Fridge etiquette
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URL: http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=10023
Printed Date: 28 Apr 2024 at 3:15pm
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Topic: Fridge etiquette
Posted By: Danielw1
Subject: Fridge etiquette
Date Posted: 23 May 2017 at 11:47pm
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How are you guys keeping fridge cold while traveling? I was wondering about running on battery while towing then switching to propane when i get to camp site, i am a little worried with propane on while traveling.. also wondering about the flame going out with wind and towing. Will the tv keep batteries up while towing with fridge on or is it too much? Also thinking of doing it like I do with coolers. Get food cold and put frozen jugs/water bottles in, I have kept Coleman coolers cold for four+ days like that.
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Replies:
Posted By: ron_whitt
Date Posted: 24 May 2017 at 5:31am
If you have your tv set up with proper wiring and fuses you can run your fridge on battery while towing. I always run on battery while towing then switch to electric when getting to the camp site (if your on an electric site.)
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Ron & Shirley
2020 Tacoma
2012 177 rpod
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Posted By: furpod
Date Posted: 24 May 2017 at 6:57am
Originally posted by Danielw1
How are you guys keeping fridge cold while traveling? I was wondering about running on battery while towing then switching to propane when i get to camp site, i am a little worried with propane on while traveling.. also wondering about the flame going out with wind and towing. Will the tv keep batteries up while towing with fridge on or is it too much? Also thinking of doing it like I do with coolers. Get food cold and put frozen jugs/water bottles in, I have kept Coleman coolers cold for four+ days like that. |
The tv may or may not keep the batteries charged, and the fridge cooling. Not all are wired to do so. If you tell us what you are towing with we may already know, otherwise, you will have to check for yourself.
You can run on propane while traveling, won't hurt a thing. All those larger RV's you pass, or that pass you, they don't have a 12v option. So, unless you see a 200 mile extension cord coming out the back, you can assume they like warm beer and spoiled food.. OR, they are running on propane.
A) The roads are not littered with burned out RV hulks..
B) The RVIA data says the number 1 cause of RV fires is 12v malfunctions.
C) The few tunnels and ferries where it's an issue are clearly marked.
D) The "wisdom" says to turn it off when refueling.. even though most times the car on the other side of the pump is twice as close to you as the fridge, with it's engine running, the owner on the phone. etc.
Here in a couple posts, there will be name calling and slander.. ignore it, make up your own mind based on facts.. not some rube on youtube or an ancient forum.. or even my opinion.
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Posted By: Tars Tarkas
Date Posted: 24 May 2017 at 8:01am
I run on propane all the time unless I have shore power. Someday I might get around to beefing up the TV wiring to get enough juice to the trailer to run the fridge on 12v, but there's really no good reason to bother. Aside from the safety non-issue, the other thing you have to be concerned with when running the fridge on 12v is either remembering to switch to propane when you stop for a while or coming back to a rundown battery in the TV or on the pod, or both, and/or a warm fridge and spoiled food.
For whatever reason, there is no issue with wind blowing out the flame while traveling with the fridge on propane.
As Furpod said though, make up your own mind. There are people who just can't get comfortable having the propane on while on the road.
TT
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2010 176
FJ Cruiser
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Posted By: Danielw1
Date Posted: 24 May 2017 at 9:28am
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All very good to know! Sounds like propane is probably the way to go. I am going to bring an extra tank if I get low, thought about adding one to tounge but seems just is easy to swap if one runs low. I am towing with a 2015 3.5 eco boost
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Posted By: furpod
Date Posted: 24 May 2017 at 11:14am
Originally posted by Danielw1
All very good to know! Sounds like propane is probably the way to go. I am going to bring an extra tank if I get low, thought about adding one to tounge but seems just is easy to swap if one runs low. I am towing with a 2015 3.5 eco boost |
If just running the fridge, 24/7.. it takes about 5-6 weeks to empty a tank..
