I'm new to the world of motor homes and am trying to figure out what all must or should be done before arriving at a gas station so that I don't blow something up. Some examples:
Water heater - leave off during travel so I don't have to worry about flames or sparks.
Generator - I assume I need to turn it off before refueling, just like how I'm supposed to turn off the engine while refueling like all the signs say at the gas station. Right? Can I wait until after we're parked next to the pump before turning it off, or should it be off before approaching the pump area? Same logic would likely apply to starting it up again after finishing up.
Refrigerator - if running it on propane during travel, I assume this needs to be turned off before pumping gas because of the sparks or flames or whatever fridges do when running on propane. Same question as with the generator, is this something that needs to be done before pulling into the pump area, or can it wait until I'm about to get out to pump?
Engine - shut this off, because the sign at the station said so.
Is there anything else I need to do?
Steve -- Murphy, TX
2011 Fleetwood Storm 32BH (2011 Ford F-53 V10)
2006 Honda Odyssey toad, Blue Ox Aventa LX tow bar, BrakeBuddy, cute decorative lights in the shapes of peppers and RVs, one lovely wife, and three little kids
It sounds like you have it pretty well covered.
I would turn the generator and frig off after parking at the pump, just like you do the coach engine.
Actually, gasoline and diesel vapors are much heavier than air, so the chance of them building up in a layer deep enough be ignited by the generator or the frig is pretty remote. A spark from the coach engine cranking motor ("starter")is more likely to ignite it, IMO. But, to use the current catch phrase, "It is just CHEAP INSURANCE!"
Make sure the pump nozzle is OFF before starting the pump!
CM1, USN (RET)
2002 Fleetwood Southwind 32V, Ford V10
Toad: 2006 Jeep Rubicon LJ
Other toad: '06 PT Cruiser, Kar Kaddy dolly
Toy: 1977 Dodge W100 CC SWB, 3/4 ton axles & springs
"When seconds count, help is only minutes away!"
We never turn tyhe fridge off just to get gas. Your choice.
Chuck
Wonderful Wife
Australian Shepherd
2010 Ford Expedition TV
2010 Outback 230RS Toybox, 5390# UVW, 6800# Loaded Not yet camped in Hawaii, 2 Canada Provinces, & 2 Territories I can't be lost because I don't care where this lovely road is going
You've got it right. I turn my refrigerator off before arriving at the pump but some may not. I've never run my generator while traveling (though it is perfectly OK) so I'm not sure but it would just make sense to do the same.
Have there been times I forgot to turn the fridge off? Yes. And nothing happened. I should think there would have to be a combination of events to converge for disaster to occur but since it IS a possibility, I make every effort to shut if off before fueling.
2000 Born Free 24RB Class C
6.8L Ford V-10 Engine, E450 Chassis
2002 Honda CR-V toad
Roadmaster Sterling A/T towbar
VIP braking system
Eddyline Merlin kayak
Thanks for the responses. I had a pop-up before this, so the water heater was off, there was no generator, and the little fridge ran off 12V the whole time while traveling. I guess with convenience comes a small amount of inconvenience.
Would it be easier to just turn off the switch for all the coach power? I would assume all RVs have them .That way nothing could light while gassing up I never really thought about it, but it sounds like it would be smart to shut it all off while gassing up.
carbour404 wrote: Would it be easier to just turn off the switch for all the coach power? I would assume all RVs have them .That way nothing could light while gassing up I never really thought about it, but it sounds like it would be smart to shut it all off while gassing up.
Answer is: Probably not. Many coaches have their refrigerator wired such that it stays on even when the disconnect switch is in the OFF position.
Said another way, you would have to verify that it killed 12 VDC to all your propane appliances.
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