Keeping a Refridgerator cold when driving
- Thread starter johnf
- Start date
BigGuy82
Well-known member
Absolutely - that's exactly what they are designed for.
Jesstruckn/Jesstalkn
Well-known member
Yes !!!!
Some will say it's unsafe to drive with the gas on but I think about 98% of use all do it or at least did it before we switch to a residential fridge
BigGuy82
Well-known member
Just curious - I've owned three RV's and I've never heard that before (unless you are driving through a tunnel where it is generally mandated by law). RV version of an urban legend? I don't have the reefer manual handy, but the Heartland Owners Guide makes no reference to shutting down the unit before travel, either in the LP section or the appliance section (unless I missed it). If you had to shut it down while on the road, it would be totally useless.
Jesstruckn/Jesstalkn
Well-known member
I agree
I have read some posts on here before where someone said they never run with the propane tanks open.
Can't remember who or when.
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I have read some posts on here before where someone said they never run with the propane tanks open.
Can't remember who or when.
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BigGuy82
Well-known member
danemayer
Well-known member
From the Heartland Trailer Manual.
From the Dometic RM1350 Manual
If running the refrigerator while towing, you have an open flame 2" from the outside wall. While refueling your truck, you could be near gasoline fumes that could be ignited by that open flame.
Mac the Fire Guy gives seminars on RV fire risks and strongly recommends not towing with the refrigerator running on propane.
That said, many people routinely use their refrigerator on propane while towing and don't turn it off when refueling.
From the Dometic RM1350 Manual
If running the refrigerator while towing, you have an open flame 2" from the outside wall. While refueling your truck, you could be near gasoline fumes that could be ignited by that open flame.
Mac the Fire Guy gives seminars on RV fire risks and strongly recommends not towing with the refrigerator running on propane.
That said, many people routinely use their refrigerator on propane while towing and don't turn it off when refueling.
Jesstruckn/Jesstalkn
Well-known member
Thanks Dan I was wondering where I read that.
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BigGuy82
Well-known member
If I had a gas truck, I might worry about that. I always fuel at diesel pumps at truck stops - no gasoline around. If Mac the Fire Guy is available, I'd be curious how many explosions have been caused by running reefers - the data has to be out there somewhere. Erring on the side of safety is always wise, however, we still have to not use cell phones when refueling and yet there's nothing but speculation to prove that it is a valid concern.
Interesting subject.
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danemayer
Well-known member
At a truck stop, you might be right that there's no gasoline close by. But at locations such as the RV islands at some truck stops, the other side of the pump you're at could have a gas pump. And a little spilled gas goes quite a long way.
BigGuy82
Well-known member
Agreed. I've had too many problems going to "regular" stations and I've never seen an RV island at a truck stop but I'm sure I'll get to one eventually. If I do, it's no big deal to shut the reefer off for a few minutes. I don't think there's any risk, but it's not up to me to put others at risk.
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Oregon_Camper
Well-known member
Agreed...remember when we had to turn off all electronics on planes as that would surely bring the airplane crashing from the sky. Bzzzzztt....that wasn't the case and now we simply need to turn off cell coverage (and that is questionable too)
I have been running with the refrigerator on while towing for >30 years....and I'm still around.
wdk450
Well-known member
I take it a step further and (besides being diesel) will only refuel with the trailer in tow only when I seem to have no other option. If on a long trip, I will normally unhitch and refuel at the end of the day. This also makes for a much easier fuel island access experience than having the full 58 foot rig.
I carry a Yamaha inverter generator in the bed of my pickup. Does anyone have any thoughts on running a power cord from the back of the refrigerator, through the the fifth wheel and into the bed of the pickup so the the frig can be run by the generator while driving?
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The extension cord and wind would scare the bejesus out of me...I don't care how much one thinks they might have secured something, that creates way too many variables that are way too awful in my mind.
Shortest Straw
Caught In A Mosh
My thought is don't do it. My other thought is if you are that afraid of your propane system either get a residential fridge, don't buy food until you get to where you are going, or eat out.
I wouldn't say I'm "afraid" of my propane system, but I'm hearing arguments on both sides of the question.
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It wouldn't necessarily be an extension cord, but hard wired through the RV, through the pin box and into the bed of the truck. Just a thought.
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