Refrigerators in the heat

[WinnebagoBob]

We are camping in extreme heat in Arizona. Is it better to use LP gas or electric to keep the refrigeration cold?

[downtheroad]

Well, since it was 119 in Phoenix today, I don't think it would matter what you used....propane or electric...

My advice, hitch up and get out of there.

[2oldman]

DownTheAvenue wrote:
More important is the amount of draft in the flue. It requires a positive airflow to dissipate the heat. The addition of a small computer 12 volt cooling fan will make a significant difference in the cooling in the refrigerator.

x2. That, and parking in the shade, is way more important than the fuel you're using. I've even seen folks remove the plastic cover to expose the coils and put up any old kind of fan.

[2oldman]

Bill.Satellite wrote:
.. turn the RV so the heat of the day does not hit the side of the coach where the fridge is located.

x2. The sun side can be over 20° hotter than the shade, making the refer work that much harder.

[azdryheat]

Never gave it much thought. I let my fridge decide as I run it on the auto setting. We camp a lot in the heat and don't notice any ill effects.

[Bill_Satellite]

I would use propane as it produces more heat at a lower cost (assuming you are paying for electric). You might also want to turn the RV so the heat of the day does not hit the side of the coach where the fridge is located.
If you want to eliminate all fridge issues, remove the propane fridge and install a household fridge. JMHO.

[DownTheAvenue]

More important is the amount of draft in the flue. It requires a positive airflow to dissipate the heat. The addition of a small computer 12 volt cooling fan will make a significant difference in the cooling in the refrigerator.

[dougrainer]

LP and 120 have almost the EXACT same BTU affect on the Burner flue. BUT, what does affect operation on 120 is the LINE VOLTAGE. IF your supply 120 voltage is below 112 volts, then the 120 operation will not be as good as LP. LOWER line voltage, LESS heat is produced by the 120 heat element. Unless your LP system PSI is not at spec(very rare), the LP will have a consistent heat that will heat at optimum for cooling. Now, the variable on LP would happen above 5 or 6 thousand feet in the mountains. Then 120 would be the logical choice for better cooling.
1. ABOVE 112 volts go with 120
2. BELOW 112 volts, go with LP.
Remember, the LP flame ALONE does NOT heat correctly. It takes the SPIRAL BAFFLE installed in the burner tube to evenly distribute the heat from the flame to correctly heat the FLUE tube. Doug

[Lwiddis]

Propane.

[ScottG]

PP should be a bit more powerfull.

[Chris_Bryant]

I usually go for LP, simply because everyone is using electricity to keep cool, and normally the power is strained. Plus I have a theory that the added heat of the flame aids in convection, though a lot of units use fans, which cancels out that advantage.

[2oldman]

These posts address that;

gas or electric 1

gas or electric 2