?driving with fridge on?

[xo1rider]

This week I had the opportunity to re-read the manual for my frig and learned a couple of things.

The manual specifically talks about running the frig while moving, it keeps the liquid ammonia in the coils from pooling (the reason you want to be level when stopped). It also mentions a feature that I'm curious to know if I have. It's got to due with an alternator circuit. With this feature if you turn the engine off to the TV the flame on the propane system shuts off (at least that's the way I understood it). I suspect this feature may be limited to motorhomes so I don't think it's something a trailer has but sounds like a nice feature.

My last RV was a class "B" motorhome and I never drove with the frig on but I started driving with the A/S frig on partly based on reading this forum and partly based on the Dometic manual and talking to other RV owners.

[Gene]

The insurance contract determines what they will pay for. Of course, it is subject to interpretation, but if it does not specifically say the propane must be off when traveling, you have a good argument based on custom and the manufacturer's assurances it is ok.

Asking an agent or someone at the insurance company who just answers phones is the way to get wrong answers.

Gene

[safari57]

Originally Posted by CrawfordGene

The insurance contract determines what they will pay for. Of course, it is subject to interpretation, but if it does not specifically say the propane must be off when traveling, you have a good argument based on custom and the manufacturer's assurances it is ok.

Asking an agent or someone at the insurance company who just answers phones is the way to get wrong answers.

Gene

You are right, Gene, but by the same token that could also go for asking on any forum what one should do. Every one has their opinion. How many are actually experts with specific knowledge to speak to the issue at hand and how many are armchair specialists with some basic knowledge but not the level of detail an insurance company, an accident investigator/adjuster laying responsiblity, and ultimately a legal firm will bring to bear. If they can find a way to not have to pay, they will do so with considerable vigor. Not a game I wish to play.

[SL4BLLT]

We keep our on and going while we travel or are hooked up to a meter electrical source as propane is cheaper than gas. There are a few tunnels where you are warned it must be shut off, so the assumption is, it is OK to travel with it on, or it would be posted every where.

We still have the original fridge from day one in our 1972 International. A few weeks back, while we were transiting from one location to another I switch to electric while it sat at the house. No problem or issues. I did notice though that when I went to switch back, it was disconnected from the power for about six hours, it still clicked when I went to turn off the electric switch in the fridge before I wet out to the switch inside fridge and panel in the side to turn on the gas. So one is to assume it was running off the battery while it was disconnected from "shore power"? With it being very cold there was no loss of temperature. t I was rather impressed, helped the refrigeration out by removing a bottle of white wine and drinking it, thus ensuring the fridge had less to keep cold. We also need to do our part on keeping these 40 plus year old systems still functional.

I don't have the manual here to read up on the mutli purpose systems, ac/gas/DC? but was rather impressed with this technology from 40 years ago.

SL4BLLT

[safari57]

I did a little survey of people I tow with or know who tow trailers as to whether they tow with fridge on or propane off. Basically half do (5), 3 never do (includes me), and two have when they have "fragile food" whatever that means, but typically do not, saying maybe twice a camping season.

Just thought it was interesting to ask the folks I hang with and was surprised at how many do leave theirs on. I jokingly told them I'd meet them at the CG rather than travel with them and risk being cooked on the highway. One was even lets just say impolite till he realized I was pulling his chain

Most of those who leave theirs on do so because they were told to do so by the sales guys at the dealership when given their run-through.

[purman]

Propane tanks really explode and only after exposed to flame with a leak. And then very rarely because the propane just burns as it comes out. Then if they don't leak it takes very hot temps for a long period to get them to blow trailer fire probably wouldn't do it. It could but the fire will burn out before temps get high enough and long enough to blow it. (tried it, don't ask)4

I have shot ( don't ask) many different size propane tanks with different types of bullets and NEVER had one explode. It just hisses out in about 5+ seconds or so, depending on the size.

The vapors from filling you tank are so dispersed buy the time it reaches your trailer it is just about impossible for it to ignite. Camper top or motorhome is different. We are talking trailers here. You have a better chance of igniting vapors from static spark from your hand.

So if running with it off makes you feel safer, good, but in reality, and probability, it really doesn't. Sorry.

