Using your propane frig when traveling?

[elind]

My dealer just told me that in the State of Michigan it is illegal to run your propane frig while traveling. And when I was doing my PDI on my new 5er the tech said to turn off the propane when parking on an incline after running down the hiway. I've always use the propane when I'm unplugged from 120 ac. So which is correct?

[Herk7769]

Well, it is open again.

The easy one is the "turn it off when parked on an incline." This is true because operating your fridge on propane OR shore power in an out of level condition can lead to early failure of the fridge due to slow, or no, return of the liquified ammonia to the reservoir and subsequent overheating and failure of the boiler.

The "use on the road" part gets dicey.

1) Many tunnels require you to turn off the propane prior to entry; many prohibit propane tanks all together (so watch out for them).

2) ALWAYS turn off your propane while refueling. While not as critical with diesel, the gasser fueling next to you will appreciate it. (Same with shutting off your engine).

3) Folks will freak out big time if you get a "lean blowout" during a re-light while sitting at a traffic light. That big ball of fire tends to grab their attention. Happens not as often since the safety recall a few years ago.

4) Many state DoT regs say not to. Not enforced that I can tell.

So, it is your call.

[glen1971]

I think the fine up here for the first tank left on, while the trailer is moving, is $2,500... The second tank is $4,000... I would guess that the enforcement would be more on the "post incident" or complaint rather than a random stop...

[MarcusN]

We live in Michigan and have camped and used the frig on propane for 20+ years & if it is illegal that is news to me, never heard of that. We also have never had a problem nor have ever heard of any issues. If it is illegal I would have to guess that the only enforcement would be after an accident in which having the propane on caused or made the situation worse. So I would say go ahead and use it.

[Herk7769]

Originally Posted by glen1971

I think the fine up here for the first tank left on, while the trailer is moving, is $2,500... The second tank is $4,000... I would guess that the enforcement would be more on the "post incident" or complaint rather than a random stop...

A Canadian DoT reference would be great. Lots of us travel to Canada and it might be important to know if this was true.

[Ford Idaho]

I was told not to rundown the road with the gas on.
I found nothing wrong with doing it on our last trip where we spent 6 days driving from one place to another.

So I say if you feel comfortable with the idea then go for it,

[fonzie]

Originally Posted by Herk7769

A Canadian DoT reference would be great. Lots of us travel to Canada and it might be important to know if this was true.

Here is some info, not about fines but regulations: each province could be different, second link is for Ontario

Propane Safety | The Canadian Propane Association

RVs and Campers

If you and your family use a recreational vehicle (R.V.) or camper it is important to ensure all users are familiar with the manufacturer's written operating and maintenance instructions. If you are renting, ask for safety instructions. Use the same care and diligence when tending to the propane systems in your R.V. or camper as you would for those in your home or business. With respect to regulations specific to the use of R.V.s and campers in Canada:

In many provinces, regular inspection of the propane system on board by a qualified service technician is mandatory.
In most provinces, it's law that all appliances and pilot lights must be turned off and cylinder valves closed while travelling.
Contact the provincial Motor Vehicle Branch where you own, rent or operate an R.V. or camper to inquire about requirements that may apply to you.

RV Information for Drivers - Propane Appliances and Tanks


Propane Tanks
Barbeque propane tanks used to fuel appliances in motor homes, truck campers and house trailers may be carried on the exterior of the vehicles, provided the tanks do not weigh more than 30 kgs (67 lbs) each when full and are transported between:

a retail outlet and the residence of the purchaser,
a retail outlet and the purchaser's place of use,
the residence of the purchaser and a place of use, or
between two residences;
and
the tanks are designed, constructed, filled, closed, secured and maintained so that under normal conditions of transport, including handling, there will be no accidental release of propane that could endanger public safety;
are not for resale or for commercial or industrial use; and
are in a quantity and concentration available to the general public at retail outlets.
Examples of retail outlets are hardware stores, automotive industry stores, pool supply stores and farm co-ops.

Running a supply line from a barbeque propane tank, that is mounted on the exterior of a vehicle, is prohibited.

[whj77372]

Saw a video on this today from a well known internet
RV person and he said not to go down the road with your frig on propane.

[fonzie]

Originally Posted by whj77372

Saw a video on this today from a well known internet
RV person and he said not to go down the road with your frig on propane.

Can you post link here?

[TURBS]

Originally Posted by fonzie

Can you post link here?

X2


12 plus years of doing it and look I'm still here! 😆

[Herk7769]

eHow says no Legislation exists in the USA.

How to Run a Gas Refrigerator While Traveling in a Camper | eHow

Still can't find what the fine is in Canada.
Any Canadians have a link to fine info?

http://www.ehow.com/list_6850806_tra...gulations.html

However in Virginia and New Jersey Propane valves must be closed while traveling per the article above. Still looking for "fine" info.

[OldCoot]

Originally Posted by f1100turbo

X2
12 plus years of doing it and look I'm still here! ��

X3, 38+ yrs of towing with the frig on even while fueling. You have to keep in mind that the burner is only on a few minutes every hour or two if that much especially going down the highway.

[hrlyguy2]

I always had my propane on aswell But After having a bad blow out and tearing up my trailer.And seeing how bad it could have been if my gas line got damage and seeing sparks when it happened. I will be shutting off the gas for sure.

[markb5900]

x4,
Have been traveling in motorhomes since the 80's and NEVER had an issue what so ever.

[prairiecamper]

I've searched the highway traffic act for Manitoba, lots of definitions and legalese, but couldn't find anything specific on propane TURNED ON while driving. Here is a link to info provided by the public insurance corporation for vehicles (MPIC). It is general info for RV towing and makes reference to turning off propane while towing on pg. 8.
http://www.mpi.mb.ca/en/PDFs/TrailerSafety.pdf

[whj77372]

RV Travel Tips Issue 411 June 23, http://www.rvtravel.com/q=daily-tips-issue2429412

[Still Kickin]

Originally Posted by markb5900

x4,
Have been traveling in motorhomes since the 80's and NEVER had an issue what so ever.

x6 My gas is staying on. Come and get me copper!

[Rugged Brown]

Ignorance is no defense if found guilty, but I have the fridge turned on auto , when its plugged into shore power it runs on electrical, when unplugged, its propane. I don't think there are fines by DoT in Canada and the only reason I say that is because when you have to travel by ferry (eg. NS to NL) , you are given a tag to ensure you have your propane turned off.

[OldCoot]

Originally Posted by whj77372

RV Travel Tips Issue 411 June 23, http://www.rvtravel.com/q=daily-tips-issue2429412

Link doesn't work, but until I start seeing more than just a few isolated incidences of a frig actually starting a fire instead of wild speculation of it, I will continue leaving the frig on gas while traveling. IF, it were a major problem, the all seeing, all knowing government would stop it with some sort of mandated interlock on the gas going to the frig. Much adieu about nothing. IMO

[Tucson Joe]

How would you keep the refrigerator cool if you have no gas. My does not have the 12volt option, run the gen all the time while you drive. Not an option for me. Gas on when moving!!