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Old 02-19-2017, 07:18 PM   #1
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Refrigerator running on propane

Can't wait to go camping...so I'm sitting here thinking of things camping related...here's one...
(We have the 2017 shamrock 233s)
So my first trip I have planned is going from NY to Orlando Florida...gonna do it in 2 days cause the wife won't drive with the trailer...can I load up the fridge and run it on propane whiles we're driving?...good idea?...bad idea?...illegal?...use to much propane?...should I just pack a cooler...with dry ice?...or just buy groceries when we get there?....we were planning on staying at a hotel half way down (I know ...we have a hotel on wheels)..with me driving the whole thing I'd be easier to pull in to hotel...eat and sleep and go...then a campground...check in set up break down cooking cleaning.....also anyone do a trip like this...this is our first big road trip with the new trailer (we broke it in last year with some small trips)...so any advice..ideas..or warnings would be much appreciated.

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Old 02-19-2017, 07:22 PM   #2
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Absolutely you can run your fridge on propane while towing. I would suggest pre-cooling it by plugging it in for several hours before you leave if possible, and also putting cold stuff in the fridge as well. Have a great trip!
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Old 02-19-2017, 07:28 PM   #3
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That's what the fridge is made for. Propane useage? Not enough to even worry about. The small size of the flame is so small that it wouldn't use much at all. Go for it & have a good trip.
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Old 02-19-2017, 07:36 PM   #4
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Yeah if i was going to do that...definitely pre cooling with electric and cold stuff...probably frozen meats and stuff that needs to thaw..just wasn't sure if there was any issues with running on propane...any idea how long 2 20lb tanks will last? I'm just trying to see if it's worth it(burns too much propane)..and if it would be more economical to just buy stuff down there...and another thing that I just thought of (totally unrelated)...while traveling if I have some water in the fresh water storage tank...if needed ...would I be able to use the bathroom in the trailer for toilet (flush)...sink(washing)..and possibly lights ..
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Old 02-19-2017, 07:40 PM   #5
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Just plug in on ac day before cool down stock up with cool food stuff then light Propane and be on your way. What the frig is made to do. Later RJD
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Old 02-19-2017, 07:48 PM   #6
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Mike, I hope you are young. That is a lot of miles to drive in 2 days. Just a hint: One great advantage of an RV is the ability to stop along the way at a rest stop and take a nap for awhile. I have a bad back, and stopping once or twice on a long day to lie down to reset my back and give my eyes a rest is very helpful.
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Old 02-19-2017, 07:57 PM   #7
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Quote:
Originally Posted by metalmike57 View Post
Yeah if i was going to do that...definitely pre cooling with electric and cold stuff...probably frozen meats and stuff that needs to thaw..just wasn't sure if there was any issues with running on propane...any idea how long 2 20lb tanks will last? I'm just trying to see if it's worth it(burns too much propane)..and if it would be more economical to just buy stuff down there...and another thing that I just thought of (totally unrelated)...while traveling if I have some water in the fresh water storage tank...if needed ...would I be able to use the bathroom in the trailer for toilet (flush)...sink(washing)..and possibly lights ..
Absolutely. That is why we bought our RV... to USE!

We always travel with some water in the tank, just for rest stops. I also do like BluePill, I will pull over and take a nap if I get tired. I have done it with my TT as well as my motor home. As far as staying at a hotel versus a campground, if you choose one near the travel path and do just the minimum setup you can be in and out fairly quickly. When I had my little Coleman 16 FSB we wouldn't even unhook most nights, just pull in, level up side to side, plug in and call it good.

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Old 02-19-2017, 08:03 PM   #8
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I like to think I'm young (45)...we've done the trip 2times already..(without trailer) and with3 kids...but yes that is a plus having the trailer now to rest and stuff...just have to pull in somewhere where the wife and kids could go to a mall or something (if I was resting)...getting back to my other question...does the water pump run off the battery?...if so I got use of the sink toilet and lights...right?
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Old 02-19-2017, 08:04 PM   #9
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And does anyone know how much propane is used running the fridge for 2 days?
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Old 02-19-2017, 08:04 PM   #10
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Fridge will run for weeks on one propane tank. For overnights while making time....Walmart parking lot. Pull in, make dinner, shop, go to bed.
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Old 02-19-2017, 08:11 PM   #11
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Good idea with Walmart...wife and kids could get lost for a while..lol...and for weeks on propane tank...that's good to hear...just trying to weigh the cost factors ...thanks
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Old 02-19-2017, 08:13 PM   #12
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Oh...wahoo already answered my other question...you guys are to quick...thanks everyone
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Old 02-19-2017, 08:18 PM   #13
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Propane for fridge is pennies (especially compared to a mid trip hotel).

In 2 weeks we didn't switch propane tanks, and stayed at Walmart probably 6 nights. They allow/encourage it at most sites. Search it.... It was 80+ too, so the fridge had to "work".
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Old 02-19-2017, 08:25 PM   #14
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I know I know...we should just camp...but I got 3 kids and the wife ...doing a 2 week trip...gonna have camper packed(not over packed...getting it weighed before we go)...figured with me doing all the driving and I'm on vacation...hotel is no work ...dinner sleep wake shower go..
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Old 02-19-2017, 08:36 PM   #15
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Originally Posted by metalmike57 View Post
And does anyone know how much propane is used running the fridge for 2 days?
A few ounces at best. I seem to recall doing the calculations a while back and a 30# LP tank would last something like 6 months at average usage.

You can use the battery to power your water pump and some lights. If you have LED lights you are good to go. If you have incandescent be careful not to leave them on by accident.

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Old 02-19-2017, 08:58 PM   #16
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Question if you left something on and ran the battery down could you not just start the tow truck and have electricity?


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Old 02-19-2017, 09:15 PM   #17
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I think the tow vehicle just charges the tt battery like a trickle charger would...so not sure how much power you would get to start or charging
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Old 02-19-2017, 09:19 PM   #18
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I still disconnect my pigtail at night when we wallydock.. Probably not a problem and in my head.. But do not want a dead battery.
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Old 02-19-2017, 09:36 PM   #19
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Did you take into consideration propane restrictions at some of the tunnels between NY and Fla. Some prohibit propane others require it be turned off.
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Old 02-19-2017, 09:36 PM   #20
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Just put the frig on "Auto" and it will switch to electric when you plug into the AC.
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