Dometic CoolMatic CRX 80 Review: Is It Worth the Upgrade for Your Black Series Camper?

The Problem with Stock RV Absorption Fridges

Every Black Series HQ camper comes with a Dometic absorption fridge. For most campers, it works well enough. But if you're running serious off-grid setups in Australian summer conditions, you'll hit the limitations fast: poor cooling above 32°C ambient, high 12V draw, level-dependency, and slow temperature recovery.

The Dometic CoolMatic CRX 80 is the factory-fitted upgrade Dometic designed specifically for these situations. After hands-on testing and extensive use in Black Series HQ17 and HQ19 builds, here's what you need to know.

Dometic CoolMatic CRX 80 Specifications

Cooling Performance: Where It Shines

The CRX 80's biggest advantage is compressor cooling — the same mechanism in your household fridge. Unlike absorption, compressor fridges maintain temperature regardless of ambient heat or whether the unit is perfectly level.

In testing at 35°C ambient (typical Queensland summer), the CRX 80 maintained 4°C interior temperature consistently, cycling its compressor roughly 40% of the time. A standard Dometic RM 2193 absorption unit in the same conditions struggled to stay below 8°C and consumed significantly more energy on 12V.

For chilling warm items (e.g., after a supermarket run), the CRX 80 drops temperature noticeably faster — typically reaching setpoint within 90 minutes versus 3–4 hours for an absorption unit.

Energy Consumption: Better Than You'd Expect

The concern with compressor fridges is always power draw. The CRX 80 averages 0.9A at 12V at 25°C ambient. As ambient rises, the compressor works harder — expect 1.5–1.8A at 35°C. But because it cycles (rather than running a constant element like absorption), the duty cycle effect matters: at 35°C you're looking at roughly 30–40Ah per 24 hours.

Compared to a 12V absorption fridge's continuous 1.1–1.8A draw (~28–35Ah/day), the CRX 80 is roughly comparable in mild weather and significantly more efficient in heat, while delivering far superior cooling.

On LPG, a standard absorption fridge would beat the CRX 80 on cost — but the CRX 80 requires no LPG at all, simplifying your gas system and eliminating LPG safety concerns while driving.

Fit in Black Series HQ Campers

Fitting the CRX 80 to a Black Series requires verifying cabinet dimensions. The CRX 80 (480 × 600 × 540mm) fits most HQ12, HQ15, and HQ17 cabinets with minimal or no modification. The HQ19's larger cabinetry accommodates it even more easily.

Key fitment considerations:

• The CRX 80 needs 25mm ventilation clearance on top, sides, and back — more than an absorption unit which vents through a dedicated roof vent. Remove or cap the gas line and rooftop vent if replacing absorption
• The unit draws up to 10A start-up current — ensure your 12V wiring to the fridge cavity is rated for this (10mm² minimum)
• A dedicated 20A blade fuse or circuit breaker is recommended
• Mount the fridge per Dometic's instructions — the compressor is vibration-sensitive, so use anti-vibration mounts if your HQ sees rough tracks

Real-World Off-Grid Performance

With a 200Ah lithium battery and 200W solar (Victron SmartSolar), the CRX 80 runs continuously off-grid in most conditions. At 35°C ambient and 40Ah/day draw, a 200Ah LiFePO4 battery paired with 200W solar should maintain charge balance across a sunny day with normal use.

For those doing extended remote travel with no hookup, this is a viable setup — something that would've required LPG or a much larger battery bank with a less efficient fridge.

What We Like

No LPG dependency is the standout feature. Driving with an absorption fridge on gas is a fire risk that many insurers flag. The CRX 80 runs purely on 12V/240V, eliminating that entirely. Temperature consistency is the other major win — 4°C regardless of ambient is simply not achievable with absorption in Australian summers without an Arctic van setup.

The Dometic ecosystem integration is also a plus — the CRX 80 supports Dometic's OneControl system for monitoring via app if your HQ is optioned with it.

What We Don't Like

The price is the main objection — at $1,500–$1,800 AUD, it's 2–3x the cost of a replacement absorption unit. For occasional users who rarely camp in extreme heat, the absorption fridge is adequate and cheaper.

The compressor produces a faint cycling noise. It's quiet, but compared to a completely silent absorption fridge, some users notice it — especially in a compact camper bedroom adjacent to the fridge.

At 22.5kg it's heavier than most absorption fridges of similar capacity (typically 18–20kg), adding to tow ball mass in smaller HQ models.

CRX 80 vs Standard Dometic Absorption: Which Should You Choose?

Choose the CRX 80 if: You camp regularly in summer conditions above 30°C, you run lithium batteries with solar, you want to eliminate LPG from your power system, or you frequently carry temperature-sensitive items (dairy, vaccines, certain medications).

Stick with absorption if: You mostly camp in cooler seasons, LPG is your primary power source, your budget doesn't extend to the upgrade, or you do infrequent weekend trips where precise temperature control isn't critical.

The Bottom Line

The Dometic CoolMatic CRX 80 is the right upgrade for serious off-gridders who want reliable cooling in Australian summer conditions without LPG dependency. It's not the cheapest option, but for frequent campers building out capable 12V systems, it's a worthwhile investment that pairs well with Victron solar and lithium batteries.

For anyone building a Black Series HQ for extended remote travel, we'd include the CRX 80 on the upgrade shortlist alongside a lithium battery upgrade and Victron SmartSolar MPPT.

Shop Dometic CoolMatic at RV Parts Giant

We stock Dometic CoolMatic accessories, replacement parts, and compatible 12V power components. Browse our Dometic range for handles, door seals, and fridge components for Black Series HQ models.