Forum Discussion

Longshore's avatar
Longshore
Explorer
Jul 31, 2021

Another noobie question.

I read some threads in the " beginning RV" dept. about traveling with the propane on to the fridge. Most of the entries are 15 years old.

I respect the knowledge and opinions expressed here. I know there are differing opinions on this subject. So do you leave the LP on while traveling? I know to shut it off before fueling, but on these hot days if I open the fridge once it takes hours to get real cold again. Turning off the gas I might as well pack an ice chest and use the fridge for storage.

Apologies if this is like the TP thread...rehashed to death...
  • Safer to drive with propane off…yes..but I drive with the fridge and propane on.
  • We run with the gas on. We try to use the first pump in a two pump isle. That way the trailer is out in the clear and not near gas fumes. If someone wants to use the second pump they can pull in ahead of us or back up to the pump. Open flame near gas fumes is dangerous.
  • That topic was hot 15 years ago when trucks had smaller alternators and inverters were expensive.
    The issue is that when driving with propane flame is OK, sooner or later you will forget to turn it off, or on while fueling.
    Leaving it on 12V makes it bulletproof, although 12V elements deliver less cooling that good propane burner.
    The dispute is even hotter in motorhomes section.
    There have been several reported accidents, where flat tire took the inner fender with it and live propane tubing above.
    Add spark from the rim touching the road and motorhome was totaled due propane not shut off at the tank.
    So having motorhome, driving with propane off from the tank was religious.
    On TC the risk is lower, when factory charging wire is not adequate for running fridge on 12V, so I used propane flame.
    Yes guilty of fueling with open flame.
    Lately I parted my camper and used the parts for Sprinter conversion.
    Having 3-way fridge and 2-way water heater I deleted propane all together and have all operating on electric power.
    WH runs on inverter, who has ignition-activated switch and when 12V on fridge turns too low, I switch it to 120V from inverter as well.