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?

[Francesca_Knowl]

pf32450 wrote:
I would like to expand on the question about this. For those that run on propane about how long will a 30# tank last. And my other question is in reference to turning off propane while refueling. Now I do understand what all are saying about keeping it on, but do you just shut off the tank or go in to your TT and turn off the refrigerator. Our refrigerator sits on the opposite side of the TV fuel tank. I have never as yet run propane while going down the road so want to make sure if I do that I am keeping myself and others safe at the pump. Thanks.

I shut off the fridge itself when refueling- my theory is that if I just turn the tank off the flame will still burn for a bit on the gas still in the line.

I usually don't bother to relight until the next regular non-fueling stop- things stay cold just fine for hours!

[Beachums]

The flame used for absorption is about the size of a pilot light. So that should give you some insight in to how long a 30lb tank will last.

[pf32450]

I would like to expand on the question about this. For those that run on propane about how long will a 30# tank last. And my other question is in reference to turning off propane while refueling. Now I do understand what all are saying about keeping it on, but do you just shut off the tank or go in to your TT and turn off the refrigerator. Our refrigerator sits on the opposite side of the TV fuel tank. I have never as yet run propane while going down the road so want to make sure if I do that I am keeping myself and others safe at the pump. Thanks.

[the_happiestcam]

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.

[stephend]

Yes no problem

[Old-Biscuit]

thirtydaZe wrote:

Markiemark32 wrote:

thirtydaZe wrote:
How come so many run their fridge off of propane when traveling? I run ours, but don't run the propane route.

My extension cord to run electric is not long enough when traveling.

So propane is used when I travel.

Markiemark

Mine appears to run off the battery just fine. with the 7 pin plugged into the back of my truck, never an issue.

Is it not designed to run this way?

IF your fridge is a 3-way (AC--then Propane---then DC) it can run on DC power
IF your fridge is a 2-way (AC or propane) then it only uses AC when plugged in and Propane when not if in 'auto'
The DC supplies control board/panel power only.

Is your fridge a 3-way?

[Markiemark32]

thirtydaZe wrote:

Markiemark32 wrote:

thirtydaZe wrote:
How come so many run their fridge off of propane when traveling? I run ours, but don't run the propane route.

My extension cord to run electric is not long enough when traveling.

So propane is used when I travel.

Markiemark

Mine appears to run off the battery just fine. with the 7 pin plugged into the back of my truck, never an issue.

Is it not designed to run this way?

I don't believe it is running off a vehicle system.

If so, this propane debate, would not happen all the time.

I think as some are pointing out, Fridge will hold temps (depending on the travel time), may not have to run on propane, on a short trip.

Markiemark

[Old-Biscuit]

SteveAE wrote:
mikeflys,

I used to travel with the propane on. However, after I had one of the rubber hoses between the propane bottle and regulator split, allowing propane to spew out at a rate that was less than required to trip the protection device built into the tank, but high enough to dump quite a bit of propane, I stopped the practice. So far, our refrigerator seems to stay plenty cold while traveling. Just my experience, and as you are seeing many choose to leave it on.

Steve

That hose could have split while being parked.
Traveling with it on didn't cause the failed hose

Both Dometic and Norcold have statements in their fridge manuals that operating the fridge while in transit does not present a problem.
It is in reference to level operation BUT you can bet that the corporate lawyers had a hand in approving the language.

Running with it ON propane OR NOT is a personal choice....not a safety problem.
Being valved out is required in some tunnels and on ferries (both of which I encounter back east).....signs posted when required.

[WoodGlue]

Yeah, make sure to turn it off when refueling and to be aware that there are tunnels that prohibit running propane while driving through them. There would be signs posted to the effect before entering the tunnel, so don't worry too much.

WoodGlue

[thirtydaZe]

Markiemark32 wrote:

thirtydaZe wrote:
How come so many run their fridge off of propane when traveling? I run ours, but don't run the propane route.

My extension cord to run electric is not long enough when traveling.

So propane is used when I travel.

Markiemark

Mine appears to run off the battery just fine. with the 7 pin plugged into the back of my truck, never an issue.

Is it not designed to run this way?

[Markiemark32]

thirtydaZe wrote:
How come so many run their fridge off of propane when traveling? I run ours, but don't run the propane route.

My extension cord to run electric is not long enough when traveling.

So propane is used when I travel.

Markiemark

[SteveAE]

mikeflys,

I used to travel with the propane on. However, after I had one of the rubber hoses between the propane bottle and regulator split, allowing propane to spew out at a rate that was less than required to trip the protection device built into the tank, but high enough to dump quite a bit of propane, I stopped the practice. So far, our refrigerator seems to stay plenty cold while traveling. Just my experience, and as you are seeing many choose to leave it on.

Steve

[thirtydaZe]

How come so many run their fridge off of propane when traveling? I run ours, but don't run the propane route.

[kearlms]

Always travel with it on. Just make sure to shut it off when you refuel your rig.

[mowermech]

Given the number of people (literally thousands) running down the roads with RV refrigerators running on propane, and the lack of accidents directly or indirectly attributable to the practice, I don't understand how anybody can say it is all that risky!
In all the various RVs I have owned over the years, I have always traveled with the propane ON and the frig operating. No incidents, accidents, or occurrences.
Here in the West I have never encountered a bridge or tunnel which required the propane to be turned off. I don't know if the Washington State Ferrys require the propane to be turned off or not, I don't take my RV on the ferry. Too expensive!