Do you run with the fridge on?

[RJI47]

We run with the refer on as it changes from electric to gas automatically. We leave the water heater on electric all the time, so when we unplug, it shuts off. We always turn off the furnace when traveling. To each his own I guess.

[gduff]

Run with ours on as well. I recall seeing a roadsign somewhere about shutting propane off before going into a tunnel. (Maybe I70 in the Colorado Rockies)I was not aware of it being against the law otherwise. I was thinking that sewer gas could be a risk then as well when you are parked? Same side and all on most rigs.

[bish]

As always, great information here. We always run with the fridge on. Never really gave it any thought till brought up here.

[steelpony5555]

Here is the Snopes article about static fires at gas pumps http://www.snopes.com/autos/hazards/static.asp Of course it happens more in the cold areas of the country when the wind is blowin and you start the pump and jump back in the car to keep warm. I can find no studies or info on frigs starting fires at gas stations while on gas.

[BusyCarol]

Thanks for sharing the Snopes article Dave. It is always good to be aware of the information so we can make informed decisions! I can't tell you how many times I, as a woman, have reentered my car while refueling because it is too cold outside to stand out there and wait for the fueling to finish!

[steelpony5555]

When I lived up north I used to do the same thing lol lol I hate the cold that's why I moved back to Texas lol

[fauch]

When considering the risks, the pilot vs ignitor is really insignificant. The ignition source is much bigger than a pilot light. The flames of the furnace and the refrigerator when on, are quite a significant ignition source. The other risk that comes to mind is damage to gas lines in the trailer in the event of an accident. A rapid pressure drop (i.e. broken pipe/tubing) would activate the high flow shut-off at the tank valve, but a less significant leak (i.e. cracked pipe/tubing) can cause a significant gas release. As far as the laws go, getting 'caught' in a situation where my carelessness causes harm to others is a bigger consideration for me.

http://www.houmatoday.com/article/20...cles/100329598

http://www.goodsamrvinsurance.com/rv...shaps.asp#rfpl

[TLightning]

We run with it on and leave it on when refueling.

[BusyCarol]

Still haven't been able to find any reference to a law that says recreational vehicles cannot travel with their propane in the 'on' position. Has someone else found it?

Note: I may, jokingly, say 'ignorance is bliss' but we are law abiding citizens that try very hard to do the right thing!

[c214dick]

This may be more info than you're looking for, http://www.woodalls.com/articledetai...icleID=2377513, I read a few and did not find anything pertaining to traveling with the propane on. Interesting reading though. My preference is that I only run with the frig on when the weather is too warm and the sun is on the street side. I do like the idea of carrying the freezer blocks to supplement the cooling of the fridge.

[fauch]

The laws pertaining to transporting propane, generally apply specifically to the transportation industry. the laws pertaining to tunnels were reactionary after catastrophic tunnel fires. As a matter of fact the law is written to allow RV propane tanks passage. The Law states no more than 10 cylinders carrying over 10 pounds each. And these laws vary by location. I think it is however important to consider all of the risks involved when traveling with propane cylinders. I personally like to stack the odds in my favor.

I think that fueling your diesel TV, at truck stop pumps where there are no gasoline pumps nearby is probably a lot safer than filling at the automotive pumps where someone can be filling a vehicle with gasoline only feet away from the open flame of a refrigerator or furnace.

[7.3Ford]

I normally travel with frig on AC (using batteries and inverter), with Gas off at tank. Just my preference, before the days of solar and inverters, I traveled with frig on Gas.

[Recumbent]

We keep the fridge on (gas) and the furnace off. We try very hard to not travel where it is below freezing.

[grampachet]

Another one traveling with fridge on propane. When I fuel up with gas I still leave fridge on.
With our rear kitchen the fridge is around 30 to 35 feet behind the gas fill spout. Always out in parking lot.
That is actually further away than the guy behind me in his car when I fill up without the Montana.
I believe his auto that close is a greater hazard than my refer at 35 feet distance.
This is only what I do not what I think you should do.

[fauch]

Found this from the Propane Safety Education and Research Council. On bottom of page is a link to a brochure on RV Propane Safety.
http://www.propanesafety.com/safety-brochures/