Community Forums

patrickemb · 03-09-2023, 11:01 AM

Am considering a basement fridge/freezer. My 08 MADP didn't come with one. Would appreciate input on whether they are a good idea, bad idea? If you like yours, which one do you recommend and why.

Thanks

hilgert · 03-09-2023, 11:36 AM

A few months back we had our prior unit replaced (under our extended warranty) with a Dometic CFX3 35 (which is the replacement for the prior model). If it were my money I would have gotten a larger unit, but the warranty would not allow an upgrade even if I paid the difference.

That aside, this is an excellent unit, and if you could fit a larger model that would be great. It has Bluetooth for use with the associated smartphone app, which at first I thought was a gimmick, but I do find myself checking on cooling history (hour, day or week)...which is a nice feature. You can also control set points and alarms via the smartphone app.

Works on either 12V or 120V (includes cords for both).

Highly recommend. We may get a larger unit, and use one for a freezer and one for a refrigerator (we currently use as a fridge to store "reserve" milk and juice).

Jpiland · 03-09-2023, 11:47 AM

I have the Dometic CFX3 75DZ
Dual Zone Powered 12 Volt/120 volt Cooler, 75L. For the last three years and absolutely love it. I have mine running on 12 volts and its removable so I can take it out and plug into 120v. Dual compartments either both frig or both freezer or one of each. great unit.

Jon_C · 03-09-2023, 12:53 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Jpiland

I have the Dometic CFX3 75DZ

Dual Zone Powered 12 Volt/120 volt Cooler, 75L. For the last three years and absolutely love it. I have mine running on 12 volts and its removable so I can take it out and plug into 120v. Dual compartments either both frig or both freezer or one of each. great unit.

I have same unit, love it. We also use it as a bench seat at the table. Running mine on 12v uses about 2-3ah of power. Uses about 5 amps when running but only runs about 1/2 of the time.

GW4607 · 03-09-2023, 12:59 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Jon_C

I have same unit, love it. We also use it as a bench seat at the table.

X3- when we purchased our DSDP I ordered as an option. Thought it would be nice. Now it would be a deal breaker if the next coach did not have it.

Memphis · 03-09-2023, 02:57 PM

I'm sorry I don't know the model of mine in my VTDP but it is a dometic and takes up the entire first bay aft the entry door. I went back and forth on our 40' as to whether I wanted the space or the fridge and ended up going with it. I can say that I do really like having it and not having to trudge inside every time I find my beverage can developing a hole in it, leaving it empty...

There are outings where I wished I had the extra storage space, but I'm always outside cooking and always appreciate not having to make a trip back in. On one other note, I'm a bit crazy when it comes to tracking our power-budget and find that once it's cooled down, it is fairly miserly in its power draw. If you can swing the extra bucks, you'll probably enjoy it. -Especially if you buy the same cans I do that develop holes in the bottom!!!

NCC-1701A · 03-09-2023, 08:32 PM

I have a large Dometic that has three sections and a separate shallow can holder. It's 10 years old (original to the coach). Absolutely love it. I keep it stocked with beer, soda, and water even when in the garage at home so if working outside I don't have to run into the house for a refreshment. Great at the campground to limit trips inside!

RKins · 03-10-2023, 03:40 AM

I think you would wonder why you didn't get one earlier. I have the original fridge/freezer that came in our coach and it still works fine.

patrickemb · 03-10-2023, 06:14 AM

Thank you all for the information. I wasn't aware that dometic made one. Not a big fan of the dometic brand because of their customer service. I did check them out on Amazon and was a little surprised at the cost. I probably will opt for another brand but you have convinced me to get one for my basement. Just have to figure out how to rearrange that 1st bay closest to the door. It's currently my tool bay. Since most models are accessed from the top I will look at installing a drawer slide for it as well.

fishchamp · 03-10-2023, 08:29 AM

Engel fridge freezers have a rotary compressor. Simply the best.
www,engelcoolers.com They are in Florida and you can buy on line.
They have many different sizes. I have two of the MT45

Kjlunda · 03-10-2023, 07:14 PM

Last summer I purchased the ICECO brand VL75 It is a dual compartment fridge/freezer. Dual controls, 120V/12V. I wouldn't be without it anymore.

patrickemb · 03-11-2023, 08:09 AM

After some discussion with the better half about what would serve our needs I have also looked at small dorm type refrigerators. The only time we would be needing the extra space is when we are in south Texas for 4 months during the winter. I can't see a time when I would need the use of 12 volts to power the unit. We would use it for beverages only since we have a residential fridge inside. Might start with one for a season and if we find out we need the 12 volt, upgrade to one of the others. We would only have about $150 in one.

10 fan · 03-11-2023, 08:46 AM

I bought an Iceco that has been bouncing around in my Jeep for 3 years. It has the same compressor as the big names with a 5 year warranty. The price was less than half of all the rest. So far it works perfect.

Wess14 · 03-16-2023, 06:21 PM

We bought a Whynter 2.12 cu. ft. Portable Freezer from Home Depot. It can run on 12v or 120. You set the temp, can be used as a fridge or freezer. Building a pull-out drawer for it.