[dznf0g]

Originally Posted by purman

Propane tanks really explode and only after exposed to flame with a leak. And then very rarely because the propane just burns as it comes out. Then if they don't leak it takes very hot temps for a long period to get them to blow trailer fire probably wouldn't do it. It could but the fire will burn out before temps get high enough and long enough to blow it. (tried it, don't ask)4

I have shot ( don't ask) many different size propane tanks with different types of bullets and NEVER had one explode. It just hisses out in about 5+ seconds or so, depending on the size.

The vapors from filling you tank are so dispersed buy the time it reaches your trailer it is just about impossible for it to ignite. Camper top or motorhome is different. We are talking trailers here. You have a better chance of igniting vapors from static spark from your hand.

So if running with it off makes you feel safer, good, but in reality, and probability, it really doesn't. Sorry.

I was waiting for the voice of sanity. These exploding propane posts are about as likely as the Hollywood shows in which every car explodes....they don't....they burn. And like I suspect with RV's and trailers....the VAST majority of automotive fires are electrical fires. The rest are underhood fuel leaks WITH a very hot exhaust manifold ignition source (not present with RV propane systems). A few are coolant fires....YES coolant is flamable, under certain precise circumstances.

[Ag&Au]

Originally Posted by CrawfordGene

Chris,


'''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''' '

Some places restrict the use of propane on bridges and tunnels requiring you to turn the cylinders off. These are mostly in the northeast and Va. Last I checked Nova Scotia and Manitoba required cylinders be turned off.

Enjoy your new to you FC.

Gene

Chris,

Even closer to you:

You must have the propane cylinders turned off before boarding a Washington State Ferry. If I remember right they put tape over the valves, so they can tell if you turn them on again.

Propane tanks do explode under certain conditions. A couple of years ago there was a wild fire about 10 miles from us. While I was watching the smoke from out back yard, I heard a very load explosion. I learned later that is was one of those large residence size LPG tanks.

However we always travel with the propane on.

Ken

[safari57]

turns out we are all correct

Is it Safe to Travel with My RV Refrigerator on Propane?

according to this at least

[safari57]

However, for BC, it is illegal as per the following|

http://www.drivesmartbc.ca/rvs/operating-rvs-propane

[Stefrobrts]

Originally Posted by safari57

However, for BC, it is illegal as per the following|

http://www.drivesmartbc.ca/rvs/operating-rvs-propane

Well, then that would make more sense why your insurance company said it was a no-no.

In the US where we don't have regulations that forbid it, I don't think the insurance could refuse to cover you for doing something that the appliance manual says is safe.

Glad I upgraded to a 3 way fridge so I have 12v, in case I ever want to drive through BC with it running

[Gene]

Keeping the fridge cold when the temps are in the 90's or above, and especially when the sun is on the fridge side, is hard enough when the propane is on. We do keep frozen gel packs in the freezer and use them when we go to the store to keep things cold in a cooler, plus as a backup should the fridge stop working. Keeping lots of stuff in there is also good because they keep temps down for a while.

As for provinces where propane is supposed to be turned off, I checked the most recent Woodall's list of driving laws for RV's and only Manitoba and Nova Scotia are listed: 2011 Driving Laws for the US and Canada Woodalls is not of course, the last word.

I looked over §5.1(3) concerning transportation of dangerous substances in BC. Little of it deals with small containers and nothing I saw specifically addressed RV propane tanks and whether they can be on. Mostly is was about what type of containers to use for such substances. I surely could have missed something because there are many references to other standards, but it seemed it was mostly about commercial transport. The reference to the BC Safety Authority was not conclusive either. There were general statements about propane safety and vehicles, but it was phrased in a way that sounded like the recommendations were for small propane canisters used with camp stoves carried inside a vehicle and not outside as trailer cylinders are.

Thus there are no clear answers, but my guess is BC does not require you to turn off propane while driving. This does not apply to BC ferries, but that's another question and a lot easier to get an answer for.

Gene

[purman]

Originally Posted by CrawfordGene

Keeping the fridge cold when the temps are in the 90's or above, and especially when the sun is on the fridge side, is hard enough when the propane is on. We do keep frozen gel packs in the freezer and use them when we go to the store to keep things cold in a cooler, plus as a backup should the fridge stop working. Keeping lots of stuff in there is also good because they keep temps down for a while.

