Traveling with refrigerator on gas???

Griz14 wrote:
I heard this info during a Walk Through I was on with my cousin who had just bought a new 5th wheel trailer. The person giving the walk through stated "It is against the law to travel with the refrigerator running on propane in the state of Washington". As far as I am concerned there is little risk of a fire doing that. I understand shutting it off when refueling or traveling through tunnels is the proper thing to do.

Sounds like the guy was just trying to reinforce his point but BS doesn't hold up anything well.

Well, Gordon, no one will deny you are...cautious.

Griz14 wrote:
I heard this info during a Walk Through I was on with my cousin who had just bought a new 5th wheel trailer. The person giving the walk through stated "It is against the law to travel with the refrigerator running on propane in the state of Washington". As far as I am concerned there is little risk of a fire doing that. I understand shutting it off when refueling or traveling through tunnels is the proper thing to do.

Why not have 'cousin' stop by dealership and get the WA State Statue......??

Course one will not be provided as there isn't one.
WA State follows DOT, NFPA regulations/requirements/recommendations

Both Dometic and Norcold (Atwood before being acquired) address this travel issue by statements that rolling motion of RV while in transit resolves being level concerns. If Fridge isn't ON then being level is not a concern so it is obvious that both fridge mfgs deem it safe.
There are MORE safety features in the RV Propane System then provided in the Fueling System of vehicles.

Propane has a narrow explosive range.....below 2% there is NOT enough propane to ignite and above 9.6% there is too MUCH propane to ignite so as a explosive gas it is very safe

Personal choice......
Run fridge (water heater, furnace) on propane while in transit
OR DON'T

Personally I DO. Figure if not safe to use while in transit I do NOT want to use it while stationary cause either it is or isn't safe to use---no maybes!

Slow week? Time for a sky is falling thread?

For those that turn off the gas while getting gas, you turn off the ignition system as well, and the hot water tank? Turning the gas valve itself isn't going to stop the fridge or hot water tank from trying to ignite. You turn these off too every time, right, right?

You make your safety stop well before entering the station to take these measures, since how do you know gasoline vapors aren't already present? How far do you get from the station before considering it "safe" to turn on the gas, and re engage the ignition systems, every time?

my BS detector is a little raw today I guess.

I heard this info during a Walk Through I was on with my cousin who had just bought a new 5th wheel trailer. The person giving the walk through stated "It is against the law to travel with the refrigerator running on propane in the state of Washington". As far as I am concerned there is little risk of a fire doing that. I understand shutting it off when refueling or traveling through tunnels is the proper thing to do.

Ours runs continuously during the season - even when fueling with diesel. That little flame isn't going to jump out from behind that cover and chase the the diesel fuel (which is almost impossible to light with a spark) 40'+ to where it is.
And it's not illegal to drive with the PP gas flowing.

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

I do. Turning off for tunnels (not that many in CA) and when fueling.

My name is Hannibal and I've run the fridge on propane while traveling. I've also exceeded my GCWR but that was years ago. I am remorseful. Clarice knows nothing of these horrors. Now you know the reason for the muzzle.

I seem to remember the dreaded result of using your cell phone while filling up your gas tank and before that the radio energy you were absorbing while talking on your CB or holding the cell phone up to your ear.

Yes weird things can and do happen but it does not seem to deter sky divers back country skiers or shooting the curl in Hawaii.

People do what they are comfortable doing.