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The Dometic CFX5 45 is a 45-liter single-zone electric cooler that can refrigerate or freeze without ice. It is sized for RV, van, boat and vehicle use, with AC and DC power options, app monitoring and battery-protection controls.
Key manufacturer specifications
- 45-liter capacity, listed for up to 67 standard 12-ounce cans.
- Temperature range from -7°F to 68°F (-22°C to 20°C).
- AC input from 110–240 volts and DC input from 12/24 volts.
- Three-stage dynamic vehicle-battery protection.
- Bluetooth app monitoring, temperature history and lid-open alerts.
- Vacuum-insulated panels, gasketed lid and variable-speed compressor.
- Interior light, removable divider, folding aluminum handles and built-in bottle opener.
Confirm the CFX5 45 model—not CFX2 or CFX3—and verify included power cords and warranty.
Plan the power before the food
The cooler must stay connected to a suitable source; it does not create energy or replace an RV battery bank. Estimate daily energy use for the actual temperature setting, ambient heat, ventilation and opening frequency. Confirm wire gauge, fuse protection, outlet rating and voltage drop on long DC runs.
Dometic’s three-stage battery protection can help avoid excessive vehicle-battery discharge, but the correct setting depends on whether the cooler is connected to a starter battery or a dedicated house battery. Battery protection is a cutoff—not a guarantee that the vehicle will start after every use.
Fit and ventilation
- Measure the full exterior footprint and lid-opening height, not just the 45-liter capacity.
- Leave the compressor vents clear according to the manual.
- Secure the cooler so it cannot slide or become a projectile during travel.
- Keep the power cord protected from pinching, hot surfaces and wet connections.
- Test the selected location with the RV packed as it will travel.
Refrigerator or freezer?
The CFX5 45 is single-zone, so the entire compartment follows one temperature setting. It cannot simultaneously maintain a separate freezer and refrigerator zone. Use an independent food-safe thermometer, pre-chill the contents, minimize lid openings and follow current food-safety guidance for perishables.
Who should buy it
It is most useful for boondockers with adequate solar and battery capacity, families who need overflow refrigeration, and van travelers who want one movable cold-storage appliance. Campers who rarely have power or only need drinks for a day may get more value from a quality passive cooler.
Our buying take
The CFX5 45 combines meaningful capacity with modern monitoring and efficient insulation. The important decision is not whether it gets cold—it is whether the rig can power, ventilate and secure it through the longest planned stop.