Loading...
Updated Apr 22, 2026Fact-checked on Apr 22, 2026
Why I switched from my Dometic CFX3 to the GLACIER#
Picked this up in September to replace my aging Dometic CFX3 35. The GLACIER Classic 45L (no built-in ice maker, more compact than the GLACIER Pro) weighs 23.2 kg empty and measures 706 × 400 × 480 mm (L×W×H). Clip the plug-in battery underneath and you hit 25 kg. Heavy for 45L, but that's the cost of a proper dual-zone compressor that actually pulls -20°C.
Real-world draw (Victron SmartShunt, 8 months)#
Fridge mode only (4°C single zone, 25°C ambient, Eco on): ~165 Wh/day = ~14 Ah/day at 12V. Pure freezer mode (-18°C): 520 Wh/day (~43 Ah). Simultaneous dual-zone (fridge + freezer): 600-650 Wh/day combined. Matches EcoFlow's official spec sheet and my real use (van in sun, door opened 4-5×/day).
Noise and compressor#
EcoFlow spec: < 38.5 dB in Eco mode (measured at 0.5m). My sound meter in the van: ~38 dB. You can sleep next to it. EcoFlow describes the compressor as "high-efficiency copper wire" with Eco mode — I won't push the "variable-speed" claim some reviewers use, EcoFlow doesn't confirm it explicitly.
Plug-in battery: €299 separately, 40h fridge mode#
Sold separately at **€299 (EU)**, clips under the fridge, adds 1.8 kg, delivers up to 40h runtime in fridge mode (4°C) per EcoFlow spec. In pure freezer mode expect closer to 7-10h (calculated). For hiking days with the van parked, it's genuinely great.
Installing in my Trafic L2H1#
Mounted on rail, strapped with two 25mm Fiamma tie-downs. Power from 12V cigarette socket wired direct to my 200Ah LiFePO4 bank. Supplied cable 2m.
⚠️ Safety warning on direct solar#
The GLACIER's XT60 solar input caps at **110W max, 11-30V, 8A**. EcoFlow does NOT publish the charge controller type (so I won't claim "built-in MPPT"). Critically: a 200W panel can hit 26-28V Voc at -10°C cell temperature. **Never wire panels in series on the GLACIER Classic** — stick with 1 panel direct or parallel-only. I route through my external Victron controller for the house bank to stay safe.
vs Dometic CFX3 45: which wins?#
Dometic: established reputation, 3-year warranty, long-term reliability. GLACIER: dual-zone + plug-in battery, warranty **2 years (3 years in EU)**. Price: GLACIER ~**€729-749 at EcoFlow EU depending on promo** (launched at €999). Dometic CFX3 45 ~€900. More features vs more track record.
Expert tip
Set Eco threshold to 4°C rather than the default 2°C: compressor cycles less, consumption drops 15-20% with zero impact on food storage (yogurt lasts 3 weeks, tested). Confirmed consistent with SmartShunt logs.
Example calculation for your setup
Results based on a typical use case
| Appliance | Power | Usage/day | Wh/day |
|---|---|---|---|
| Compression fridge | 45W | 24h | 1080 |
| LED lighting | 20W | 4h | 80 |
| Water pump | 30W | 0.5h | 15 |
| Phone charging | 15W | 2h | 30 |
| Daily consumption | 1205 Wh | ||
Recommended LiFePO4 battery
151 Ah
(80% depth of discharge)
Recommended AGM battery
241 Ah
(50% depth of discharge)
Recommended solar panels
402 Wc
VANPOWERCALC PROYOUR ENERGY PROFILE
YOUR ENERGY PROFILE.
This document contains the sizing of your future electrical installation, calculated based on your appliances.
Minimum Daily Consumption
0 WH / DAY
Inventory:
SYSTEM SIZINGPage 2
Battery
To guarantee 0WH without damaging your bank (80% max discharge):
0 AH
LiFePO4 12V
Solar
Minimum power required to recharge your consumption:
0 W
via MPPT
220V AC
Maximum power (with 25% safety margin).
0 W
No Need
Safety & CablingPage 3
12V Cable Sizing Guide
Use this professional reference table to select the correct gauge (mm²) for your cables. For 12V in a van, the maximum tolerated voltage drop is 3%. Always use multi-stranded flexible automotive wire.
| Current (A) | Round trip < 2m | Round trip 4m | Round trip 6m |
|---|---|---|---|
| 5A (LEDs, USB) | 1.5 mm² | 2.5 mm² | 4 mm² |
| 10A (Fridge, Pump) | 2.5 mm² | 4 mm² | 6 mm² |
| 20A (Heater) | 4 mm² | 10 mm² | 10 mm² |
| 50A (DC/DC Booster) | 10 mm² | 16 mm² | 25 mm² |
| 100A (Inverter) | 25 mm² | 35 mm² | 50 mm² |
Fuse Sizing
The fuse protects the wire, not the appliance. Always place it as close to the power source as possible (battery or busbar).
- Wire 1.5 mm² → Max fuse 10A
- Wire 2.5 mm² → Max fuse 20A
- Wire 4 mm² → Max fuse 30A
- Wire 6 mm² → Max fuse 40A
- Wire 10 mm² → Max fuse 60A
SCHÉMA ÉLECTRIQUE
PANNEAUX SOLAIRES
0W
RÉGULATEUR MPPT
BATTERIE AUXILIAIRE
0 Ah
Lithium LiFePO4
FUSIBLE
FUSIBLE
BOÎTE À FUSIBLES 12V
Pompe, Leds, Frigo...
CONVERTISSEUR 220V
NON REQUI
PRO GEARPage 4
SHOPPING LIST
Where to find this equipment? Here is the community-approved selection.
12V 6-way Fuse Box
Mandatory protection
Digital Multimeter
Test your connections
Heavy Duty Crimping Tool
For perfect lugs
Heat Shrink Tubing
Insulation and safety
GENERATED BY VANPOWERCALC PRO - UNLIMITED.
Frequently asked questions
Real power draw of the GLACIER 45L?▼
Fridge mode (4°C, Eco, 25°C ambient): 165 Wh/day ~14 Ah/day at 12V. Pure freezer (-18°C): 520 Wh/day ~43 Ah. Dual-zone simultaneous: 600-650 Wh/day combined. SmartShunt logs over 8 months.
Is the plug-in battery worth it?▼
€299 sold separately, 1.8 kg, up to 40h in fridge mode 4°C per EcoFlow (~7-10h in pure freezer, calculated). Useful for long off-grid nights or cutting van power overnight. Skippable for weekend use with regular charging.
Weight and dimensions?▼
23.2 kg empty, 25 kg with the plug-in battery clipped on. Dimensions 706 × 400 × 480 mm (L×W×H).
Noise level?▼
< 38.5 dB in Eco mode per EcoFlow spec (measured at 0.5m). My sound meter confirms ~38 dB in the van. Quiet enough to sleep next to — compressor disappears into the background.
Temperature range?▼
-20°C to +20°C, each zone independently settable. Max 22°C differential between zones. Divider is removable — either zone can act as fridge or freezer.
Transparency —The links below are affiliate links. If you purchase through these links, I earn a small commission — at no extra cost to you. This is what allows me to keep this site free.
