Do you drive with your fridge on propane?

[goreds2]

I run on propane. I was always parnoid running on 12 volt running the battery down even though it should be charging. With my new purchase (see signature), I may run on 12 volt more often.

[Hallibagger]

We drive with our fridge on 12 volts but we leave the propane turned 'on' at the tank and 'off' at the appliances.

[g1g]

I have a 3 way fridge so I put it on 12V while driving. Saves propane and I don't have to worry about the flame going out

[Ron J. Moore]

No.

[AZ ADVenturist]

Absolutely NOT!! See my Post in "All electric RV" survey. Same story! Propane is for BBQ...

[markopolo]

Saw this link on the RT Yahoo Group:

http://www.houmatoday.com/article/20...CLES/100329598

Drivers who have pilot lights on their RV should put the flame out before pumping gas, he said.

“You’ve got to make sure everything is off when you start pumping. It can be very dangerous,” Freeman said.

The photo should help reinforce that all flames must be out before you pull up to the pumps.

[Mike]

Among some other notable "discussions" I had with some of the pundits on that forum, this was one of the ones I felt most strongly about. It is stupid to drive with propane (as in, an open flame) running any appliance while moving, or refueling. Yet, I met some incredible resistance to it, including comments like " my fridge is on the opposite side from the fuel filler" and " my friend runs a gas station and he has smoked at the pumps for years and not had any problems".
The other one that really surprised me was those who ran their generators to power their A/C while sleeping inside their vans. I tried that test case too, without much luck, as their were just as many "experts" on that subject who "knew" it was safe to do. Apparently, it was OK if you used a gimmicky exhaust system add on like the ones that route the exhaust up into the air.

[markopolo]

I've run the fridge on propane while driving on all my previous RV's but we stopped doing it with our current van. My fridge runs off the inverter while driving and there is a switch in easy reach of the driver or passenger to turn it on or off. We even turn the inverter off before pulling in to the pumps. It's so easy - just flick the switch.

The 8 cu ft fridge in my Trail-Lite B+ did not even have a DC option. It was propane or AC. I just can't imagine not cooling the fridge if you drive 6 hours plus...........

I'd suggest running the fridge off an inverter for anyone who doesn't have a DC option or if the DC option can't keep the fridge cool enough.

[Mike]

Or, switch to an energy efficient compressor fridge, if it's that important. Or use DC, if available.
But please don't drive with an open flame in the RV. It's too easy to get lazy, or forget it's there, when you stop to refuel.

[VernM]

Mine doesn't have a propane input. Only AC or DC. It's an Engel. And I love it! Backs up swell as a freezer too as needed. One-hundred-ninety watts of solar power to a deep cycle Walmart battery will run it 24/7 in average weather.

[Mike]

didn't mean you, Vern. I know you're a non-believer in combustibles on board.

btw, I'm sitting in my living room about 2 miles away from the road we've spoken of in the past, that bears your name. not the Ozarks, but it's nice and humble, just like me.
we moved here about 3 months ago. it was hell moving, but things are settling down a bit.
probably won't get out on the road this year, with all that's gone on. shame, as i was hoping to do the east side of the Rockies one more time, top to bottom, one by one, by National Park. oh well, priorities?
if you're ever up this way, i'm sure we could boil some water for a cup of Red Rose.
if we get through this "Frankenstorm" thing tonight and tomorrow.

[Fastpaddler1]

NO because there is a reported issue if you have an accident while propane is ON. Insurance company would not be amused.

[mlts22]

No here. Mainly because the insurance company will ask far fewer pointed questions if I mention that the refrigerator was on electric, and the propane system was shut off from a wall solenoid switch.

Plus, here in Austin, we have people who do smoke while filling up their cars, assuming they don't drive away with the pump nozzle still stuck in their vehicle's fill port.

[sewright33]

I am in dog rescue and heading south from Canada to pick up some little fur babies.
My fridge works on hydro but not on battery or propane even though it works on the stove
I really need the fridge to work for this trip on battery
Any help would be greatly appreciated
I have so many projects but for these runs need the basics
Not working front cigàrette lighter
Windshield wipes- do not work but rainx is a life saver
Thanks for any help
Ann

[mkguitar]

I think you've posted before on you rfridge- the manual is available online for download- the basic checks are in there- you need to see that (on a dometic) the manual gas valve at the fridge is open, the solenoid ( which requires dc power and controls a 2nd gas valve) is working and that the burner is clean- all easy to do in the driveway.

if the dc is not working, check that there is power ( there may be an additional fuse in the front of the black plastic box on the left side lower- my pleasureway has one)- if there is power....there is a heating element which may be burned out.


some are able to add a wind baffle and use propane when driving- on a roadtrek this can put the fridge and gas fill on the same side---leading to a favorite photo:




mike