Towing with the fridge running on propane?

[dwelsh]

I have a Tracer 230FBS and wonder if you can run the fridge on propane while towing? How safe is it????

[GSPGator]

I'm not familiar with your model, but I pull my Salem LE with the fridge on propane a lot and don't have any issues at all. In fact, I recommend it because you can keep food cold until you arrive at campground. Your fridge should have an auto button. When you plug into the campground power source, the gas will automatically switch over to DC power. Then when you unplug, it will switch back over to gas. Just make sure you have plenty of propane!

[Filthy Beast]

Try searching the forum, this has been discussed many times.

[KyDan]

We had a poll about this some time back.
78% run with the LP on.
15% said no.
Others didn't care either way.

Here's a link to the poll and several discussions about it.

-->http://www.forestriverforums.com/for...off-12674.html

And WELCOME to FRF!

Happy Camping

[Platokidd]

Originally Posted by dwelsh

I have a Tracer 230FBS and wonder if you can run the fridge on propane while towing? How safe is it????

http://on.aol.com/video/rv-propane-s...ions-517513730

[dretired]

On a recent trip....Early Friday morning..Our street was in the process of being re-paved with ashphalt. The work crew shows up at 8 a.m..We had to pullout of our driveway at 8:30 a.m. and headed toward Lakeport State park for 3 nights of camping..The DW made a call to the campground ..They would not let us in until at least noon. So..We pulled into a Walmart parking lot in Fort Gratiot,Mi..Sat there for 3 hours and glad... we used the propane for the fridge.... it was a 85 degree day.

[glen1971]

Was told by a fire fighter that if you are caught up here driving with propane on, $1,500 fine for the first bottle and $4,000 for the second.. Plus the cost of the bottles, as they will be seized (from what I've heard)...

[Oakman]

Originally Posted by glen1971

Was told by a fire fighter that if you are caught up here driving with propane on, $1,500 fine for the first bottle and $4,000 for the second.. Plus the cost of the bottles, as they will be seized (from what I've heard)...

"Up here" covers a lot of ground. Where are you talking about? Also, it is quite possible your fire fighter doesn't know the law as it is written. Just saying.

[Patches]

I think if you do a search on the legality having a tank in the open position, you will find some restrictions, on some highways. Me personally, I don't do it. Today's fridges are built to stay cold while off for several hours, once they are cooled off properly. When traveling, I am only on the road for a few hours (3-5) a day as it is. That's one reason I don't do it. Also, with the propane on, that means an open flame. I know it's illegal to pull into any gas station with an open flame any where near the gas pump. That's my second reason. Now if you stop prior to a gas stop and turn the tank off, that takes care of that issue. My third reason is just a plain safety issue. What if an accident were to occur do to no fault of my own, or even my fault. An open gas tank, and pressurized lines is just one less thing to worry about. That's just the way I roll. I have no concerns on what other folks do. To each his own.........

[OldCoot]

Originally Posted by Patches

I think if you do a search on the legality having a tank in the open position, you will find some restrictions, on some highways. Me personally, I don't do it. Today's fridges are built to stay cold while off for several hours, once they are cooled off properly. When traveling, I am only on the road for a few hours (3-5) a day as it is. That's one reason I don't do it. Also, with the propane on, that means an open flame. I know it's illegal to pull into any gas station with an open flame any where near the gas pump. That's my second reason. Now if you stop prior to a gas stop and turn the tank off, that takes care of that issue. My third reason is just a plain safety issue. What if an accident were to occur do to no fault of my own, or even my fault. An open gas tank, and pressurized lines is just one less thing to worry about. That's just the way I roll. I have no concerns on what other folks do. To each his own.........

Keep in mind the flame is not on constantly, is far above any fumes and it is in a compartment.

[SaskCampers]

Originally Posted by OldCoot

Keep in mind the flame is not on constantly, is far above any fumes and it is in a compartment.

Adding to what OC has stated above,

To address the accident thing, the new style tanks have an auto shut off in case of a sudden increase in flow like an accident severing a line. Just open your tank valves really quick and you will see in a hurry the gas flow is terminated right now.

[dcheatwood]

I always travel with mine on gas. Sometimes on the road for 8-10 hours. It is illegal in tunnels and some other congested areas. Just use caution. Google laws for your area/state.

[Patches]

Originally Posted by OldCoot

Keep in mind the flame is not on constantly, is far above any fumes and it is in a compartment.

FYI; Gas-station fire destroys Indiana couple’s RV | HoumaToday.com

[OldCoot]

Originally Posted by Patches

FYI; Gas-station fire destroys Indiana couple’s RV | HoumaToday.com

Big difference with the article and a trailer. Even tho' I have traveled with the refer on for 30+ yrs, I would not have left it on that van. That was just a case of the man not thinking. Article is truely a freak accident.

[Brother Les]

Originally Posted by dwelsh

I have a Tracer 230FBS and wonder if you can run the fridge on propane while towing? How safe is it????

Good question for a newby.....
Billions of miles have been driven in campers with their fridges on.I have Driven thousands of miles during the same trip. I want and need mine on. If you do not have common sense, then you should not be driving one of these any way. The one clip of the VAN fire, said that the guy spilled gas.... it is the vapor that burns NOT the liquid. That guy was begging for a fire.

ie..... I drive a diesel.

[dcheatwood]

Originally Posted by OldCoot

Big difference with the article and a trailer. Even tho' I have traveled with the refer on for 30+ yrs, I would not have left it on that van. That was just a case of the man not thinking. Article is truely a freak accident.

Yes. Tiny RV allowed gas and propane to be in close proximity. Not so easy on TT and 5er. I have found fuel handle locked open on several occasions where previous user replaced it in the pump without releasing the trigger. Gotta check em.

[Rugged Brown]

I always thought the purpose of having the option of propane, 12v and AC was to use the fridge for any given event, such as towing, boondocking or shore power. Been using it for 20 years with no issues. Some gas attendants will ask that you turn the propane off when refuelling. Others and most don't bother.

[another_newfie]

Turn fridge on, push gas pedal, next....

Never worry about it, been all up and down the Eastern seaboard, never came across any location restrictions that I know of.

[dwelsh]

Thanks for the feedback everyone. Propane on!