Propane on or Propane off?

[Art-n-Marge]

This is not a poll. This is a curiosity consensus. Note: we live and RV in predominantly warm climate. So consider this when reading my commentary.

When travelling do you run your Refrigerator on Propane?

I used to not do this because I had heard there was some risk in the event of an accident (who needs propane flying around because a line broke). Also, if the refrigerator igniter goes on while refueling, what about that danger? Unfortunately I dislike how long it takes for the fridge to get cold, especially the freezer when I am setting up. Most times we do NOT travel with food to reduce weight, or use a cooler to store cold items, so that we are out shopping for food, we give some time for the fridge to cool down. But it's never cold enough when we get back, or some places we go, shopping is terribly inconvenient and timeconsuming.

I now travel with the refrigerator on propane probably about 50 percent of the time as do other friends and family. This eliminates cool down time when I get to my destination and need to put items in the fridge or freezer and it's good to go. If I am on the road I usually remember to climb up and turn off the switch when I find a pump for refilling so the igniter is dormant, then I drive away, stop quickly, turn it back on, then get on the road. My friends and family don't even turn off the fridge hoping that the fridge is so cold that the igniter wouldn't kick back on at that moment.

What do some of you others do? Does the climate make a difference? Does the distance to travel make a distance? Are you stocked, partially stocked or do you shop at your destination?

Thanks for your thoughts,

[Capt Kidd]

I don't know about the climate but I always travel with my fridge on propane summer and winter.

I figure that's what its for. Got to keep the beer cold.

[TAKPAK]

We travel with the propane on. Gotta keep the health food (Twinkies) cold. Frozen Twinkies......YUM!!!!! My favorite......!

[garyka]

I travel with propane on,after I get to my destination and set up I like a couple of cold ones.

[akf15e]

On. It's hot here and even during a relatively short trip in the summer, the rig heats up like a sauna.

[Art-n-Marge]

WOW... those were quick responses in less than an hour. Now, I wonder if there's anyone that travels with it off and I was being overcautious and I sure inconvenienced myself?

[stiles watson]

I travel with propane on to run refrigerator and water heater. Should I encounter a tunnel or make a fuel stop. Then I turn it off until out of that location.

[BB_TX]

I'll make it unanimous (so far). We always travel with ours on to run the frig.

[iowaone]

We always travel with it on.

[iowaone]

sorry I double posted

[rames14]

On - during orientation for our new Big Sky they told us that they couldn't tell us to run with the propane on - but they do.

[jackel1959]

Have always traveled with it on (this is our third rig).
Jack

[Fire5er]

We turn ours off. So far the temp in the refrigerator stays cold, but then we never have traveled in hot weather or for very long before we are at the next RV park and can plug back in.

[RickW]

Always travel with the fridge on. I will even go and turn it on several hours before loading just to get it cooled down. I have left the hot water heater on before but that is by accident. Typically do not have a need for hot water while on the road.

[Art-n-Marge]

I didn't think about tunnels, I should pull over and shut off if I approach a tunnel, I've heard that any gas vapor in a tunnel is a no-no, duh, ya think?

Apparently this is a VERY common thing and I see lots of you with many days and miles of experience that have been doing this for so long, so I feel very comfortable doing this since the benefits FAR exceed any shortcomings and I keep this kind of equipment in tip/top shape. I will try and remember to minimize shortcomings by turning off during refueling or turning off at (or avoiding) routes with tunnels cuz they make me nervous anyway.

I will make a new post (like a poll but it isn't) for you members that you might find entertaining so stay tuned.

Thanks for the information. It has been invaluable!

[Glenn and Lorraine]

On

[ols1932]

Off

[azleflyer]

We Travel with the fridge off.

[grampachet]

British Columbia, Canada Drivers Manual, Chapter 3 page 5 INSIDE OF TRAILER and I quote
"check that there are no loose objects that could be a safety hazard when the trailer is in motion
• if RV is equipped with slide-outs, check that they are closed and locked
• check that propane appliances and pilot lights are turned off"

With that noted I will say that I do run with mine on most of the time.

[Art-n-Marge]

LOL grampachet! My sentiments exactly, but I can admit I drive 55 MPH because it's the law too... :-)