Keepng Refrigerator Cold When Driving

[NMWildcat]

I can Google "alien cats" and get as much relevant information as RV fires.

https://www.google.com/amp/s/motherb...spiracy-theory

[Dave Lyon]

Originally Posted by NMWildcat

I can Google "alien cats" and get as much relevant information as RV fires.

https://www.google.com/amp/s/motherb...spiracy-theory

For sure......I've not seen one article about RV fires in Canada due to propane being on.

[Cowracer]

Originally Posted by DrLewie

Google "RV fires" and look at pix of burning rigs that ignited at gas stations because fumes from the pumps were sparked by the WH burner. It's rare, but it has happened. If it happens to you its a risk of 100%. A shut off fridge with the door closed loses 1 degree an hour, which means you have virtually no risk of food spoilage or frozen food thawing during an 8 hour drive.

And yes, I know lots of folks think this is being over cautious, and I also know this response will result in a lot of name calling, which I won't respond to. I was a Boy Scout and I take the scout motto "Be Prepared" seriously.

Google "RV's" and look at how many pix you get of burning ones.

Its so rare as to be a non-issue. I was a firefighter for 14 years. I have never seen an RV on fire. And honestly, if I did, I would almost have preferred an open, flowing propane line to the alternative (google BLEVE).

I have fought 3 real-actual propane fires and numerous ones in training. And I am here to tell you that I'd rather fight 10 propane fires over one gasoline fire, and nobody is going on about how we should drive with out fuel lines closed off. The second closest I have ever come to dying in a fire was fighting a fire in an old VW rabbit with a plastic fuel tank. When that sucker melted out and dumped 15 gallons of raw gasoline at my feet, I thought me and my crew were goners. Compared to that, a 3/4 inch propane line on fire is a birthday cake candle.

Can running propane cause a fire? Sure. But towing your RV down the road can also cause you to be hit by a crashing airplane. Lets not go out of our way to borrow trouble.

Tim

[pmsherman]

I had the same question/issue with my 2011 Georgetown when we purchased it. My solution was to install a 1kw Xantrex MSW inverter with transfer switch and wire it to only power the fridge AC outlet. I removed the front control panel and remote mounted it between the sink counter top and a drawer beneath it.

When we drive, the 175A alternator easily provides the 27A (at 12V) that the fridge draws for the AC heating coil. I also installed an interrupt switch in the power line from the propane detector to the solenoid located at the propane tank. This allows me to shut off and turn on the propane at the tank from inside the rig.

Driving with the propane on might also have interesting consequences with your insurance if you loose the rig from a fire.

Phil

[jdstrubel]

Originally Posted by youroo

Yes turn on the Propane and the Refer,and Drive down the road! Youroo!!

I can not tell you how much joy I've gotten out of reading this FRF. Youroo thank you for your honest - accurate and fun responses.

When I want to relax and learn I read my FRF.

Thanks FRF Senior member's - you are INDEED a Blessing to many
Debbie

[Gonetothedogs]

I switch my Inverter on just before leaving on a trip leg (typically 5 to 7 hours on the road driving). Notice I said Inverter...not converter. My refrigerator stays on during the entire trip. When I arrive at my new destination campground. I turn off the inverter as I switch over to electric power at the power pole. No propane used or turned during the trip. I would think an FR3 has an inverter, but I could be wrong. If you don't have one, it would be easy to install a good one. You can connect the refrigerator to the inverter and have ice and a cold refrigerator waiting for you after a long days drive.

[Mainframe]

Propane on, fridge on, enjoy, i keep water pump on also, using the amenities while traveling is part of the fun. I have been doing it for ten years.

[timfromma]

I leave the water pump off for the same reason that I turn off the city water when I leave the camper. In the event of a plumbing failure, the camper won't flood.

[K2Kevin]

Anytime I'm driving longer then 2-3 hours, I run fridge on propane depending on its contents. The only issues I've had is on a ferry boat (Had to shut it off and they parked me in a "special area"). I never shut off fridge at gas stations, I've never had the flame blow out.

On short 3 or less hour drives, I save my propane... normally just have a few frozen bottles of water in fridge, which keeps the contents pretty cold for the duration. I have never thought of the propane being on while driving a safety concern.