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Posted By: TheBum
Date Posted: 24 May 2017 at 12:38pm
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We started out running on 12V, but we now run propane while traveling. If the campground has electric, then we switch to electric at that time to conserve propane. Propane is actually the most efficient of the three power sources.
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Posted By: Tars Tarkas
Date Posted: 24 May 2017 at 4:41pm
Originally posted by TheBum
We started out running on 12V, but we now run propane while traveling. If the campground has electric, then we switch to electric at that time to conserve propane. Propane is actually the most efficient of the three power sources. |
About the only reason to switch to 120v is because you're already paying for it.
TT
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2010 176
FJ Cruiser
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Posted By: jato
Date Posted: 24 May 2017 at 8:35pm
Agree with you TT! The only time we use electric for our fridge is when we pay for it, otherwise we use propane the other 95% of the time and 100% of the time when we travel
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God's pod
'11 model 177
'17 Ford F-150 4WD 3.5 Ecoboost
Jim and Diane by beautiful Torch Lake
"...and you will know the Truth and the Truth will set you free."
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Posted By: rda54
Date Posted: 24 May 2017 at 9:45pm
We run on propane when we travel. We did a 24 day trip and plugged in at the camp ground. Never used the one tank of propane. We put on over 4000 miles.
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Ronald & Lonna
2014 178
2016 Chevy 1500
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Posted By: Danielw1
Date Posted: 24 May 2017 at 11:42pm
Originally posted by furpod
Originally posted by Danielw1
All very good to know! Sounds like propane is probably the way to go. I am going to bring an extra tank if I get low, thought about adding one to tounge but seems just is easy to swap if one runs low. I am towing with a 2015 3.5 eco boost |
If just running the fridge, 24/7.. it takes about 5-6 weeks to empty a tank.. |
Wow! Thats good to know. Thanks
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Posted By: Caliman
Date Posted: 24 May 2017 at 11:58pm
Does anyone know if there is any issue with leaving your RPOD plugged in to AC during storage, and running the fridge on 120v with the cover on? I know that would be bad with propane.
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Todd
2002 Dodge Durango 4x4 4.7 V8, BF Goodrich KO2's.
RPOD 179 with every option. RDOME
Permanent vacation!
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Posted By: furpod
Date Posted: 25 May 2017 at 7:47am
Originally posted by Caliman
Does anyone know if there is any issue with leaving your RPOD plugged in to AC during storage, and running the fridge on 120v with the cover on? I know that would be bad with propane. |
I would not run the fridge while covered. No matter the source, the fridge cools by creating heat, it needs to be able to vent and breath to allow it to cool.
Being plugged in is a nonissue. Our pod was plugged in at hole it's whole life.. Lance is now. Most owners who can store at home keep plugged in.
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Posted By: geewizard
Date Posted: 25 May 2017 at 10:19am
Propane when towing, always.
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2021 Winnebago Micro Minnie 1708FB
2017 R-Pod 177 (Blue) HRE SOLD
2004 Outfitter Apex 8 camper
2014 Toyota Tundra DC
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Posted By: GlueGuy
Date Posted: 25 May 2017 at 10:25am
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I know a lot of people use propane while traveling, but in my mind, there is no good reason to have a flame going while you're traveling down the road. You pull into a gas station, and they are posted "No Smoking" for a reason; there are gas fumes. I'm just not going there.
Our TV has plenty of capacity, and safety interlocks to prevent damage to the battery. It shuts off power to the trailer after 30 seconds or so (after turning the vehicle off). So I will use battery while traveling, and then I will have peace of mind.
