Refrigerator on Propane and stopping for Gas
OK, I tried a bunch of different ways to search for threads on the need or no need to shut off the refrigerator when running on propane while filling up the vehicle at the gas station. I am about t...
Forum Discussion
RCMAN46 wrote:
Well does happen and the end result is not good.
RV fire
About 20 years ago I witnessed a similar fire at a gas station in central Utah.
Since then I have never pulled into a gas station with any propane appliances on.
If you read that story, it was a silly human error and set of circumstances that led to the fire. He failed to make sure the nozzle trigger wasn't activated before selecting his grade of gas (thus turning on the pump).
It should be common sense, but checking that trigger AND inserting the nozzle into the vehicle before activation of the pump will solve all those problems.
In the story, the guy not only failed to do both of those, but had the unlucky circumstance of the nozzle pointed directly at the fridge vent when he turned it on.
Yes, accidents happen. And almost all of them could be avoided with a few simple common sense steps. Turning off the fridge pilot really isn't one of them. I just got back from a 1500 mile round trip. I couldn't imagine the hassle of turning it off and on every time when it isn't really necessary.
Someone mentioned a long time ago in one of these threads that the number of switches and relays in a vehicle that cause sparks or static electricity far outnumber the one pilot light in the fridge.
Also, and this probably varies from trailer to trailer, my pilot light is about a foot in from that vent cover. I can see it through the gaps around my switch on the fridge. Maybe that will determine a course of action for each person.
