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DarrellT · 08-30-2016, 09:24 AM

What's the general consensus regarding leaving the bottles open to run the fridge when the trailer is moving?

D

rmkrum · 08-30-2016, 09:32 AM

Unfortunately, there is no real consensus on using propane underway. Personally, I run my fridge on gas all the time.

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Hittenstiehl · 08-30-2016, 09:34 AM

No real consensus but a lot of passionate debate.

Be careful at fuel stops, while smoking and certain tunnels and ferries.

**moosetags** · 08-30-2016, 09:41 AM

We, also, run the road with our refrigerator running on LP.

Brian

dkottum · 08-30-2016, 09:50 AM

Gas always on, fridge too when traveling.

centennialman · 08-30-2016, 10:34 AM

I have mine off when moving. I pack the fridge with cold food and freezer packs and turn on the mini fan to move the air around. My last trip home was 7 hours in 95 degree heat and everything was still cold when I got home. I don't want to risk being the unsafe one out on the road.

dkottum · 08-30-2016, 11:19 AM

Our fridge warms up pretty fast when turned off, especially when the sun is on that side. We don't want to risk eating spoiled food.

I suppose we could hook it up to run on an inverter. But I don't see the point, and it's been made many times here.

Silver Otter · 08-30-2016, 02:00 PM

We've run for five years with the gas on and fridge cooling. Must stop and turn off to cross certain bridges or enter certain tunnels. Watch for the signs. Comply.

Bill M. · 08-30-2016, 02:04 PM

I do it. Gas on and ref. running.

AWCHIEF · 08-30-2016, 02:14 PM

I run my fridge on the road. I find it it works better when the propane is turned on.

xrvr · 08-30-2016, 02:39 PM

Trailer as designed to have the fridge on gas when towing.

Mrjkq · 08-30-2016, 02:45 PM

We've been RVing for many years & always leave propane on while traveling & never had a problem. At times it is turned off for tunnel use or repairs.

GenXair · 08-30-2016, 03:28 PM

Short trip I pack the fridge, which will be on for a day or two on shore power, and have a tray with ice for the fridge & freezer. For very long trips I do the same with the fridge running on propane.

**wulfraat** · 08-30-2016, 03:50 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by bill m.

i do it. Gas on and ref. Running.

x2.

cazual6 · 09-02-2016, 10:38 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by AWCHIEF

I run my fridge on the road. I find it it works better when the propane is turned on.

I concur

rocco52 · 09-02-2016, 10:52 AM

Pretty simple. Run with it on where allowed by law and shut it off when at the gas station.

dquarasr · 09-02-2016, 11:17 AM

I can see both sides of the debate, although I am definitely interested in having the lines open for convenience of having a cold fridge at destination.

Understood that it was designed to run while the trailer is in motion. But what about, heaven forbid, if in an accident? It is entirely conceivable that the propane tanks can get separated from the trailer, rupturing the lines, and at that point, the tanks are open to the air. Of course, even with the tanks closed, in an accident the tanks could rupture, so having them off in an accident guarantees nothing.

I'm still on the fence. I am leaning toward the convenience vs. the chance of a severe accident causing a leak.

graysailor · 09-02-2016, 11:36 AM

Mine are on almost all the time. In reality I could turn the LP off for shorter trips.

dcasr · 09-02-2016, 11:44 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by DarrellT

What's the general consensus regarding leaving the bottles open to run the fridge when the trailer is moving?D

____________
Starting in 1971 I ran with one bottle on and the frig on. It was street side and occasionally the flame would blow out with passing trucks. In really hot weather if I was at a forward pump and my frig was opposite a pump I'd turn the bottle off and then back on after I pulled away, and relit the frig. Most of the time I just left it on. My second trailer had the frig on the curb side and I just left everything on, although my AS owners manual had something in it about the frig sensing when the TV power was shut off, and it would turn off the frig and only turn the flame back on a short time after I started the TV again. Since the frig wasn't next to a pump I just didn't worry. Now I have a diesel and fuel up most of the time at the big boy pumps where the same issue doesn't really exist.

Going through SOME tunnels, they make a real issue of bottles being turned off, and I do what is required. I have aluminum 30# bottles so in a serious accident they could be ruptured anyway. But then a wheel could come off of the rear of my TV going through KY, but that is another story....

MrUKToad · 09-02-2016, 11:56 AM

Advice from the Ontario Association of Fire Chiefs:

"Driving [an RV] with propane on can add to the danger if you are involved in an accident or have a fire. Shut off the propane at the tank and turn off all propane-powered appliances while driving. Operate your refrigerator on 12v battery power or simply leave it turned off. Most refrigerators will keep food cold or frozen for several hours, even when turned off."

I suspect you will get the same advice from any group of fire safety people.

Please note that in most jurisdictions it isn't illegal to drive with the propane on and, as many experienced RVers will tell you, the additional risk isn't perceived to be great - "I've done it for years and nothing bad has happened to me"

Personally I'm happy to err on the side of caution and take the advice of the Fire Fighters.

As ever, folks, the choice is yours.