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bp
2017 R-Pod 179 Hood River
2015 Ford F150 SuperCrew 4WD 3.5L Ecoboost
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Posted By: Caliman
Date Posted: 25 May 2017 at 10:52am
Even my 2002 Dodge Durango factory tow package came with an oversized alternator for charging, and an oversized battery. If your truck has these things, and a 7pin connector, you're probably good for running the fridge off battery. Pay attention to your battery gauge regardless, truck and trailer. I'm not worried about running propane on the road, but I may forget to turn off the fridge getting gas. I also carry a jumpstarter/power source and even a generator if I ever screw up. Dead batteries wouldn't be fun and obviously not good for em. I think it's a million to one, but a fire at the gas station would certainly be a problem.
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Todd
2002 Dodge Durango 4x4 4.7 V8, BF Goodrich KO2's.
RPOD 179 with every option. RDOME
Permanent vacation!
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Posted By: Caliman
Date Posted: 25 May 2017 at 10:55am
Running the battery off 12v on the road only to be specific.
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Todd
2002 Dodge Durango 4x4 4.7 V8, BF Goodrich KO2's.
RPOD 179 with every option. RDOME
Permanent vacation!
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Posted By: Caliman
Date Posted: 25 May 2017 at 10:59am
Thank you! I ran it for a day on AC and found the temperature fluctuation, then I throught about the vent..ran fine when I pulled th cover up. Hey, I put 2+2 together, can you believe it? Nice to get the info from someone here, I was only guessing. Cheers!
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Todd
2002 Dodge Durango 4x4 4.7 V8, BF Goodrich KO2's.
RPOD 179 with every option. RDOME
Permanent vacation!
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Posted By: Hayduke
Date Posted: 25 May 2017 at 12:35pm
Originally posted by Caliman
Even my 2002 Dodge Durango factory tow package came with an oversized alternator for charging, and an oversized battery. If your truck has these things, and a 7pin connector, you're probably good for running the fridge off battery. Pay attention to your battery gauge regardless, truck and trailer. I'm not worried about running propane on the road, but I may forget to turn off the fridge getting gas. I also carry a jumpstarter/power source and even a generator if I ever screw up. Dead batteries wouldn't be fun and obviously not good for em. I think it's a million to one, but a fire at the gas station would certainly be a problem. |
I guarantee you that even though your alternator and battery are upsized, the wire running from them to your charge circuit on the 7 pin connector is of inadequate size to run the fridge and keep the pod battery charged...
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2012 177 HRE
2017 Tacoma Double Cab
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Posted By: Caliman
Date Posted: 25 May 2017 at 1:39pm
Hi HayDuke. Well, no problems yet, but we've only made 2 hour trips so far. I do have 2, 6 volt deep cycle batteries so maybe they're masking the fact that they're being drained gradually as we go down the road. I don't mind using propane at all, battery on the road just seemed more convenient. Propane is actually pretty damn safe, I worked with it for years.
Thanks for the input. Appreciated.
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Todd
2002 Dodge Durango 4x4 4.7 V8, BF Goodrich KO2's.
RPOD 179 with every option. RDOME
Permanent vacation!
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Posted By: TheBum
Date Posted: 25 May 2017 at 3:04pm
Originally posted by furpod
Most owners who can store at home keep plugged in. |
Or at storage that includes electric. I do make sure I turn off the electric WH to be a responsible tenant.
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Posted By: Caliman
Date Posted: 25 May 2017 at 3:46pm
I do it because I'm terrified I'll burn it out. 😆 I emptied my tanks on the first run, drove home and plugged in, remembered my electric heater was on and was concerned I had burned it out. Read forums saying it doesn't drain so you're cool. We'll see. 😉😆
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Todd
2002 Dodge Durango 4x4 4.7 V8, BF Goodrich KO2's.
RPOD 179 with every option. RDOME
Permanent vacation!
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Posted By: Caliman
Date Posted: 25 May 2017 at 3:50pm
And on a side note, why is the microwave / convection so weird to operate? We got it to light up, and our neighbor with. New Jayco (sorry guys, that's going to be a huge disappointment), had the same unit and swore it didn't work. The hipoint is so counterintuitive. I read the manual and was like, really? "Press power 3 times.....blah,". It looks like you could just press 1 for one minute like a regular microwave. Don't even know if it work. Have to spend some time with the manuals.
