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Old 02-28-2019, 05:27 PM   #1
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Using Propane Fridge while in Storage

Just moved to a new Condo and now don’t have room to store our Georgetown. In past between trips plugged into outlet for use of fridge to save time restocking basic items. As our rig will now be stored at a satellite location was wondering if anyone used propane function for fridge only when in Temporary storage and if you do how long would a hundred # tank last?
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Old 02-28-2019, 05:36 PM   #2
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Interesting proposition, i had the same question but I would advise that you do not run the propane fridge if you are not close by. I only say that as I would assume there "could" be a fire hazard if you are not around, I would assume others may have their RVs stored close to yours so in the case of a fire. There is potential (albeit low) that you could cause damage to not only your vehicle but other property.

I like your thinking, but I just empty my fridge using a ice chest each time I take the RV out.

However your question 100lbs, exclusively on the fridge. Based on my experience 3-4 months our 50lb tank was 2 months (not scientific just guess based on usage)
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Old 02-28-2019, 05:43 PM   #3
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Interesting proposition, i had the same question but I would advise that you do not run the propane fridge if you are not close by. I only say that as I would assume there "could" be a fire hazard if you are not around, I would assume others may have their RVs stored close to yours so in the case of a fire. There is potential (albeit low) that you could cause damage to not only your vehicle but other property.

I like your thinking, but I just empty my fridge using a ice chest each time I take the RV out.

However your question 100lbs, exclusively on the fridge. Based on my experience 3-4 months our 50lb tank was 2 months (not scientific just guess based on usage)


Thanks for the input. Kind of the way I feel also but thought I would test the waters to see if anyone else does this.
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Old 02-28-2019, 05:56 PM   #4
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are you suggesting that you leave food items in the fridge during this 'temporary' time?
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Old 02-28-2019, 06:11 PM   #5
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Yes, basic items with a shelf life. I should clarify Motorhome would be in storage typically from 4 to 10 days, anything longer would empty Fridge. Storage is approximately 15 kms, (9 miles), from residence and have access daily if required. More concerned with safety aspect.
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Old 02-28-2019, 06:39 PM   #6
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I did a little research and reaffirmed my original idea. Even though your fridge is running off propane, it still uses the battery to run the electronics that control the fridge. From what I read, the battery will give out before the propane.

That being said, I assume you have at least 2 house batteries on your motorhome. From doing a bit more reading, it looks like with 2 batteries you probably can get at least 2 weeks or just over.

Whether or not you actually want to do this is another question entirely.
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Old 02-28-2019, 06:56 PM   #7
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I recall earlier tests showed a propane cylinder will run an absorption refrigerator about month.

As noted there's a 12v draw involved and not only the refrigerator will be sucking power but the LP detector and radio are hard wired in my setup. Total amperage draw (measured to 0.01 amp) in my system for just these 3 devices is a tiny 0.27 amps, 270 milliamps, But that adds up to 51 amphours in a week or about all you can expect to get out of a indifferently maintained Group 24 battery so the planning time is a week unless you're blessed with plenty of battery power, solar, etc.

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Old 02-28-2019, 07:27 PM   #8
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Thanks all for the replies. Very helpful, never thought if the Batteries.
Probably stick with plan of taking everything out. Use truck as toad so no problem with transfer.
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Old 02-28-2019, 07:42 PM   #9
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My thoughts..Don't turn on fridge until day you pack up or go there the night before. Pack your fridge items in a cooler "with Ice". I think by the time you turn on the fridge to leave,,,packed with cold food,,,, you will be ok. But experiment,,,, put a couple ice trays in the freezer when you leave, after you just turned it on,,,, then when you get there,,,see the result. Every time when I'am traveling and stop,,,I go listen to see if I can here the propane burner on. So glad I not in you guys situation. Makes it tough.
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Old 03-01-2019, 06:06 PM   #10
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Chuck_S View Post
I recall earlier tests showed a propane cylinder will run an absorption refrigerator about month.

As noted there's a 12v draw involved and not only the refrigerator will be sucking power but the LP detector and radio are hard wired in my setup. Total amperage draw (measured to 0.01 amp) in my system for just these 3 devices is a tiny 0.27 amps, 270 milliamps, But that adds up to 51 amphours in a week or about all you can expect to get out of a indifferently maintained Group 24 battery so the planning time is a week unless you're blessed with plenty of battery power, solar, etc.

-- Chuck
That's very interesting information. Thank you!
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Old 03-02-2019, 07:49 AM   #11
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Our reefer runs on propane while we are traveling.

Both at home it is turned off until the day before we plan on leaving. Then we turn it on using electricity.

In campgrounds it always runs on electricity, because electricity is less expensive (free to us in the campground).

If the power goes out it automatically switches to propane.
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Old 03-02-2019, 11:19 AM   #12
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Of course you can use the propane fridge while in storage. These gizmos have been used for decades and decades. Wire in a small portable solar panel to keep the battery up and check the propane tanks once every couple weeks.

For a short time like you are talking about, it is a simple no brainer.

The small solar panel is a good idea anyway for keeping the battery's topped up and reduce sulfation.
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Old 03-02-2019, 11:41 AM   #13
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You may also want to read the lease from your storage lot (if there is one)...

They may have a rule against leaving LP items running while the RV is unattended in the storage lot.
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Old 03-02-2019, 12:05 PM   #14
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Your Georgetown does not use portable propane bottles and should have a shutoff solenoid wired to the factory installed propane detector. If you want to leave the fridge running, you will have a 1A battery draw for the propane solenoid, 1A draw for the fridge door heaters and around 300ma for other control systems. If you round this up to 2.5A, and you have FR's recommended marine hybrid batteries, you should have around 160ah of 12V power available. The 50% rule says you can draw 80a from the batteries.



At 2.5A/hour, that's only around 36 hours, a day and a half. If you're willing to completely drain the batteries with the attendant loss of life, three days.


If you really want to keep the fridge running while in storage, you'll need to add solar panels to the roof to recharge the batteries during the day. This isn't a full solution because three consecutive days of clouds could easily end up with the batteries drained.


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