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Propane on while in tow

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Old Jun 27, 2004 | 11:46 PM
  #1  
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karenj
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Propane on while in tow

Does anybody leave their propane on for their fridge while towing? I don't usually on short trips, but I will be on the road for 7 hours. Thanx Rich
 
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Old Jun 28, 2004 | 01:04 AM
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351M
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I wouldn't bother leaving the propane on. The flame will most likely just blow out anyway and if you just happen to have a problem with the fridge when that happens, and the gas don't shut off.... Do I need to finish this? Doesn't the fridge have a 12 volt settimg on it?if it does i'd use that instead.
 
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Old Jun 28, 2004 | 06:14 AM
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One of the advantages of having a TT is a refridgerator. It's useless turned off, they are designed to be on while traveling. I set mine on auto, plug into house AC the night before to precool it. When I unplug, it switches to propane and it stays on until we get back home. Check your status lights when switching from AC to propane, like when leaving a camp ground hookup, to make sure it is still on. If there was air in the line you may need to re-start it.
 
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Old Jun 28, 2004 | 06:16 AM
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There's absolutely no problem leaving the propane on for the fridge when towing. There is a safety valve that shuts off the flow of propane if there is a leak or the pilot light goes out. These units were designed to be used when on the road which is why these safety features are in place (and have been for MANY years). Your owner's manual should confirm this.

BTW, one tip my father gave me (he used to be in the RV business) is to always run the unit on propane whenever you can. If a spider builds a nest when the propane is turned off you could have a possible problem (I've heard a few stories about this problem). These units tend to run better on propane anyway.
 

Last edited by johnsdiesel; Jun 28, 2004 at 06:19 AM.
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Old Jun 28, 2004 | 07:42 AM
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as far back as I can remember everyone I know has left the propane on during travel. I my self leave it on in a TT, motor home leave it on unless I'm getting fuel.
 
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Old Jun 28, 2004 | 10:13 AM
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Thanks for the tips everyone, it's all good news. Looked at the manuel and it states it's ok, but wanted to get input from you all. We always turn on fridge 2 nights before we leave and load the fridge the night before, then unplug and go. I will give it a shot leaving it on. By the way, I have heard if you run a little 12v fan where the coils are, your fridge will run even cooler?? For what it's worth, don't know. Thanx again for the quick replies, Rich
 
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Old Jun 28, 2004 | 08:34 PM
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Not sure where you'll be travelling, but some tunnels back East require you to turn off the fridge before entering. If road tunnels aren't a concern, enjoy your nice cool food!
 
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Old Jun 28, 2004 | 09:58 PM
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> but some tunnels back East require you to turn off the fridge before entering

Some tunnels will not even let RVs or travel trailers through that have propane tanks (Sumner tunnel Boston MA?).
 
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Old Jun 29, 2004 | 03:22 AM
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Umm, It is actually legal to run with propane on in the U.S?! I have yet to see the manual for a fridge that says you can drive with on propane, here in B.C I know people that have gotten nailed to the wall by cops for that. The auto shutoff on the fridges and furnaces are there for when you are parked with it on in case the flame blows out, not for while dtowing, That is why most fridges have the 12 volt setting. Actually I do believe that pretty much all new ones have it.
 
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Old Jun 29, 2004 | 07:19 AM
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Yes, it's perfectly legal to run with propane on when towing in the US and the majority of people do so.
 
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Old Jul 1, 2004 | 09:16 AM
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I've been RVing for over 40 years and have never turned my Propane off while on the road. Common sense dictates the propane be turned off while refueling at a gas island but I don't even do that while refueling with diesel. With the exception of tunnels it is leagal to drive with the propane turned on. Think LP powered vehicles.

ray
 
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Old Jul 1, 2004 | 03:03 PM
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In my manuel it just states to turn fridge off when re-fueling, so to me it's ok to run with propane on for the nice cool food. As far as tunnels, there is no tunnels where i'm going. Great info. guys thanx. Rich
 
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Old Jul 3, 2004 | 03:09 PM
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yes, travel with the fridge on propane, BUT remember to keep it level when parked even for a short time i.e. lunch or shopping. some places wont have level areas big enough for rv's. 1/2 hour is enough to start damage to the cooling system.
 
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