The Best Dometic CFX3 Fridges for Teardrop & Squaredrop Overlanding
If you’re serious about overlanding with a teardrop or squaredrop trailer, there’s one upgrade that pays for itself every single trip: a real 12V compressor fridge/freezer. Say goodbye to soggy cooler food and endless ice runs—this is one of those “buy once, cry once” investments that makes trail life so much better. Dometic’s CFX3 line is the gold standard, trusted by overlanders around the world for performance, durability, and smart design. But with several models to choose from, which one is the right fit for your build?
In this guide, I’ll break down the CFX3 45, 55IM, and 75 Dual-Zone (plus a quick mention of the CFX3 35) so you can choose the best fridge for your setup and style of adventure.
Dometic CFX3 45 – The Sweet Spot
The CFX3 45 hits the balance most overlanders are looking for: big enough for a couple or small family on a long weekend, compact enough to slide into a galley or rear kitchen, and efficient on power. It’s the “just right” fridge for most teardrop and squaredrop builds.
Pros
• 46L capacity (fits ~67 cans) – perfect for 2–4 days off-grid
• Lightweight at 41 lbs compared to bigger models
• Lower power draw than the 55IM or 75 Dual-Zone
• Usually the best value for the money
Cons
• Single-zone (no freezer option)
• May feel tight for longer trips or bigger groups
Dometic CFX3 55IM – Bigger Capacity + Ice Maker
If you want more room and the luxury of fresh ice for drinks, the 55IM is your step up. With space for around 84 cans, it’s built for families or extended trips. The built-in ice maker is a crowd-pleaser on hot days and makes this fridge feel like an upgrade in comfort.
Pros
• 53L capacity (fits ~84 cans) – great for longer trips
• Built-in ice maker for fresh cubes on demand
• Still manageable at 47 lbs
• Same rugged Dometic build and efficiency
Cons
• Slightly pricier
• Single-zone (can’t run fridge + freezer at the same time)
• Ice maker does increase power draw
Dometic CFX3 75 Dual-Zone – The All-Out Choice
If you’re building for serious off-grid living or traveling with a bigger crew, the 75 Dual-Zone is the way to go. With two independently controlled compartments, you get a fridge and freezer in one unit. That flexibility makes it the ultimate overlanding fridge for those who don’t want to compromise.
Pros
• Massive 75L capacity (fits ~113 cans)
• Dual-zone: run fridge + freezer simultaneously
• Best choice for week-long or family trips
• Great for big rigs with more storage space
Cons
• Heavy at nearly 60 lbs
• Takes up more space than smaller models
• Higher price
Honorable Mention: Dometic CFX3 35
For the minimalist or solo traveler, the CFX3 35 is worth considering. At 36L, it’s compact and lightweight while still offering the same reliability and efficiency as the bigger models. That said, most buyers find the 45L a better long-term value.
The Bottom Line
If you’re running a teardrop or squaredrop trailer, the Dometic CFX3 45 is the sweet spot for most builds—it balances size, weight, efficiency, and cost. If you want more room (and ice on demand), the 55IM is an awesome step up. And if you’re going all out for extended trips or family overlanding, the 75 Dual-Zone is worth every penny for the flexibility of having both a fridge and a freezer.
No matter which model you choose, a CFX3 fridge is one of those upgrades that transforms your time off-grid. Cold food and drinks without the hassle of ice? That’s the kind of overlanding luxury that pays for itself trip after trip.
Ready to upgrade your trailer kitchen? Shop the Dometic CFX3 line at REI for trusted stock, warranties, and expert support.