Towing with propane tank on for refrigeration

**JayRay** · 01-22-2022, 01:44 PM

I am curious to whether others travel with one of the propane tanks open to let the refrigerator run? Yes, I realize that in case of an accident this could be a very bad day; I've generally not done so. thoughts?

**Redapple63** · 01-22-2022, 01:57 PM

Hi Jay,

I am sure you will get answers that are pro and con for traveling with propane on for fridge.

20 years here of driving with propane running, never an issue. Now it is inherently safer to not have a flame going, but we have never had any issues.

There may be several places especially in the NE with bridges and tunnels where you have to turn the propane off.

As I stated you will get the full gamut of yea versus nea. You need to make that determination for you and your family.

Good Luck!

Bill

**Second Chance** · 01-22-2022, 02:07 PM

If you use the search function (top right), you can read those hundreds of posts on the topic... When we had an absorption refrigerator, I always left the LP on for the fridge while on the road. If your truck is a gasser, you'll need to turn it off before approaching the fuel pumps, though (gasoline is more volatile and has a lower flash point than diesel).

Rob

**Gronk1** · 01-22-2022, 04:15 PM

I run with the gas on-the Nevercold 2118 would never cool down after a 4-7 hour drive with it off!
Just use the dieselene lane when fueling.

**Scott'n'Wendy** · 01-22-2022, 05:21 PM

I open the propane valves when we leave the driveway. They only get closed for refills or once we are back home. I never shut the fridge off. I'm not a fan of warm beer.

**goducks14** · 01-23-2022, 08:36 AM

Towed with the propane on for 10 years. Never shut if off going through tunnels or filling with gas or diesel. I also almost never used the big semi fuel stops. Always used the regular gas station pumps that sold diesel too.
I now have a 12V fridge so FWIW I guess I'm not being reckless

**alkbch** · 01-24-2022, 08:31 AM

We tow with the propane off and run the fridge on electric through the generator or the inverter.

**Hoopy Frood** · 01-24-2022, 09:06 AM

Just another data point, but we've been traveling with the gas on for over 15 years. No issues, and I'll have to admit I don't remember ever reading about a trailer catching fire due to traveling with the propane on for the fridge. Not that it couldn't have happened, but I don't remember reading about it, so, if it happens, it must be a very rare occurrence. JMO of course.

**FlyStar** · 01-25-2022, 07:43 AM

Does anyone have experience with running the furnace while towing? Thinking about my upcoming trip from the sunny south to the fridges north.

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**dryfly** · 01-25-2022, 09:53 AM

Originally Posted by goducks14

Towed with the propane on for 10 years. Never shut if off going through tunnels or filling with gas or diesel. I also almost never used the big semi fuel stops. Always used the regular gas station pumps that sold diesel too.
I now have a 12V fridge so FWIW I guess I'm not being reckless

Same here, after 35 years of pulling trailers. It does makes sense to turn off propane at fuel stops, but I'm negligent. If one wanted to do that, would turning off fridge be enough, or should propane be turned off at tank?

I don't think I have ever read on an RV forum about an issue having left propane on all the time.