[sl1966]

Sid - Did you catch what Les said earlier about the 2 ways actually being 3 way capable too. Maybe getting a used 2 way and converting it would be cost effective. Les can speak more on this since I haven't done it yet.<br /><br /><br />

 

[sidat202]

No I didnt see that, but thanks.

 

[caseyc]

Looks like I will have to settle for 2 way power, since the only 3 way powered devices online are outside the US. I cannot find any retailers in the US for 3 way powered, and I don't feel like going through EBay for used stuff. That's just as well, I was going to pretty much have the fridge connected exclusively to my new 2nd auxilary battery.