2023 Ford Ranger build: Dometic CFX3 45 fridge/freezer

With the 12-volt power system and MSA Power Slide fitted in the Trig Point canopy on our Ranger, we could finally install our portable fridge.

For this application we’ve gone with a CFX3 45 from Dometic as it fits in the space available to us and should be more than adequate for our needs. Dometic tells us it actually has a 46-litre capacity and it will hold 67 standard drink cans.

The CFX3 range of portable fridge/freezers is the latest from Dometic and uses the brand’s VMSO3 compressor for optimum cooling. Like most fridges of their ilk, the CFX3 models can be powered by 12-volt, 240V or solar power. There are seven models in the CFX3 range from the CFX3 35 up to the massive CFX3 95 dual-zone unit.

The midsize CFX3 45 we’ve chosen retails for $1549 on the Dometic website.

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The first thing we noticed about the CFX3 is that it feels incredibly lightweight compared to other fridges of similar size and we were surprised to read that it tips the scales at 19.4kg, according to Dometic. As you’re no doubt aware, minimising weight in a 4x4 is vitally important.

The 398mm width of the unit means it just scrapes into the MSA Power Slide albeit with plenty of room for its 694mm length. The fridge is 476mm high with the lid closed.

The external case of the fridge is made from tough plastics with reinforced sections at the corner edges for durability.There are folding aluminium handles at each end to make carrying it easy, and these also act as tie-down points to secure it in the vehicle.

Inside the fridge you’ll find an easy to wipe out surface with a drain plug in the base and a coated wire removable basket with a divider for your cold goodies. These all make for easy use and cleaning of the fridge itself.

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As mentioned, the fridge can be powered by either 12V DC or 240V AC power via the plugs at the back of the unit and the supplied power cords. This fridge really couldn’t be any simpler and again, this is what you want from it.

Temperature control (down to -22°C), three battery protection modes and the digital readout are all accessed at the front of the fridge in a weatherproof touch panel. You can also perform functions by linking the fridge to the free CFX3 app on your phone, which then allows you to monitor the temperature in the fridge remotely and set warning alarms should the temperature inside the fridge reach a programmable setting.

CFX3 45 fridge/freezer

A lightweight, midsize fridge that is ideal for vehicle-based cooling. RRP: $1549

Buy now from Outback Equipment

This is a great feature to ensure the fridge is working as it should and protect your food and drink inside should the power to the fridge drop out for whatever reason.

We’re yet to head away with the fridge full of cold supplies but so far it has kept the water bottles cold on a few photo shoots we’ve been on. Needless to say, we’re keen to stock up the CFX3 and head out on longer adventures to put it to good use.