Dometic CDF11 Fridge Freezer console

[abrumley]

So I'm just now starting to mess with this but it's concept is coming together. Removed factory console and bolts. Cut a piece of plywood 9-1/2 x 21" got some longer 8x1.25 coarse thread bolts to extend the originals rear are 90 millimeters long front is 50mm with a half inch spacer to allow factory wiring to pass under the wood without pinching. Also got a between the seats crap keeper to fill the open area in the front and some rubber sheeting to cover the wood. I need to find some full thread bolts to make the rear supported vertically then build a wooden lower cover to close the open area to the rear and back and allow for heater vent. The height of the console looks tall but actually is about the same height as the drivers door arm rest and is really comfortable. I'll take some better picks further along the way but so far so good.

 

[gtfour43]

How did you wire this up? Your 80 now has one more fridge than my house does

 

[abrumley]

Haven't wired it yet but I'm cutting the factory cigarette plug in and hard wiring it to the battery with an in line fuse and switch on the dash. The wiring will pass under the shifter console. I think that is gonna be the easy part. Getting this mounted securely is gonna be the trick

 

[ChiTown]

Can you take a picture from the second row forward so I can see how close it is to both front seats?

 

[abrumley]

Sure I'm kinda getting there. I want to take the fridge apart later and make a more permanent mount than just the strap.

I also need to finish the wiring. And please no making fun of my upholstery skills..

 

[Wheelingnoob]

Thats a great idea! May have to copy you some day.


...via IH8MUD app

 

[abrumley]

So far I really like it. I tested it in my other truck for about a week to check quality and battery consumption. It's very quiet and cools to a low temp very quickly. Also I had it plugged in for an entire week in my truck which I drive daily and never had a low battery. This does of course have a low battery shutoff similar to ARB but it never reached that point. In fact the controls are basically identical to that of my ARB. Not a bad product for $300 and I have an extra cupholder!

 

[brices123]

Like it, I do.

 

[abrumley]

Ahh I knew someone would see mr yoda. He keeps an eye on the garage for me

 

[oilbrnr]

Cool.

No pun intended.

IIRC Dometic makes the ARB fridge. I'm very impressed with my new 63. Leave it on all the time now even here in Phoenix. It does run off the second battery so I have no worries about not starting even after a couple of days. Bit of a drag though to have to open the two rear swings to get to it though for a cold one. This would be perfect.

You know, I'd be willing to bet if you used SEM plastic paint with their prep, you could paint the thing to match the interior tan. I've had real good luck in the past with their stuff.

 

[abrumley]

Yes rear seats still fold. The unit is not incredibly big 9"x20" give or take. I thought about painting it but I'm setting this up where I can remove it and reinstall the factory one fairly easily. And I'm kinda wore out working on stuff haha

 

[oilbrnr]

So does the hot air exit the front, or on your leg?

 

[abrumley]

There is a fan on the front that brings air in and vents it out the sides. It only operates periodically. It's not really noticeable it's a very small compressor and produces little heat. I want to say it only consumes 30w of power. It's definitely less than the ARB. Compared to the heat from the tranny tunnel it's really nothing and both the fan and compressor are whisper quiet

 

[thatcabledude]

That is sweet! I'm with oilbrnr, painting it tan with a high quality paint will make it that much more bad ass. Way better than the factory console cooler could ever be.

 

[abrumley]

Damn you guys! Now it's gonna drive me nuts looking at it.. Thanks haha

 

[oilbrnr]

You'd better two tone it too, or we'll be very disappointed.

 

[oilbrnr]

OK, plan B. Get a grey interior 80...

x2

 

[etarasoff]

Cool.
You know, I'd be willing to bet if you used SEM plastic paint with their prep, you could paint the thing to match the interior tan. I've had real good luck in the past with their stuff.

Don, do you happen to know the SEM color to get which matches the center console color in 95+ interiors like the OP? Is it 15853 Ivory in their 'Color Coat' line? Thanks in advance!

 

[Ocho77]

I just installed this last night as well! In the same spot!

We have a ARB 63 in the rear cargo area for food, and I think I will use this, as a freezer, so I can have ice for my cocktails...

What did you use to cover the front of the console, and how did you attach it? Mine is still open, and I haven't figured out what I'm going to do about it yet. It looks pretty redneck right now...

Nice work!

 

[abrumley]

They are seat crap catcher things from oreilly's. They are those rubber pockets that slip between your seats and console to catch stuff from your pockets. It's not a permanent fix but it hides the horrible open spot left behind for now