RV Fridge- Are the manufacturers purposely keeping us in the dark?

[chillybob]

The crash was the root cause of the accident, not the propane that started the fire. Seems like chat with a lawyer is probably a good idea.
The manufacturer states not to travel with propane tanks in the open position but most fridges will not stay cold enough on a long run so many RV’ers run the fridges on propane. Not sure how many fires are attributed to running with open tanks. There is risk involved and looks like against laws with some consequences in an accident.

[StupendousMan]

The crash was the root cause of the accident, not the propane that started the fire. Seems like chat with a lawyer is probably a good idea.
The manufacturer states not to travel with propane tanks in the open position but most fridges will not stay cold enough on a long run so many RV’ers run the fridges on propane. Not sure how many fires are attributed to running with open tanks. There is risk involved and looks like against laws with some consequences in an accident.

You would think but look at all the fine print on your policy. The trailer got hit hard rolled... And a fire was started. But hey... It's your trailer and your money. You can do whatever you like. I just want people to be informed to make a good decision.

[Bungy]

Actually that is a myth, well what I mean is if you are caught using propane on a tow trailer (not sure about class motor homes) its illegal

Do you have a link to the applicable statute that proves your statement or are you going strictly on hearsay?

[Hoopy Frood]

I'd also be interested in any actual citations given for driving with propane on. I know it is against regulations in some states, but I've never, ever heard of anyone getting a ticket for it. And it does make one wonder about the trucking industry using propane on those long haul semi trailers.

[Redapple63]

There are really two questions here:

Is it legal to drive with propane running?
Is it safe to drive with propane running?

From a legal perspective, the actual answer is:
It depends.

In know I have seen propane restrictions in many places on the east coast, mostly driving through tunnels or on bridges.
I also know that this is regulated on a state level not federal.

From a safety perspective it is more certainly less risk to drive with propane off versus on, but how much safer? Just the fact of having a flame creates risk, Hope much for that risk go up when driving? I say it does go up, absolutely. I personally have travelled with propane running for decades with no issue, but the underlying risk does not go away. We can take steps to help mitigate this risk, but it will always be there. So, if you see orb know of a restriction follow it, and the rest of the time be as safe as you can.

[Hoopy Frood]

How many fires occur while traveling that are caused by the propane being on the run the fridge? To be totally honest, I don't know of any personally. That would help determine the risk.

[chillybob]

I’ve met guys who will not travel with propane tank open and others who see it as no big deal to travel with the tank open. I think travelling with an open tank is pretty well common practice. When a person observes so many trucks being overloaded with heavy trailers and few accidents directly as a result. I think it’s an individual decision if a person chooses to travel open tank even if it against a written law.

[Redapple63]

I’ve met guys who will not travel with propane tank open and others who see it as no big deal to travel with the tank open. I think travelling with an open tank is pretty well common practice. When a person observes so many trucks being overloaded with heavy trailers and few accidents directly as a result. I think it’s an individual decision if a person chooses to travel open tank even if it against a written law.

Chillybob,

You have very succinctly summed up how I and many others feel. Yes it is a risk, one that can only be minimized, so we need to be safe with whatever our individual decision is on this.

We do need to be mindful of those areas that do prohibit and follow those rules. [emoji4]