Leaving fridge on while driving

[SGT ROC]

The tire blow and “idiot” scenarios would never happen with modern propane bottles as the valves would close with the sudden drop in pressure.

Never knew that the new bottles would do that! Just to be clear though - we always travel with the fridge on, and have for more than 15 years.

[livinthelife]

The tire blow and “idiot” scenarios would never happen with modern propane bottles as the valves would close with the sudden drop in pressure.

And the propane that's already in the line between the bottle and the fridge - what happens to that? There's no chance of sparking it?

[Bungy]

And the propane that's already in the line between the bottle and the fridge - what happens to that? There's no chance of sparking it?

The amount of gas in the line would be negligible.

[Rgkeaney]

30 years ago...maybe longer, it was all about not running gas while driving because your could cause an explosion while gassing up.

I equate this whole “fridge running on gas while driving” resistance to turning your cell phone off during decent in an airplane cause you might cause it to crash.

Too many nanny’s trying to come up with rules.


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[Malco1]

We’re very new to RVing. We’ve had our rig since late June and we were told not to run the fridge on propane while moving. Everyone we’ve talked to leaves theirs on. It would sure be more convenient if we left it going. What do you all do?

I leave mine on, but that is illegal in a lot of states. I also have a valve on my gas tank that will close off the tank if a line is cut.

[WhittleBurner]

What are the manufacturer's reason for recommending against running with fridge on propane?

In the past I've always kept fridge on when traveling. I really should start turning off when fueling. Also, running when trailer is really off level can't be good for them. Lot's of times at rest stops I probably should turn off.

I really don't know the real reason, most likely because propane is explosive. We always travel with the fridge on but do turn it off for tunnels requiring so.

[raybbj]

Many taxis and small commercial vehicles (delivery trucks, etc.) use propane fuel. Do they have to turn their propane off while travelling? ...........I'm just saying.

[Skiddy]

Many taxis and small commercial vehicles (delivery trucks, etc.) use propane fuel. Do they have to turn their propane off while travelling? ...........I'm just saying.

No they don’t, because the propane system is engineered to be used as the fuel to power the vehicle. Open propane valves are illegal in many jurisdictions, all of Canada infact. A crimped line could allow gas to escape without triggering the sudden surge protection. Ferries ensure you shut off all valves.

The manufacturers protect themselves and suggest only opening valves when parked as to suggest otherwise would be irresponsible and possibly illegal.

As most of us do not buy units with three way fridges, AC, 12V DC and propane, the only alternative is to power on propane while driving. Very few RVs have inverters to run the fridge.
Like many here, I sometimes run with propane on, depending on outside temps and the duration of the dive. Anything under four hours, the fridge is off. If we stop, usually half hour or so, i turn the gas on to let it chill a bit.

[livinthelife]

...Open propane valves are illegal in many jurisdictions, all of Canada in fact. A crimped line could allow gas to escape without triggering the sudden surge protection. Ferries ensure you shut off all valves.

...

#1 reason we installed an inverter. We had plans for this summer to be traveling in Canada, with a group, and the plans included 2 ferry trips, one overnight. Didn't want to end up with spoiled food. A bit moot now, however.

[Skiddy]

#1 reason we installed an inverter. We had plans for this summer to be traveling in Canada, with a group, and the plans included 2 ferry trips, one overnight. Didn't want to end up with spoiled food. A bit moot now, however.

Years ago had a Bonair tent trailer with a little 2 cubic foot fridge, it worked on either 12V DC or propane. Made it easy to travel with fridge on, use propane at campsite. Most provincial/state parks back then did not have power. Once many parks went modern with AC power, the 12V DC option seemes to have disappeared.