Head-to-head · Cold

Dometic CFX3 45 vs BougeRV CRD45

One is the brand most van builders start with; the other is a popular dual-zone challenger. Here's how they compare on published specs – and which kind of van each suits.

By The VanFitted TeamUpdated 2026-11-14Contains affiliate links

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The short answer

  • Choose the Dometic CFX3 45 if you want one large cold zone, the broadest dealer/service network and a temperature range down to −22 °C (manufacturer figure).
  • Choose the BougeRV CRD45 if you want a fridge and a freezer in the same box.

Side-by-side specifications

SpecDometic CFX3 45BougeRV CRD45 Dual Zone
Capacity46 L45 L / 48 qt
Temperature range+20 °C to −22 °C−20 °C to +20 °C
Power input12/24 V DC and 100–240 V AC (cables included)—
Weight18.7 kg (41.2 lb)19.5 kg (42.5 lb)
Dimensions (W×H×D)398 × 476 × 694 mm—
App controlWi-Fi / Bluetooth (CFX3 app)—
Zones—Dual zone (fridge + freezer)
Rated power—60 W (Eco mode under 45 W per manufacturer)
Warranty—2 years (manufacturer)
Best forBuilders who want a single-zone compressor fridge from an established brand with a wide service network.Van dwellers who want frozen and chilled food in one box on a tighter budget.

Source: manufacturers' product pages (linked on each product card), checked 2026-11-14. “—” = not published on the page.

All values come from each manufacturer's product page (linked below each card). We don't publish prices: they change daily – use the buttons to see the current one.

Capacity and layout

On paper the boxes are almost the same size: 46 L for the Dometic, 45 L for the BougeRV. The difference is how that volume is organised. The CFX3 45 is a single compartment, so the whole box is either a fridge or a freezer. The CRD45 is split into two compartments with independent temperatures. If you shop every few days, a single zone is simpler and roomier for bulky items. If you're off-grid for a week and want frozen meat plus fresh food, dual zone wins.

Power and connectivity

Dometic lists 12/24 V DC and 100–240 V AC inputs with cables supplied. BougeRV lists a 60 W rated input with an Eco mode under 45 W. Real daily consumption depends on ambient temperature, set point, insulation of the space around the fridge and how often you open it – so treat any single figure as a starting point and plan your battery with headroom.

Support and ecosystem

Dometic is one of the largest RV-appliance makers, with service partners in many countries – a meaningful advantage if something fails mid-trip. BougeRV sells mainly online with a 2-year warranty according to its product page. Public owner reviews for both are broadly positive; recurring themes for any portable compressor fridge are lid seals, slide mounting and ventilation around the compressor.

fridge
Dometic

Dometic CFX3 45

Best for: Builders who want a single-zone compressor fridge from an established brand with a wide service network.

Capacity
46 L
Temperature range
+20 °C to −22 °C
Power input
12/24 V DC and 100–240 V AC (cables included)
Weight
18.7 kg (41.2 lb)
Dimensions (W×H×D)
398 × 476 × 694 mm
App control
Wi-Fi / Bluetooth (CFX3 app)
  • Single zone: fridge or freezer, not both at once
  • Long footprint (694 mm) – measure your galley before ordering
  • Daily energy use is not published on the product page; plan with a battery margin

Specs: manufacturer page, checked 2026-11-14. Based on manufacturer specs and public reviews – not a hands-on test.

fridge
BougeRV

BougeRV CRD45 Dual Zone

Best for: Van dwellers who want frozen and chilled food in one box on a tighter budget.

Capacity
45 L / 48 qt
Zones
Dual zone (fridge + freezer)
Temperature range
−20 °C to +20 °C
Rated power
60 W (Eco mode under 45 W per manufacturer)
Weight
19.5 kg (42.5 lb)
Warranty
2 years (manufacturer)
  • Compressor brand not stated on the product page
  • Smaller dealer network than the big European brands
  • Check current model naming – BougeRV runs several 45 L variants

Specs: manufacturer page, checked 2026-11-14. Based on manufacturer specs and public reviews – not a hands-on test.

Verdict

There's no universal winner. The Dometic is the conservative, well-supported single-zone pick; the BougeRV is the layout pick for fridge-plus-freezer. Before ordering, measure your space, check the latest model revision on the manufacturer page and size your battery with the calculator.

Frequently asked questions

Is the Dometic CFX3 better than BougeRV?

Neither is better for everyone. On published specs the Dometic CFX3 45 is a single-zone 46 L box with a wider temperature range down to −22 °C; the BougeRV CRD45 is a 45 L dual-zone box. Choose by layout and support needs.

Which is lighter?

According to the manufacturers, the Dometic CFX3 45 weighs 18.7 kg and the BougeRV CRD45 weighs 19.5 kg – a small difference in practice.

Do both have an app?

Yes. Dometic advertises Wi-Fi/Bluetooth control through the CFX3 app; BougeRV advertises app control including per-compartment settings.

The VanFitted Team
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