Forum Discussion

chrisandoctavia's avatar
Oct 29, 2015

Fridge On or Off?

OK - here's a question for those of you who have been RV'ing a while (we are still newbies)

When driving to your RV campground do you have your onboard fridge ON and powered by propane, or do you turn it off while driving?

I have seen a recent blog post that said it might be dangerous to have it on - but wanted to hear what the rest of you think and do

Thanks for any replies you can give

Chris

35 Replies

  • On for me, which generally means propane, unless there are restrictions that prohibit it (such as some tunnels and bridges have). I do try to remember to turn it off before refueling (and on again afterwards).

    While they are the cause of a not insignificant portion of RV fires, fridges are nowhere near as dangerous as some let on, not by a long shot. Engines, overheated brakes or tires, and electrical system failures also cause a good many RV fires, and people don't generally seem as afraid of driving, stopping, or plugging in.
  • Propane fridge is on all the time, except when filling with gas ( gas fill just a few feet below diagonally) or when filling with propane. Also learned to have the propane function ready to go when parked in the driveway with food in fridge and on AC power. Had the home circuit breaker pop during the night one time while plugged in.
  • On. Usually on propane. If it's hot and need to run the roof AC then start then gen and run the fridge on the gen.
  • We travel with the fridge on propane, have done this fo over forty years without any problems, just make sure the vents are free and we do try and keep the back of the fridge as clean as possible.
  • On. Probably 95% of the RVs on the road have their refer running.