Using Propane Refrigerator

[jayhawk1956]

I am a rookie so I apologize if this is a stupid question. We are leaving for a camping trip this Monday. Is it safe to start the refrigerator on propane Sunday (less than 24 hours before we leave) while our Flying Cloud is parked in a garage with the door shut? I won’t be inside the garage with the door shut. However, I would like to get the refrigerator cold before we leave on our trip.

[lsbrodsky]

No problem. There are combustion gasses venting, but most garages have enough leakage that should not be a problem. If you are worried about that leave a window or the door to outside open a bit.
Larry

[n2916s]

Up in Amish country, LP refrigerators are the mainstay and are used indoors. If you get a look at the flame when the reefer is on, you’ll see that it is pretty tiny — about like a candle.

I don’t see this as a problem.

[Silvr_Bullet]

This may be worth mentioning but that’s one reason in RV’s we have carbon monoxide / propane detectors, I find as a second line of defense is to ensure an exchange of air while sleeping. The detector does use battery power boon docking.

[Boxite]

The propane refrigerator runs on a PILOT LIGHT sized flame. Your home water heater or range or stove is more dangerous.

While traveling some folks worry incessantly over whether or not it’s safe to refuel the tow vehicle with the propane refrigerator operating. As long as you are not pumping gasoline immediately NEXT TO the refrigerator (such as in the immediate vicinity of the vent-door on the side of the Airstream... and I know of NO AIRSTREAM which is towed THAT CLOSE to the tow vehicle fuel-filler....).... then there is NO HAZARD at all.

So don’t splash gasoline directly onto the road-side of your Airstream. (Anyone splashing gasoline onto the side of their Airstream is trying to make a Scam-insurance-claim. ).

And it should be obvious that diesel drivers should have even less concern.

[Silvr_Bullet]

When operating on propane propane gas is traveling through to the refrigerator and will be as long as the propane tank shut off is open, there in lies danger.

[Smartstream]

Gas refrigerators used in a home are vented to the outside just like your Airstream. Inside a garage it will fill with propane exhaust, how fast depends on the size of the garage vs the size of the Airstream. That being said you are not planning on sleeping in the garage and you can leave the door open while going in and out so not really a problem.

[JMynes]

Okay, I’ll ask...

Can’t you plug it in? Cool the fridge on 120v, pre chill everything, and run it on propane while traveling.
I know, here come the “propane off while traveling or else you go BOOM“ crowd.

My fridge is on propane when the wheels are turning. It was made for this procedure, and it’s safe, otherwise there would be many a blown up camper by now. I’m not seeing that trend developing.

[Silvr_Bullet]

Originally Posted by Boxite

The propane refrigerator runs on a PILOT LIGHT sized flame. Your home water heater or range or stove is more dangerous.

While traveling some folks worry incessantly over whether or not it’s safe to refuel the tow vehicle with the propane refrigerator operating. As long as you are not pumping gasoline immediately NEXT TO the refrigerator (such as in the immediate vicinity of the vent-door on the side of the Airstream... and I know of NO AIRSTREAM which is towed THAT CLOSE to the tow vehicle fuel-filler....).... then there is NO HAZARD at all.

So don’t splash gasoline directly onto the road-side of your Airstream. (Anyone splashing gasoline onto the side of their Airstream is trying to make a Scam-insurance-claim. ).

And it should be obvious that diesel drivers should have even less concern.

In many states it’s against the law to smoke cigarettes or use your cell phone or leave your car, truck, diesel or gas operating while refueling. What are thoughts on an operating flame.

[Foiled Again]

Originally Posted by JMynes

Okay, I’ll ask...

Can’t you plug it in? Cool the fridge on 120v, pre chill everything, and run it on propane while traveling.
....

Yes.

[jayhawk1956]

My Airstream is in a Garage located our 4 miles from my house. I am having electricity installed but there is no electricity now.

Originally Posted by Foiled Again

Yes.

[jayhawk1956]

My Airstream is stored in a garage about 4 miles from my house. I am having electricity installed but there is no electricity now.

Originally Posted by JMynes

Okay, I’ll ask...

Can’t you plug it in? Cool the fridge on 120v, pre chill everything, and run it on propane while traveling.
I know, here come the “propane off while traveling or else you go BOOM“ crowd.

My fridge is on propane when the wheels are turning. It was made for this procedure, and it’s safe, otherwise there would be many a blown up camper by now. I’m not seeing that trend developing.

[AKNate]

If you’re worried about it, perhaps you could cool the fridge with a couple of bags of ice instead.

[heslinhotel]

jayhawk1956
Start your refridge using electric to pre cool while in garage, it should switch to propane when you disconnect elect power as long as propane is on and refridge is set on "Auto".
Steve