Running Fridge on Battery in Transit

When we first got our trailer the dealer told me that the most efficient way to run the fridge while in transit was propane.  We've had problems with the fridge in propane mode and have been using it in battery mode in transit instead lately.  My tow vehicle is not very powerful and towing in the heat of summer is straining my engine.  What I'd like to know is does anyone know if running the fridge on battery increases the strain on my engine significantly?  Thanks.

There are people, including myself, that say you should never use LP while on the road.  The reason is that in an accident you would have an open gas line.  BOOM!  It would be better to get the fridge cold before you leave and put it on 12v.

Terry

Even on other big camping forums this is one of those subjects where nobody can agree.  

The heating element in 12 volt mode is usually around 120-150 watts.  One horsepower is 745 watts, so it isn't much of a load on the engine.  What you do need to worry about is if the wiring coming from the battery to the Bargeman connector is big enough.  The +12 line and the negative line need to be at least 10 gauge wire, even 8 would be better.  That ensures there isn't much of a voltage drop when you have the fridge in 12 volt mode and the battery is charging (and the lights are on, etc).

Hodge-PODge:  I will stick with my statement.  Lets say you had an accident.  Under normal conditions there would not be a fire in the camper.  If your gas line was turned on and broken there would be free flowing LP gas in the camper.  It could accumulate in the camper.  One spark is all that is needed.  I have seen pictures of campers that caught fire.  They go up pretty fast.  No matter how safe the tank is on LP, the weak link is the gas line.  A line putting out gas.

In the not too distant past all the fridges were LP/110v/12v.  A lot of people had problems with the wind blowing out the burner when driving.  The 12v setting of course didn't have that problem.  The manufactures fixed the blow out problem.  So because there isn't that problem any longer they are making 110v/LP ones.  Than is fine and good I guess.  Except for one thing...a broken gas line.

My point is this:  IF you have the option of keeping your fridge cool in a safer manor, why not do it?

Terry

Originally posted by TerryM Hodge-PODge:  I will stick with my statement.  Lets say you had an accident.  Under normal conditions there would not be a fire in the camper.  If your gas line was turned on and broken there would be free flowing LP gas in the camper.  It could accumulate in the camper.  One spark is all that is needed.  I have seen pictures of campers that caught fire.  They go up pretty fast.  No matter how safe the tank is on LP, the weak link is the gas line.  A line putting out gas. In the not too distant past all the fridges were LP/110v/12v.  A lot of people had problems with the wind blowing out the burner when driving.  The 12v setting of course didn't have that problem.  The manufactures fixed the blow out problem.  So because there isn't that problem any longer they are making 110v/LP ones.  That is fine and good, I guess.  Except for one thing...a broken gas line. My point is this:  IF you have the option of keeping your fridge cool in a safer manor, why not do it? Terry