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Old 11-02-2006, 04:55 AM   #1
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Hi!

We are new to RV'ing, and have read opposing opinions on this issue. Is it safe to use propane to keep refrigerator cold while driving? Running the generator is the only other way we know of. An RV caught on fire and was completely destroyed as a result of engine fire and exploding propane tanks near Melbourne, FL yesterday.

Any help is appreciated.

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Old 11-02-2006, 04:55 AM   #2
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Hi!

We are new to RV'ing, and have read opposing opinions on this issue. Is it safe to use propane to keep refrigerator cold while driving? Running the generator is the only other way we know of. An RV caught on fire and was completely destroyed as a result of engine fire and exploding propane tanks near Melbourne, FL yesterday.

Any help is appreciated.

Bob and Vicki Schuerger
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Old 11-02-2006, 05:08 AM   #3
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How can you run your fridge with the propane off??
Motorhomes are designed to be driven with the propane on. They have an auto shut mechanisim that shuts off the propane at the tank if a problem developes.

In 5 years I have never turned my propane off except when they are filling it.

-Tom
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Old 11-02-2006, 05:21 AM   #4
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My fridge runs on AC of the genny if it is on...

I guess that would be a mute point if you have a Propane Genny.

I drive with it on. Tom is right, there is a safety device. Propane is really a safe gas, it has to be at a pretty speecific Part Per Million ratio to be flamable. In any case, a fire... well, open or closed, that tank is at risk of rupture, as is your fuel tank.
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Old 11-02-2006, 05:23 AM   #5
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Tom N is absolutely correct. I always travel with propane on but you will get an argument from some that it is too dangerous.
I want a cold refrigerator and if you are in a really cold climate and want some heat from the coach while driving it must be on...Sure if you are standing under a clock it strikes 13 on the 13 month of the 13th year after the year 2013 then you may have a problem with the propane being on while driving...Good Miles and have fun
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Old 11-02-2006, 06:05 AM   #6
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Porpane always on. As for the propane tank blowing up. Makes no differnce if the tank valve is open or closed. If the fire gets to hot around the tanks to fast and tanks can not vent pressure. They blow.
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Old 11-02-2006, 06:18 AM   #7
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As others have said we have the propane on all the time to operate the refrigerator.

However please remember to pull over and turn it off before going to a gas station to fill up with gasoline as there is an open flame to operate the refrigerator.

We always pull over and turn it off first, fill up and then find a place after we leave the gas station to turn it back on.

My 2 cents worth. Enjoy the RV'ing it is great.
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Old 11-02-2006, 06:32 AM   #8
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jcar6109 - When you say turn "it" off, I hope you're referring to the fridge. Turning off the propane won't stop the fridge ignitor from sparking which is not a good thing in a gas station. Always turn off the fridge and LP furnace before fueling as either of those can start "sparking" if their themostat calls for it.
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Old 11-02-2006, 06:34 AM   #9
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Travel with it on...I like my Coors Lite really cold when I get to my destination .
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Old 11-02-2006, 06:55 AM   #10
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travel with propane on...fridge running on propane, and don't turn it off...
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Old 11-02-2006, 07:00 AM   #11
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My old Class C had a three way refrigerator that would run off of 12 volts when I was driving so I never had the propane on. My new Class A has a two way refrigerator, 110 volts or gas. Now I keep the propane on to keep the refrigerator cold.

I believe I should make sure all of the pilot lights are off by turning off the propane and ignition sources when I'm putting gasoline into my RV but I must admit sometimes I forget it's on.
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Old 11-02-2006, 07:21 AM   #12
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tomsm
You are right. I didn't explain myself well enough. I meant to say turn off the fridge.
Thanks for the correction as I didn't think about the ignitor.
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Old 11-02-2006, 09:36 AM   #13
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Propane on to run Frig and furnace., never had a problem.
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Old 11-02-2006, 09:44 AM   #14
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I might add, that after turning off the Propane at the tank, one should light a burner on the cook top first. This allows the propane to circulate to the other appliances and be at the igniter when you go to use them

Don't know if any of you have heard of this but I try to make it SOP. Good Miles
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Old 11-02-2006, 12:39 PM   #15
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My fridge only draws 250 watts dc. I hooked up a small 400 watt inverter to the engine battery and run the fridge off the inverter when driving. Just make sure to switch to propane when the engine is off so you dont kill the battery.
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Old 11-02-2006, 12:47 PM   #16
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i drive with it on all the time. When i fill up for fuel gas and propane i make sure the fridge is off and the furnace.

good luck
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Old 11-02-2006, 01:54 PM   #17
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I once, what now seems like in another lifetime, owned and operated a shrimp trawler. We use propane to cook and heat the cabin in cold weather. Since propane is heavier than air one had to make sure there are no leaks as it will settle in the bilge (lowest point in the trawler). Doing so could lead to a very bad surprise when one created a spark starting the diesel engine. I guess the point I am trying to make is I am still here and since a boat takes a much greater amount of abuse than a motor home I don't see any reason to not travel with it on. On the boat we always left the propane on when we were on board. However, with that said, you will encounter tunnels, ferries and other places that require you to shutoff and seal your propane before entering. I also think Oregon or one of the western states required that we shutoff any pilot lights before fueling.
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Old 11-02-2006, 02:40 PM   #18
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I ride with it on... Have for years without any problems. Why would you use your furnace while driving the RV. Wouldn't one use the Coach heater that's built in?
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Old 11-02-2006, 02:45 PM   #19
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the coach heater will not work well when its 10 degrees
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Old 11-02-2006, 02:58 PM   #20
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10* WOW! OH OK I understand now it's been a while since we left NH, I/we move to the Southwest in the winter. Now snow is what the wife gets when she defrosts the Frig!
Stay warm!
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