Running the fridge while driving

Originally posted by sailor323 Originally posted by CharlieM As you see, opinions vary to the extremes on both sides. So I'll restate arguments for propane: Propane is absolutely safe while driving. Modern propane bottles have built in safety valves to restrict flow in case of line rupture. The flow will actually be stopped if a rupture occurs. Not quite sure what you mean here.  We experienced a propane leak (traced to a line)  and the bottle did not stop the flow.  I guess some kind of technology exists that can do this, but I've never seen it.  However, I've used propane for well over 50 years for cooking, heating and refrigeration and feel that it is one of the safest fuels around.  We still use 12V for the fridge when under way

I agree and could have been more exact. If the leak is small, in the order of a fridge or stove burner, the gas will continue to flow at the low rate. However, if the leak is sudden and catastrophic like in a crash, the flow will be stopped. That's why the flow can sometimes be interrupted if you open a newly filled and reconnected bottle too fast. Doesn't happen every time, but can occur. The main risk with Propane is that it's heavier than air and can puddle in low confined basements. 

I run it on battery, but check your setup to determine how adequate it'll be.

We are "ambicoolers". Have gone both ways over the years.. Our tv does send about 30A to the trailer.

Running on 12v in scorching temps, 7 hour pull to a pod rally, arrived with fridge at 36F, battery fully charged. So know ours will do fine on 12v. Our Airstream doesn't have a 12v option, like nearly all rigs out there, so it runs propane. As pointed out before.. you can either believe all those bigger TT's are running down the road with warm beer and spoiled bacon... or that running on propane just isn't as dangerous as some would claim. Most bigger class C's and A's run the fridge on 120v and just run the genny. 95% of the hours on my dads on-board are traveling, not camping.. and even then, he only runs in 120v if he thinks propane availability or supply might be an issue.

As a side note, our little fridge's use very little propane. If that was all you had running/using, no one would call you a liar if you said it ran 6 to 8 weeks on one 20 pounder.

Thanks to everyone for all the quick replies and thoughtful perspectives.  And for making us feel welcome in the forum.  I'm relieved that running on propane while driving isn't nearly scary as my dealer tried to make it out to be.   I get their caution (an overly sensitive world of ever-evolving liability) but the arguments you all laid out make sense.  Thanks again for the thoughtful replies!

As you see, opinions vary to the extremes on both sides. So I'll restate arguments for propane:

1. Propane is absolutely safe while driving. Modern propane bottles have built in safety valves to restrict flow in case of line rupture. The flow will actually be stopped if a rupture occurs.
2. Running the fridge on 12V while driving will hog most or all of the charging current available from the towing vehicle (TV). At best the battery charge will only be maintained; at worst the battery will be discharged as you drive.
   
3. All refrigerators larger 5 cu ft do not even have a 12V option. They must run on propane while traveling or not at all. This means most of the RVs you see on the road are running the fridge on propane.

I think you'll find most PODers run on propane while driving, switching to 120V when shore power is available.