Dometic CoolMatic CRX 110

Early winter review, 2021-------- and now, -------- January 2023, warm summer review – 2021. ----- We recently had to replace our 19 year old Waeco 110 ltr. 12/240 volt van fridge and because it almost fitted the Waeco opening size, we chose a Dometic CRX 110 12/240 volt. The Dometic also had a 9-5 ltr. capacity freezer, which was important to us. We were able to remove the Mobitronic power selector, which from our reading showed an undesirable voltage drop on the outward side. After running the fridge on 240 volt at home for 3 days while we packed etc, we had 2 weeks in a NP from 1st June on the north coast of NSW, un-powered fixed location. Mostly cool nights with mild days. Estimate of temperatures, ----- 7 to 23 degrees. 72 watt solar panel charge, ----- Plasmatronic PL20 smart regulator. Amps used ranged from 14 to 25 per 24 hour, not counting the night it stopped, 19 amps being the most regular Winter 24 hour usage. Initially while camped, we tried the 2 setting, but found it necessary to switch back up to 3 setting. While initially happy with the power consumption, we are not often away in winter any more, once every winter in Qld. It will be of great interest to get a summer performance. ----- The least power consumption I remember with the Waeco was 29 amps in 24 hours, maximum 43. One mystery problem noticed, once in initial test after purchase and once on this trip. After turning the setting from 3 to 2 in late afternoon, the fridge did not run through the night and had to be started and turned back to 3 in the morning. ----- Secondly the freezer door is hinged at the top, so swings up and is a nuisance when trying to load, as it wants to close at inappropriate times, so 3 hands are needed. ----- Thirdly the defrost system, or lack of, is completely archaic and messy.

Best feature, ----- main door latch, ----- operation is beautiful compared to the Waeco.

Early January 2023. Coming home from our latest trip, we had solar charge/regulator/battery problems. ----- We hadn't thought of it before, but the low battery/nil battery warning lights are inside the fridge and in our case, was discovered in the morning with a pool of melted freezer ice running across the caravan floor. My wife commented,"how clever is that, having a warning light shut out of sight?" We have now added a garden irrigation fitting to the drain hole with a piece of fuel hose added. I tried to include photo here, no luck. Brochure says an elbow is available, it should be supplied with the fridge.

Summer Review: Date: 25th, 26th and early morning of the 27th January 2023. Mid North Coast of NSW After Covid lockdowns and then floods, we were prevented from reviewing the CRX 110 in summer until now, albeit in simulated conditions. ----- The van parked in the open, windows and doors as would be if camped, but fridge only opened every 2 hours or so to check fridge temperature. Fridge was only loaded with residential freezer cooled bottled water: 5 lts. in door and shelf. 2.1 lts. ditto in freezer, plus 2 small frozen esky bricks.

Details: With fridge pre cooled for 1 3/4 hours on 3 setting. 8-00 am. air temperature 25.5 deg. top shelf in fridge 11.5 degrees, load 3.3 amp/hour.

10-00 am setting 3, air temp 30 deg. top shelf 8 deg. Load 3.6 amp/h. 7 amps used in 2 hours.

12-00 noon, setting 3, air temp 34 deg. top shelf 10 deg. Load 3.8 amp/h. 14 amps used in 4 hours.

14-00 pm setting 3, air temp 30 deg. top shelf 10 deg. Load 3.8 amp/h. 21 amps used in 6 hours.

16-00 pm setting 3, air temp 29 deg. top shelf 10 deg. Load 3.9 amp/h. 28 amps used in 8 hours.

18-00 pm setting 3, air temp 29 deg. top shelf 10 deg. Load 3.7 amp/h. 34 amps used in 10 hours.

20-25 pm setting 3, air temp 29 deg. top shelf 9 deg. Load 3.7 amp/h. ----- (42 amps used in day time 12 hours 25 mins.)

6-10 am setting 3, air temp 23 deg. top shelf 6.5 deg. Load 2.4 amp/h. 7 amps used in 22 hours 10 mins.

8-00 am setting 3, air temp 25 deg. top shelf 6.5 deg. Load 1.9 amp/h. ----- (24 hour Review: 58 amps used. 2-42 Amp/h)

2nd. 24 hours.

12-25 pm setting 3, air temp 32.4 deg. top shelf 8 deg. Load 3.4 amp/h. 8 amps used in 4 hours 25 mins.

14-20 pm setting 3, air temp 33.6 deg. top shelf 7.5 deg. Load 3.4 amp/h. 14 amps used in 6 hours 20 mins.

16-11 pm setting 3, air temp 33.6 deg. top shelf 7.5 deg. Load 3.4 amp/h. 20 amps used in 8 hours 11 mins.

19-30 pm setting 3, air temp 27 deg. top shelf 7 deg. Load 3.3 amp/h. 29 amps used in 9 hours 30 mins. 8-00 am setting 3, air temp 23 deg. top shelf 6 deg. Load 2.4 amp/h. ------ (24 hour Review: 59 amps used. 2.46 Amp/h.)

(Following this review, we consider it maybe difficult to keep solar charge up to the battery without full sunshine from sun up to sun set in summer. Air temperatures during test were not considered excessive.)

Bush camper.

P.S. For anyone considering loading room temperature items in un-cooled fridge, consider this 12 hour test done over night in mid Jan 2023 while testing the Deep cycle battery output. Room temperature bottled water, 3 lts. in door shelf, 2.1 lts. in freezer. All lights on setting.

17.15 pm. Air temp. 28.4 deg. Load 5.2 amp/h. 19-15 pm. air temp. 26 deg. Load 3.8 amp/h. 9 amps used. (Bottles in door, slightly cool. Bottles in freezer slightly icy, some ice in freezer.) 5-15 am. rain, 21.5 deg, Load 4.3 amp/h. (Bottles in door, cool. 600 ml. bottle in freezer 100% frozen, 1.5 ltr. bottle 95% frozen.) ----------- (12 hour night time Review: 44 amps used. 3.37 Amp/h.)