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Todd
2002 Dodge Durango 4x4 4.7 V8, BF Goodrich KO2's.
RPOD 179 with every option. RDOME
Permanent vacation!
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Posted By: Caliman
Date Posted: 25 May 2017 at 3:52pm
Jayco, if you've worked in manufacturing, you KNOW this is garbage.
https://youtu.be/jXMJrRQ3SVk
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Todd
2002 Dodge Durango 4x4 4.7 V8, BF Goodrich KO2's.
RPOD 179 with every option. RDOME
Permanent vacation!
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Posted By: Caliman
Date Posted: 25 May 2017 at 3:59pm
But they have LED's on the awnings and steps.....the benches fall apart, not screwed and glued. Avoid "Amish manufacturing,". That's. It a good thing here. They're paid for piece work so there is no care whatsoever going into the build. Believe it or not, "incentives" often backfire in manufacturing. 😉
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Todd
2002 Dodge Durango 4x4 4.7 V8, BF Goodrich KO2's.
RPOD 179 with every option. RDOME
Permanent vacation!
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Posted By: Caliman
Date Posted: 25 May 2017 at 4:03pm
Sorry for all this stuff, but I almost bought one 😳 Thank god I had friends with RPOdS.
https://youtu.be/cfP6xDnVprQ
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Todd
2002 Dodge Durango 4x4 4.7 V8, BF Goodrich KO2's.
RPOD 179 with every option. RDOME
Permanent vacation!
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Posted By: Caliman
Date Posted: 25 May 2017 at 4:09pm
Jayco dinette crumbling: https://youtu.be/0NvPIzK0VtU 😳😕😆😆
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Todd
2002 Dodge Durango 4x4 4.7 V8, BF Goodrich KO2's.
RPOD 179 with every option. RDOME
Permanent vacation!
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Posted By: Tars Tarkas
Date Posted: 25 May 2017 at 8:22pm
Originally posted by Caliman
a fire at the gas station would certainly be a problem. |
It would be such a big problem, even at a million to one, the US and every state DOT would ban propane appliances from the highways. How often do you hear about gas station explosions or fires caused by RV propane appliances? I'm pretty sure I'm not lying when I say I've never heard of one. I've seen gas station fires on TV and in movies, but, again, I'm pretty sure even in fiction, none of them were caused by RV refrigerators.
TT
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2010 176
FJ Cruiser
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Posted By: GlueGuy
Date Posted: 25 May 2017 at 8:48pm
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That's all OK. You do it your way, and I'll do it mine. My peace of mind is more important to me than your peace of mind.
Also, our R-pod has 2 12-volt batteries, so I think we have plenty of juice.
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bp
2017 R-Pod 179 Hood River
2015 Ford F150 SuperCrew 4WD 3.5L Ecoboost
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Posted By: Caliman
Date Posted: 26 May 2017 at 11:18pm
I think it's a personal choice. I agree, I've never heard of a rv propane fire at a gas station....using rv batteries you can monitor. I have 2 6 volt deep cycle and have been surprised by how long they hold a charge, but a fridge eats em fast. Generator, surplus charger, all these thing... no easy answer here. Whatever works I suppose will bee the answer. I have a trailer tray for my generator, so saving Propane will become more critical. I'll experiment with both. We all have different needs depending on how much we boondock. With the trailer tray, I'll have to remove it to swap a tank....a bear. Battery power will probably be more easily generated than swapping my extra propane tank. I've got it, but I sure as heck won't want to swap it. Bottom line is, battery is clearly the heart and soul of your rig, which is why I paid $400 for the deep cycle upgrade. We'll see how it all performs. It's an exciting experiment!
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Todd
2002 Dodge Durango 4x4 4.7 V8, BF Goodrich KO2's.
RPOD 179 with every option. RDOME
Permanent vacation!
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