Traveling with refrigerator on gas???
I've traveled with the refrigerator running on gas for years but recently heard it is against the law to do that. I was just wondering how many do it. Thanks,
Forum Discussion
From a post on another forum:
"Everyone has their own view of risk. There are folks that fear running with the propane on, and others who don't. There are thousands of propane powered vehicles on the road and they have not been considered a problem by fire Marshalls or the various state DOTs.
People who assume they are safe in the event of a fire or accident with the tank valves closed, should realize a tank heated externally will vent propane when it reaches 312 PSI through the relief valve. When traveling with propane, on or off, there is still a hazard in a fire or collision. If one has a wreck and fire is developing, it is a good idea to get away from the rig to a distance of about 150 yards because there may be a secondary explosion from over heated tanks.
The risk involved with running with propane on is slight compared with the vehicle's fuel tank rupturing during an event. I understand that the insurance industry finds that most motor home fires are due to gasoline leakage. The new bottles with the OPD valve have Acme nuts that contain a thermal bushing, that will melt in a fire and are intended to prevent the escape of propane from the tank. When it melts, it allows the OPD spring-activated shut off valve to pop out and completely to shut the flow down. However if the heat is great enough the tank will fail. The valves have an excess flow feature that limits flow if a line is broken.
Except for certain tunnels and ferryboats and during fueling, I have not heard of any state DOT rules against traveling with propane appliances operating. Fire marshals in the states don't seem to consider fridges a problem."
Conclusion: What is the risk you wish to accept.
I run mine except when fueling or if it is posted to not run it. There are tunnels and other areas which prohibit propane tanks over 10 lbs.
Here is the list of all HAZMAT restrictions in the US:
HazMAT registry
"Everyone has their own view of risk. There are folks that fear running with the propane on, and others who don't. There are thousands of propane powered vehicles on the road and they have not been considered a problem by fire Marshalls or the various state DOTs.
People who assume they are safe in the event of a fire or accident with the tank valves closed, should realize a tank heated externally will vent propane when it reaches 312 PSI through the relief valve. When traveling with propane, on or off, there is still a hazard in a fire or collision. If one has a wreck and fire is developing, it is a good idea to get away from the rig to a distance of about 150 yards because there may be a secondary explosion from over heated tanks.
The risk involved with running with propane on is slight compared with the vehicle's fuel tank rupturing during an event. I understand that the insurance industry finds that most motor home fires are due to gasoline leakage. The new bottles with the OPD valve have Acme nuts that contain a thermal bushing, that will melt in a fire and are intended to prevent the escape of propane from the tank. When it melts, it allows the OPD spring-activated shut off valve to pop out and completely to shut the flow down. However if the heat is great enough the tank will fail. The valves have an excess flow feature that limits flow if a line is broken.
Except for certain tunnels and ferryboats and during fueling, I have not heard of any state DOT rules against traveling with propane appliances operating. Fire marshals in the states don't seem to consider fridges a problem."
Conclusion: What is the risk you wish to accept.
I run mine except when fueling or if it is posted to not run it. There are tunnels and other areas which prohibit propane tanks over 10 lbs.
Here is the list of all HAZMAT restrictions in the US:
HazMAT registry
