 |
|
11-02-2006, 05:55 AM
|
#1
|
|
Winnebago Owner
Join Date: Oct 2006
Location: Hollywood, FL
Posts: 52
|
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
'06 Meridian 36G
'07 Malibu toad
|
|
|
|
11-02-2006, 05:55 AM
|
#2
|
|
Winnebago Owner
Join Date: Oct 2006
Location: Hollywood, FL
Posts: 52
|
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
'06 Meridian 36G
'07 Malibu toad
|
|
|
|
|
11-02-2006, 06:08 AM
|
#3
|
|
Winnebago Master
Join Date: Dec 2002
Location: Sarver, PA/Crystal River, FL/Shelocta, PA
Posts: 1,196
|
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
__________________
Sarver, PA/Crystal River, FL/Shelocta, PA · FMCA 335149 · W3TLN 2005 Suncruiser 38R · W24, no chassis mods needed · 2013 Honda Accord EX-L · 2008 Honda Odyssey EX-L
[SIGPIC][/SIGPIC]
|
|
|
|
|
11-02-2006, 06:21 AM
|
#4
|
|
Winnebago Owner
Join Date: Dec 2001
Location: On the Road in the USA
Posts: 171
|
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.
__________________
"It's always wrong, everywhere, for anyone, to believe anything beyond insufficient evidence" -- William Kingdon Clifford
John (N9MXX) & Derek (KC9KEM)
|
|
|
|
|
11-02-2006, 06:23 AM
|
#5
|
|
Winnebago Master
Join Date: Jul 2003
Location: Seaford, VA
Posts: 1,046
|
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
__________________
Happy Trails! ICHN2GO, Seaford VA,
06, 34 Newmar Ventana
02 Jeep Liberty 
|
|
|
|
|
11-02-2006, 07:05 AM
|
#6
|
|
Winnie-Wise
Join Date: Nov 2002
Location: Crossville, TN USA
Posts: 397
|
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.
__________________
Tom & Bonnie
2008 Winnebago Aspect 29H
A Class C Not a B+
2010 Ford Flex
|
|
|
|
|
11-02-2006, 07:18 AM
|
#7
|
|
Winnebago Owner
Join Date: Jun 2006
Location: Iowa
Posts: 83
|
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.
__________________
John
2009 Winnebago Tour 40TD
|
|
|
|
|
11-02-2006, 07:32 AM
|
#8
|
|
Winnebago Master
Join Date: Jun 2004
Location: SW Florida
Posts: 773
|
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.
__________________
Tom
'04 Journey 36G - Cat C7
'04 Honda CR-V
|
|
|
|
|
11-02-2006, 07:34 AM
|
#9
|
|
Winnebago Master
Join Date: Sep 2004
Location: Glen Allen, VA
Posts: 2,169
|
Travel with it on...I like my Coors Lite really cold when I get to my destination  .
__________________
'07 Country Coach Allure 470 Siskiyou Summit #31578, Cummins ISL 425; 2014 Ford F150 toad; Air Force One Toad Brake.
Glen Allen, VA; Smith Mountain Lake, VA.
|
|
|
|
|
11-02-2006, 07:55 AM
|
#10
|
|
Registered User
Join Date: Jun 2005
Posts: 729
|
travel with propane on...fridge running on propane, and don't turn it off...
|
|
|
|
|
11-02-2006, 08:00 AM
|
#11
|
|
Winnebago Owner
Join Date: Jun 2005
Posts: 102
|
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.
__________________
https://www.irv2.com/photopost/data/500/thumbs/Motorhome_and_Car_Trailer.jpg
JD & Kathy
|
|
|
|
|
11-02-2006, 08:21 AM
|
#12
|
|
Winnebago Owner
Join Date: Jun 2006
Location: Iowa
Posts: 83
|
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.
__________________
John
2009 Winnebago Tour 40TD
|
|
|
|
|
11-02-2006, 10:36 AM
|
#13
|
|
Winnebago Owner
Join Date: Aug 2005
Location: Seattle, WA
Posts: 195
|
Propane on to run Frig and furnace., never had a problem.
__________________
rvcarpenter
Seattle, WA
|
|
|
|
|
11-02-2006, 10:44 AM
|
#14
|
|
Winnebago Master
Join Date: Jul 2003
Location: Seaford, VA
Posts: 1,046
|
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
__________________
Happy Trails! ICHN2GO, Seaford VA,
06, 34 Newmar Ventana
02 Jeep Liberty
|
|
|
|
|
11-02-2006, 01:39 PM
|
#15
|
|
Winnebago Owner
Join Date: Feb 2006
Location: Central NJ
Posts: 80
|
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.
__________________
2003 Sightseer 30B riding on a P-32
|
|
|
|
|
11-02-2006, 01:47 PM
|
#16
|
|
Winnebago Owner
Join Date: Aug 2006
Location: Massachusetts
Posts: 233
|
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
__________________
Peter Griffin
2011 JAYCO 24 Z TOY HAULER -
2011 F250 Crew gas
|
|
|
|
|
11-02-2006, 02:54 PM
|
#17
|
|
Winnebago Owner
Join Date: Dec 2003
Location: Summerville, SC
Posts: 96
|
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.
__________________
2003 34D Brave Workhorse 8.1L w/Allison 5-speed
2004 CR-V EX
|
|
|
|
|
11-02-2006, 03:40 PM
|
#18
|
|
Winnie-Wise
Join Date: Feb 2004
Posts: 304
|
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?
|
|
|
|
|
11-02-2006, 03:45 PM
|
#19
|
|
Winnebago Owner
Join Date: Aug 2006
Location: Massachusetts
Posts: 233
|
the coach heater will not work well when its 10 degrees
__________________
Peter Griffin
2011 JAYCO 24 Z TOY HAULER -
2011 F250 Crew gas
|
|
|
|
|
11-02-2006, 03:58 PM
|
#20
|
|
Winnie-Wise
Join Date: Feb 2004
Posts: 304
|
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!
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Currently Active Users Viewing This Thread: 1 (0 members and 1 guests)
|
|
|
Posting Rules
|
You may not post new threads
You may not post replies
You may not post attachments
You may not edit your posts
HTML code is Off
|
|
|
|
» Recent Discussions |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Linear Mode