As for provinces where propane is supposed to be turned off, I checked the most recent Woodall's list of driving laws for RV's and only Manitoba and Nova Scotia are listed: 2011 Driving Laws for the US and Canada Woodalls is not of course, the last word.

I looked over §5.1(3) concerning transportation of dangerous substances in BC. Little of it deals with small containers and nothing I saw specifically addressed RV propane tanks and whether they can be on. Mostly is was about what type of containers to use for such substances. I surely could have missed something because there are many references to other standards, but it seemed it was mostly about commercial transport. The reference to the BC Safety Authority was not conclusive either. There were general statements about propane safety and vehicles, but it was phrased in a way that sounded like the recommendations were for small propane canisters used with camp stoves carried inside a vehicle and not outside as trailer cylinders are.

Thus there are no clear answers, but my guess is BC does not require you to turn off propane while driving. This does not apply to BC ferries, but that's another question and a lot easier to get an answer for.

Gene

That was my conclusion to after reading that bunch of jumbo mumbo.

[Len n Jeanne]

For those of us who don't want the risk....

We are just back from a super 3-night camping trip to New Denver, BC on Slocan Lake.

We brought 3 large freezer/gel pacs and a couple of small ones. These live in the freezer compartment when the Dometic is turned on at night and some of them live in the fridge section with the food when it's turned off when we are driving. Last night before turning in (around 10:00 pm), we turned off the fridge completely, and rolled up back home around 4:00 pm today, with the fridge off the entire time. There was minimum melting of the cold pacs in either the freezer or the fridge by 4:00 and all the food was really cold.

We tend to relax with wine or beer rather than evening cocktails, but any ice in the freezer would probably still be frozen the next evening with this regimen.

On the way home we took the Kootenay Lake Ferry. The staff posted by the on-ramp make you turn off your RV propane if it is still on, and give you a hazardous materials sticker, besides.

In realizing we are not likely to change anyone's mind, we simply note that there are some low-impact alternatives.

[Len n Jeanne]

couldn't resist!

[purman]

Originally Posted by Len n Jeanne

For those of us who don't want the risk....

We are just back from a super 3-night camping trip to New Denver, BC on Slocan Lake.

We brought 3 large freezer/gel pacs and a couple of small ones. These live in the freezer compartment when the Dometic is turned on at night and some of them live in the fridge section with the food when it's turned off when we are driving. Last night before turning in (around 10:00 pm), we turned off the fridge completely, and rolled up back home around 4:00 pm today, with the fridge off the entire time. There was minimum melting of the cold pacs in either the freezer or the fridge by 4:00 and all the food was really cold.

We tend to relax with wine or beer rather than evening cocktails, but any ice in the freezer would probably still be frozen the next evening with this regimen.

On the way home we took the Kootenay Lake Ferry. The staff posted by the on-ramp make you turn off your RV propane if it is still on, and give you a hazardous materials sticker, besides.

In realizing we are not likely to change anyone's mind, we simply note that there are some low-impact alternatives.

You have to remember some of us travel in 90-100 degree temps. the trailer can get even hotter in these temps too. I but your ice would have melted during that length and heat. But it does work and Gene ravels with his off a lot in those temps. I don't because I have four kids who are in and out during the trip. Plus I just don't see any reason not to. Other than you can if you want. Safety is a non-issue. Really it is...

[Gene]

Originally Posted by purman

Gene ravels with his off a lot in those temps.

I'll have to unravel that. We travel with the propane on.

Gene

[StreamRollin]

I have always traveled with the fridg on and will continue to do so.
Jim

[Ag&Au]

I turn off the propane when traveling. I run the refrigerator off of 115V from a gasoline powered generator in the bed of the pick up. I brace it on all 4 sides with plastic 5 gallon gas cans so it won't move around. That also gives us plenty of fuel reserve. We have a canopy over the truck bed, but we crack open the side windows to minimize the CO in the truck cab. This also has the added benefit of allowing the driver to watch the trailer's TV in the rear view mirror. You just can't be too careful. That propane is dangerous stuff.

Ken

[Gene]

Ken, why don't you put the cat in an enlarged squirrel cage to generate electricity. They hate traveling, so they will run really fast, and if they slacken off, give the cat some meth. This would be much safer.

Gene