plauterer
Manitoba, Canada
Senior Member
Joined: 08/29/2004
View Profile
|
I run with mine off unless I forget it. When I stop for a rest or lunch I turn it on for the time I am stopping. Have not lost anything yet in almost 20 years of camping with a propane refrigerator. I would suggest people look at their insurance policy, it may say what you can or cannot do while running down the road. Also what are the highway laws, some places you are not allowed to have propane tanks let alone a running fridge.
|
Neilm_108
Calgary, AB
Full Member
Joined: 10/22/2003
View Profile
 Offline
|
In Canada, open propane cylinders are prohibited while towing in Manitoba and Nova Scotia, therefore you cannot have your propane-powered fridge on in those provinces.
ALWAYS turn your fridge off when pulling into a gas station to refuel. Law *everywhere* requires you to extinguish open flames.
|
johnthecamper
Grapevine, Texas
Full Member
Joined: 02/08/2008
View Profile
Offline
|
Boy this question is getting old! The simple answer is yes but no everybody feels safe doing it. But RVs were designed for it.
|
scali71
S California
New Member
Joined: 03/20/2006
View Profile
Offline
|
Ok, I agree as I do it myself. Question though. The dealers tell you to be level before running on propane. When driving down the road you are anything but level. Is being level a myth or what?
|
Neilm_108
Calgary, AB
Full Member
Joined: 10/22/2003
View Profile
Offline
|
Being level is not a myth. When the fridge is level, the coils are sloped at the proper angle so the refrigerant can circulate properly without getting blocked / restricted somewhere. All of the 'sloshing' while going down the road accomplishes the same thing.
|
|
|
mich800
Pontiac, MI
Full Member
Joined: 05/30/2004
View Profile
|
Dixonmatco wrote:RevLeonidas wrote:...since I've been lurkin' around in this forum, this topic seems to come-up often. What I fail to understand is why. If you follow simple logic, it is safer to drive with a propane refer turned off than on: duh. One less place for your RV to catch fire makes it safer. Why does it matter what other people do? Here's an example: I've never been a a car accident, I don't expect to ever be in one, so why do I choose to wear a seatbelt? Even if the law didn't require it, I'd still wear a seatbelt because accidents do happen.
To put it bluntly, don't be stupid: if you want cold beer to set up camp, take your cheap-a*s out and buy an icebox for beer, perishable foods and other beverages.
Be Well,
Rev. Leonidas
And following your logic, it is obvious that it is safer to not drive at all.
You don't be stupid.. Leave your paranoid Dumb a*s home.
If you choose to not run your fridge, that is your business and your choice. calling everyone who does stupid and cheap is not acceptable.
Be Well,
Dixon
I use the restroom each night before I go to bed and every morning the sun rises. Sure, I could hold it and go to bed; but I am not taking the chance it may end the world.
|
RevLeonidas
Oregon
Full Member
Joined: 09/17/2007
View Profile
Offline
|
...if it is most wise to travel with the least risk, than travel with propane off.
Keep this in mind, the refrigerator running provides little risk, the largest risk is with the LP delivery system. The weakest link of an RVs LP system are the rubber lines that go from the tanks to the appliance(s).
If there is an accident where the vehicle slides, breaks the line, generates a spark, things are going to get a little hot. However, it's your risk.
...I hope that someday this ridiculous topic will die on RV.net; however, the polarity of the responses allows me to buy the argument that the older we get, the more we become like children. Sorta a part of gettin' old that makes gettin' old fun; that is, it's nice to know that there are so many other childlike jacka*ses on the road!
|
WeBCampin
Beautiful Wisconsin
Full Member
Joined: 05/23/2004
View Profile
|
There is always the possibility of a fire. When and where it happens are the issue. If you run your fridge on gas, there is more of a risk of a fire than if you don't. However, why then did they make the gas option available? You could have a fire parked at the campground just as easily as you can driving down the road. I never understood why some owner's manuals tell you not to do it.
|
RICK_OD
New Jersey
Full Member
Joined: 01/25/2006
View Profile
Offline
|
my biggest concern is getting rear-ended while driving down the road as my HWH is located at the VERY rear of my RV. if the LP is on, all the lines are charged. i drive with mine off and installed a small inverter to power the fridge.
|
pkunk
Questa, NM
Senior Member
Joined: 12/28/2007
View Profile
Offline
|
RICK_OD wrote:my biggest concern is getting rear-ended while driving down the road as my HWH is located at the VERY rear of my RV. if the LP is on, all the lines are charged. i drive with mine off and installed a small inverter to power the fridge.
I did exactly the same. I think it's an 800 watt inverter, installed in the bottom of the fridge compartment and I only use propane when boondocking. Works like a charm & the way propane is going up, seems cost effective too.
1989 Allegro, 30 ft., 454 CI 4 BBL, 3 spd.auto, 125gal.gas tank,85g.water & 85 grey &75 black holding tanks. 3-12v Optima 31m coach batteries
|
|
|
