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Topic: Operating refrigerator while driving (Read 740 times) previous topic - next topic
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Re: Operating refrigerator while driving
Reply #25 –
I have driven on for years no problem.

I turn it off when I fuel in States without vapor capturing on their pumps. I sometimes leave it on of it's very windy in these States also. My theory is if it's windy no gas fume build up.
2021 Mid Bath
Re: Operating refrigerator while driving
Reply #26 –
My RV is a 2000 and I always drove with the refrigerator on until this month.  I have checked the propane tank for leaks and no bubbles visble, but I wonder about the cables running through the RV to the stove and refer - they too are 22 years old.  So I've been stacking small blue ice blocks and frozen water bottles in my refer and freezer while driving.  So far everything has stayed cold enough or frozen except for bread.  If I stop anywhere enroute I turn the propane on until I am ready to get back on the road.  At my age 4 hours of driving is long enough.
Am I being wise, or over cautious?  Most of you on this forum keep it on, but readers of several other forums turn theirs off.
2000 TK
Re: Operating refrigerator while driving
Reply #27 –
"...with the refrigerator on until this month."

So what occurred 'this month' to make you suddenly change your habits?
Steve S.
Lazy Bones & Cedar
2004 30'IB (Island Bed)
Yesterday is History, Tomorrow is a Mystery
Live for the day!
Re: Operating refrigerator while driving
Reply #28 –
Seesaw, that seems like a perfectly reasonable way of doing things.
Andy Baird
2021 Ford Ranger towing 2019 Airstream 19CB
Previously: 1985 LD Twin/King "Gertie"; 2003 LD Midbath "Skylark"
Re: Operating refrigerator while driving
Reply #29 –
I know this is one of those discussions that never gets resolved, it’s been a controversial topic for the 20 years I’ve been RVing.

My take is the coach was designed to run with it on.

I look at it this way, if a propane issue develops, when would I like to find out?

       On the road where there are places to get help, fixes, services.

        At my campsite when I turn back on the propane, potentially many miles if not hours from assistance.

With my current system, I run the fridge on electricity while driving, but before the upgrade, didn’t hesitate to run it on gas while driving.
Dave

2017 TK
Re: Operating refrigerator while driving
Reply #30 –
Hi SeeSaw60;  My coach is a '99, one year older than yours. I see no deterioration in any of the solid copper pipes or brass fittings going to my individual appliances. There is that flexible line going from the regulator output to the house distribution plumbing, but it is low pressure.  I am going to get a new pressure regulator.  There is a recent thread about that.   Replacing the propane regulator        I've always run the refrigerator on propane while driving or camped.  There is still an outstanding recall on my refrigerator too.  Maybe I'll get it fixed this year.... Maybe not.    RonB
RonB (Bostick) living in San Diego
Original owner of "Bluebelle" a '99 TKB
Re: Operating refrigerator while driving
Reply #31 –
When asked what happened in the last month that made me change my mind about leaving propane on - reading other forums where it keeps coming up as a risk made me rethink my practice.  I appreciate the responses - they make me feel like my LD is as good as I thought it was, but I'm also going to decide on a trip by trip basis.  For shorter trips I'm turning it off.  My LD is in good shape, I'm original owner and it's been garaged 90% of its life, and serviced regularly.  But maybe age is making me more risk-aversive?
2000 TK
 
Re: Operating refrigerator while driving
Reply #32 –
Is it more risky than turning it off?   A bit, but that’s just common sense.  It’s also riskier to turn on the oven or stovetop at the campground vs leaving it off.  Riskier to drive your LD than leave it parked at your home too.  You get the point, doing anything involves an elevated risk.

I’m in camp use it as it was designed to be used, since if it were a significant safety risk, the ability to travel with it lit would have been removed long ago.  But I respect others who feel uncomfortable doing so

RVs refers to motorhomes AND trailers, so you will see strong opinions on not having a fridge on while towing a trailer.   I’d never tow a trailer with an active propane appliance, as there is no one back there to monitor it.


Dave

2017 TK