Traveling with Propane on

CYA.

My trailer has a tag behind the propane bottles stating that "container shutoff valves shall be closed during transit".

time2roll wrote:

toedtoes wrote:
I know it was a joke. It's just one that annoys the heck out of me because so many people REALLY BELIEVE they cannot cut the tags off pillows, etc.

It is very clear the tag must remain on for disclosure to the end user. Would have helped if it said the end user could remove. BTW mine have all been removed ;)

If the fridge was required to be off while in motion there would be a tag or an automatic valve.

I agree with all.

When we start a trip we plug the trailer in the day before and run the fridge on electric.
I turn the fridge on LP as were leaving and never turn off the LP till were plugged into 110v.
Our first rv campers had the old ice boxes that required block ice to keep things "COOL".
Later the industry went to LP fridges which was a godsend. Now we could actually keep meats/other foods frozen on those long 500-600 mile a day runs in 110 degree weather at 55-60 mph.

As a victim of spoiled foods from the old ice box era my LP fridge never gets turned off. I hope no one ever gets that sick.

My large rv dealer in my area (37 years) says they have yet to see a rv fire started by the LP fridge at a gas station.

But burned rv vehicles started by the LP heaters is common.

toedtoes wrote:
I know it was a joke. It's just one that annoys the heck out of me because so many people REALLY BELIEVE they cannot cut the tags off pillows, etc.

It is very clear the tag must remain on for disclosure to the end user. Would have helped if it said the end user could remove. BTW mine have all been removed ;)

If the fridge was required to be off while in motion there would be a tag or an automatic valve.

toedtoes wrote:

opnspaces wrote:

Why are people only concerned about that tiny refrigerator pilot light when fueling and not that much larger water heater flame, or possibly the furnace flame?

Because most people don't ever have a desire or need to run the water heater or furnace while driving. They don't need the hot water while driving and they use the cab heat in the motorhome or the tow vehicle to keep warm.

The fridge comes up in question because people want to use it to keep their food cold while driving for 4+ hours.

This wasn't true for us when we had our previous MH's. We ran the furnace when travelling in winter to keep the whole MH warm and pipes from freezing. We've also used hot water while en route. I always turned these things off when fueling however. I was never comfortable with an open flame while fueling however small the risk.

opnspaces wrote:

Why are people only concerned about that tiny refrigerator pilot light when fueling and not that much larger water heater flame, or possibly the furnace flame?

Because most people don't ever have a desire or need to run the water heater or furnace while driving. They don't need the hot water while driving and they use the cab heat in the motorhome or the tow vehicle to keep warm.

The fridge comes up in question because people want to use it to keep their food cold while driving for 4+ hours.

Surgtech94 wrote:
Thank you everyone for the information. Yes, forgot our fridge was Automatic. But I believe I have to turn propane on and light stove to make sure propane is flowing to fridge? How do I know if fridge ignited on propane? TY

Why are people only concerned about that tiny refrigerator pilot light when fueling and not that much larger water heater flame, or possibly the furnace flame?

That being said I only turn off the propane in storage.
Your refrigerator will keep cold for hours when turned off.
Your refrigerator will run for many minutes on residual pressure in the lines when you turn the bottles off.
If you are concerned then go into the trailer and slide the refrigerator switch over to OFF so the auto igniter doesn't activate while you are refueling.
Once done fueling if there is not a huge puddle of gasoline on the ground then go slide the switch back to AUTO and drive away.
You should only need to run the stove burners when you first take the RV out of storage. If you turn off the refrigerator at the switch then the LP line will remain full and pressurized eliminating the need to purge again.
I really can't remember the last time I actually smelled any gasoline while refueling my vehicles. But then California has some pretty efficient vapor recovery at the pumps to help reduce smog.

I know of two ways to verify that the refrigerator is actually lit and running.
There is a little LED next to the switch that is on when its running on Propane. If the flame goes out the light starts blinking

Flip the controls to LP or GAS and walk outside and stick your ear next to the refrigerator access panel. If the flame is on you should hear a dull roar.

time2roll wrote:

valhalla360 wrote:
Of course, if that's the case, it has a ventilation system so the heavier than air CO2 doesn't build up...not to mention vehicles cruising at 30-60mph will move a surprising amount of air.

Mostly, it's a CYA.

I think it is caution for if there is a wreck. All traffic could be stopped and blocked with propane leaking.

When you understand how check valves on LP bottles work, come back and revise your response....

On long days we travel with the Norcold on gas. On shorter days we may just turn it off. Don’t forget to turn it off before fueling. Our tow vehicle is electric so that’s no longer an issue. :).