Driving with the frige on?

[mikeflys]

Our new TT is our 3rd rv. Started with a pop up, then a motorhome. In both our old rigs we traveled with the refrigerator running. For some reason I have not in our new TT. We are planning a trip that will require 2 days to get there. It would be nice to keep the frig and freezer cold. Is it really that unsafe to travel with the frige running?

[WoodGlue]

lucy6194 wrote:
check out camper burns mitchel south dakota on You Tube.we had everything off so guess it doesn't matter either way!!!!

Could you please post a link?

Thanks

[the_happiestcam]

mikeflys wrote:
Wow I am impressed with the number of responses in such a short time! Thanks for all your opinions. The only issue I have with turning my frige off when I fuel up is I have to open my slide to reach the frige. How big of an issue could it be? The trailer is back behind the truck and the frige is closed up inside the trailer.

Assuming you go to a rest stop before you fuel, turn it off there. Turn it on again at your next stop after fueling. You can go hours before you need to turn it on again, providing the fridge is full.

[lucy6194]

check out camper burns mitchel south dakota on You Tube.we had everything off so guess it doesn't matter either way!!!!

[brockwellw]

Run mine all the time when traveling. I have had to valve out gas bottles if going through some tunnels or the Chesepeake Bay Bridge Tunnel, as they will ask if it is on. If it is not allowed, there will be signs posted that can't be missed. Have fun and be safe.

[crosscheck]

After owning 2 absorbtion fridges, one a 3 way which is older technology and a 2 way(newer) we always travelled with the propane on except for the times it was not permitted. I don't think we had a problem.

Now, we leave our fridge/freezer on 24/7 on ferries/tunnels/fuelling, anytime.With our lifestyle it is not uncommon to be camping on very uneven ground. We even stop on 12% slopes for extended times and the meat stays frozen and the beer stays ice cold.

It is not for everyone and you must be setup electrically for it but I have yet to hear of a compressor fridge burning up an RV.


There are alternatives.




12% grade for 1.5 hours. Could stay like this indefinately.Galena Bay ferry. B.C. April/13


Dave

[MitchF150]

Really?? :R

Mitch

[Bird_Freak]

Old-Biscuit wrote:

Bird Freak wrote:

Francesca Knowles wrote:
Like everything else, good sense and the rig configuration should govern, I guess.

This guy definitely should have turned his off!

link to story

Was this proven to be started from the fridge or was it a static charge. Looks like the flames are more under it than anywhere.

According to article.....
RV owner took gas nozzle off pump......then turned it ON
Handle was 'stuck open' and spewed gas all over side of rig and into the fridge lower vent.
Gas vapors were then ignited by fridge propane flame.

Fire Investigator said.....possible BUT was still unsure how fire started.

One thing for sure........put nozzle into fuel fill BEFORE turning pump on

What we seem to have here is another case of-- You can't fix stupid!!

[Old-Biscuit]

Bird Freak wrote:

Francesca Knowles wrote:
Like everything else, good sense and the rig configuration should govern, I guess.

This guy definitely should have turned his off!

link to story

Was this proven to be started from the fridge or was it a static charge. Looks like the flames are more under it than anywhere.

According to article.....
RV owner took gas nozzle off pump......then turned it ON
Handle was 'stuck open' and spewed gas all over side of rig and into the fridge lower vent.
Gas vapors were then ignited by fridge propane flame.

Fire Investigator said.....possible BUT was still unsure how fire started.

One thing for sure........put nozzle into fuel fill BEFORE turning pump on

[Bird_Freak]

Francesca Knowles wrote:
Like everything else, good sense and the rig configuration should govern, I guess.

This guy definitely should have turned his off!

link to story

Was this proven to be started from the fridge or was it a static charge. Looks like the flames are more under it than anywhere.

[Francesca_Knowl]

Like everything else, good sense and the rig configuration should govern, I guess.

This guy definitely should have turned his off!

link to story

[Old-Biscuit]

The small flame from fridge is enclosed and isn't going to jump out of compartment while refueling. It's also located about 4' off ground.

I'm more worried when refueling of the idiot jumping in/out of their vehicle or smoking cigarette

[robbie69]

the_happiestcamper wrote:
I looked at Forest River's site. They don't say if their fridges are 2 or 3 way, but they do say they are double door. I don't think I've ever seen a 3 way that was bigger than a small one door (usually in popups) - not saying there is not any larger than that, just not common.

yrs ago when i was a kid my dad used to sell rv's part time and alot of them were 3 way. we had a normal camper sized reefer in a motor home that was 3 way. 3 way has pretty much gone the way of the 4 burner stove-you still see em but they are few and far between.

[Bird_Freak]

I dont turn mine off when refueling but mine is so far away from the pumps i dont worry about it. I never pull the 5er up beside the pumps.

[mikeflys]

Wow I am impressed with the number of responses in such a short time! Thanks for all your opinions. The only issue I have with turning my frige off when I fuel up is I have to open my slide to reach the frige. How big of an issue could it be? The trailer is back behind the truck and the frige is closed up inside the trailer.