Forum Discussion

Amos59's avatar
Amos59
Explorer
Feb 13, 2014

Keeping things cold in the RV refrigerator while traveling?

I know that if the refrigerator is pre-cooled and loaded prior to departure and frozen ice blocks we should be good for a while. However we are planning a trip this summer from Oregon to Kanab UT. We will probably stay in Salt Lake City the first night. I am concerned about the temp rising to high before we get to Salt Lake. What we have done in the past is stop half way turn on the fridge using the propane stetting and then turning the fridge and propane off before we head out again. I haven't been able and not sure if the fridge will operate off of battery power when plugged into the tow vehicle?
Is there an easier way, have I missed something?
  • wbwood's avatar
    wbwood
    Explorer
    Feb 13, 2014
    Leave it on as most others stated. You will want to turn it off before pulling up next to a pump though and I believe many if not most tunnels (of a significant length) post for you to turn it off.
  • outdoorlovers's avatar
    outdoorlovers
    Explorer
    Feb 13, 2014
    We always have ours on while going down the road. Never had a problem. Make it easy on yourself. Turn on the propnae and forget about it.
  • doxiemom11's avatar
    doxiemom11
    Explorer II
    Feb 13, 2014
    We leave ours off while traveling except, when we stop for a lunch break we turn it on propane. We are usually stopped for 1/2 hr - 1 hr. We have never had a problem with the frig or freezer getting too warm. I do keep a thermometer in each and can check the temps when we stop.
  • azdryheat's avatar
    azdryheat
    Explorer
    Feb 13, 2014
    Fridge will run for months on propane as it draws very little gas. Turn it on and let it run. Mine runs on propane on the road then automatically switches to shore power when connected. When parked at the house, in between trips, we keep the fridge running.
  • dave54's avatar
    dave54
    Nomad
    Feb 13, 2014
    If fully cold in the morning it should keep the food cool all day in hottest of days, even if turned off. You can freeze a couple of milk cartons before leaving if you want.

    We turn ours off while driving (propane off at the tanks). We have never had any problems with frozen food thawing in one day in mid summer.
  • ScottG's avatar
    ScottG
    Nomad
    Feb 13, 2014
    Leave it on auto and it will run on propane - that's what its designed to do.
    Have a great trip.
  • Old-Biscuit's avatar
    Old-Biscuit
    Explorer III
    Feb 13, 2014
    Your fridge on propane will run off of trailer battery......trailer to truck cord will supply charge power to trailer battery (if it's a 7 pin connector)

    The fridge will operate on propane while traveling...using very little 12V DC power from battery.
    When parked.....operate fridge only with trailer leveled so as not to damage it.
    While traveling level operation is not a concern....just when stationary.

    Turn off fridge prior to refueling as a safety precaution.....debate on need will be argued.
    I don't but that's me.

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