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Topic ClosedRunning refrigerator on propane while driving
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kp57george View Drop Down
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Joined: 13 Aug 2015
Location: Bay Village, OH
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Posts: 24 		Direct Link To This Post Topic: Running refrigerator on propane while driving
    Posted: 30 Aug 2018 at 1:02pm
Should I use the battery or propane
kp57george
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Capt Kidd View Drop Down
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Joined: 18 Aug 2015
Location: Chico, CA
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Posts: 212 		Direct Link To This Post Posted: 30 Aug 2018 at 1:05pm
If you use the battery just remember to turn it off over night or you will get a dead battery in your tow car.  
The Pirate's Pod
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BVK View Drop Down
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Joined: 21 Jul 2018
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Posts: 21 		Direct Link To This Post Posted: 30 Aug 2018 at 1:08pm
We choose to use a cooler as long as possible, and then I feel switching to the propane refrigerator ideal when dry-camping. Frankly, I value the energy in my battery, given that it's a more readily available source of energy, over the propane in my bottle which has very limited uses. That may be naive, and I'm open to other points of view.

Edit: Oh, I didn't notice we were talking about while driving! Embarrassed
2012 RP-171 HRE, 2006 F-150
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Keith-N-Dar View Drop Down
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Joined: 03 Apr 2011
Location: Mayville, WI
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Posts: 1447 		Direct Link To This Post Posted: 30 Aug 2018 at 1:12pm

We just went through this issue for days. There was a post today on the thread.

Each time this comes up it is split between those who feel running the fridge on gas while driving creates risk, and those who point out that mny tow vehicles don't come with sufficient wiring to run the fridge and keep the battery charged.

I run the fridge on LP when driving.  I have never seen any reports on fires caused by this but one other poster claims to have seen them.  Decide for yourself.  According to half the group you will be wrong whichever way you decide.  Also right with half the group.
Keith-N-Dar
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furpod View Drop Down
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Joined: 25 Jul 2011
Location: Central KY
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Posts: 6128 		Direct Link To This Post Posted: 30 Aug 2018 at 1:16pm
Originally posted by BVK

We choose to use a cooler as long as possible, and then I feel switching to the propane refrigerator ideal when dry-camping. Frankly, I value the energy in my battery, given that it's a more readily available source of energy, over the propane in my bottle which has very limited use. That may be naive, and I'm open to other points of view.


Your fridge will run on the standard 12v battery for about 3-4 hours.

It will run on your standard, single 20 pound propane tank for 4-6 weeks.

Just as a "planning" note..
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kp57george View Drop Down
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Posts: 24 		Direct Link To This Post Posted: 30 Aug 2018 at 1:16pm
Thanks that makes sense to me. I will run with propane.
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Richand Cindy View Drop Down
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Posts: 328 		Direct Link To This Post Posted: 30 Aug 2018 at 2:04pm
Some bridges and tunnels do not allow propane tanks at all so you have to avoid them.  Others allow them but they must be turned off and some gas stations require you to turn off propane tanks.  We always run on propane and have never had to turn it off when fueling and have not had a problem.  Basically having a three way refrigerator is a waste.  Either we use propane or campground electricity.  Never used the battery option.
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BVK View Drop Down
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Joined: 21 Jul 2018
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Posts: 21 		Direct Link To This Post Posted: 30 Aug 2018 at 2:06pm
I failed to notice the "while driving" part of the question. We actually haven't run the fridge at all while driving, not that I'm necessarily opposed to it. I think we just don't plan to use the refrigerator at all, frankly. It's nice to have, but we're never taking into account that we have a fridge when shopping. If we can't keep it in a cooler while we're travelling, we don't carry it. If I found a great deal on some free steaks that I had to keep frozen, sure, I'll run the fridge on gas while driving for that!
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mcarter View Drop Down
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Joined: 07 Apr 2016
Location: Greenbrier, TN
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Posts: 3419 		Direct Link To This Post Posted: 30 Aug 2018 at 2:21pm
Once again :) I always run my fridge on battery when traveling. I have used propane.
Mike Carter
2015 178
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Joined: 07 Apr 2016
Location: Greenbrier, TN
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Posts: 3419 		Direct Link To This Post Posted: 30 Aug 2018 at 6:27pm
I know the dilemma associated with this issue. I have done some research and I am probably the one referred to as "one poster" who offered a negative to propane use while traveling. For your own purposes, Google "RV traveling with propane on". make your own conclusion and here is a short video offered by a full time RVer and a safety guy:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wMtzsY3Ps8c

The issue is NOT the reefer, it is an open propane line while traveling and the opportunity for an accident or obstruction to hit the bottom of the pod. Where are your propane lines? They are under the pod floor on the road surface side. How much of a spark does your igniter make when lighting a propane fueled device. You don't have to damage a tank, just a line.

What most RVer authorities say is "what is your acceptable level of risk and safety". That's the bottom line. Thanks
Mike Carter
2015 178
" I had the right to remain silent, I just didn't have the ability."
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