Gas power my frig

[jimmoore13]

Originally Posted by rockfordroo

<<snip>>
I can't speak to how the LP side worked, though.

On propane, the fire lights and continues until you shut off the fridge. There is no automated, thermostatically controlled igniter as there is in your hot water heater. It's a slow, steady burn, and, while I'm not sure of the mechanism, on fridges that have an adjustable temp, I suspect the propane is simply throttled up or down as needed, but the fire never stops.

It does make sense, however, that the electric side would turn on and off as needed. Though I'm not sure of this, I also suspect that 120-volt shore power is probably stepped down to 12-volts at the heater so that there is no need for dual electrical heating elements.

I've seen quite a bit of info about RV fridge operation, but none of it - at least so far - has gone into this level of detail.

[rockfordroo]

Originally Posted by jimmoore13

On propane, the fire lights and continues until you shut off the fridge. There is no automated, thermostatically controlled igniter as there is in your hot water heater. It's a slow, steady burn, and, while I'm not sure of the mechanism, on fridges that have an adjustable temp, I suspect the propane is simply throttled up or down as needed, but the fire never stops.

It does make sense, however, that the electric side would turn on and off as needed. Though I'm not sure of this, I also suspect that 120-volt shore power is probably stepped down to 12-volts at the heater so that there is no need for dual electrical heating elements.

I've seen quite a bit of info about RV fridge operation, but none of it - at least so far - has gone into this level of detail.

There are some that use both a 110VAC heating element and and a 12VDC heating element. Mine only had 12VDC. On shore power, it was supplied by the converter.

BTW: As I pointed out in another thread, LP tanks have a high flow valve that will close should the pigtail or gas line be ruptured.

[jimmoore13]

Originally Posted by rockfordroo

<<snip>>

BTW: As I pointed out in another thread, LP tanks have a high flow valve that will close should the pigtail or gas line be ruptured.

No argument about the safety valve on the tanks...assuming they work as designed. A quick look at some of the threads in this forum is a good reminder that things don't always work as they should.

I'm not opposed to running on propane down the road. I had stuff in my freezer I wanted to keep frozen, and used propane on the trip home to ensure that the freezer would maintain. But I think the risk is higher than running on 12-volt.

[rockfordroo]

Originally Posted by jimmoore13

No argument about the safety valve on the tanks...assuming they work as designed. A quick look at some of the threads in this forum is a good reminder that things don't always work as they should.

I'm not opposed to running on propane down the road. I had stuff in my freezer I wanted to keep frozen, and used propane on the trip home to ensure that the freezer would maintain. But I think the risk is higher than running on 12-volt.

OK. It sure didn't sound that way in your other post.

[sdavidhazy]

hi.. we are new to using a camper, but enjoying our little Wildwood! quick question..this weekend was our first dry camp... is it normal for the countertop above the fridge to get quite warm when using propane for power? didn't notice it when we had it running on electric... thanks.. also, although this has nothing to do with the fridge... our first night temps dipped into the 40s so we turned on the heater, worked fine.. in the middle of the night our dog needed to go out. as I took her out, heard heat kick on (figured because I was letting in the cold!). but when we came back in,(heater still running) the smoke alarm beeped about 4 times.. not blaring like there was a fire, but just short beeps.. then it stopped.. any thoughts? thanks!!!

[Flybob]

It is possible that the area near the fridge gets warm ( not hot) during operation. Check to insure there is good air flow from the lower ( intake) fridge vent to the upper (exhaust) vent.
It looks like you have a new TT. If this was the first time you ran the furnace, the alarm most likely resulted from the oils used in manufacturing being burned off by the heat. A new furnace needs to be run for 15-30 minutes with the windows open to burn off the oils. This is sometimes done by a ( good) dealer or pointed out as something a new owner should do during PDI.

[Awilson]

As I read through this post an was shocked that people don’t take 10 seconds to turn off the flames on their fridge. It puts life and property at a huge risk. I don’t care what side you fill from or the flame is on. It’s hpjust plain stupid for the extremely minor inconvenience of stopping and starting your flame. Just a quick search on YouTube will give an untold number of fires from RVs in fuel stations. I have asked people to turn off your flame or put out the cigarette. My life means a lot more to me than their hurt feelings. Flames and gas fumes mix violently.

[Bhugo]

I would think running an open flame at a gas station is not good in any universe. Its especially bad for the people who have no clue around you. I’d never take that risk. It seems like a no brainer to run on 12 volt. You can always hit the gas if you stop for a lengthy meal or something.