Posted 2017-06-28 1:09 PM (#170161) Subject: Do you run Fridge on propane down the road?
Veteran
Posts: 108 Location: Lawrence KS
Since many of you give solid advice ---
?I would like to know your opinions of running the refrigerator on propane while driving down the road hauling horses. I know there is always an inherent risk of fires. to me it seems that I wouldnt be able to get the horses out alive if the trailer caught on fire. Seems that adding fuel ( propane ) is just asking for it. Talk me into it? I have a longer than usual trip coming up.
Posted 2017-06-28 5:23 PM (#170167 - in reply to #170161) Subject: RE: Do you run Fridge on propane down the road?
Elite Veteran
Posts: 656 Location: Rayne, LA
I have for 20 years. I know the book says don't but???? I probably will unit I have trouble one day. My parents have camped for 40 years and always did.
Posted 2017-06-28 5:36 PM (#170168 - in reply to #170161) Subject: RE: Do you run Fridge on propane down the road?
Veteran
Posts: 124 Location: Calgary, Canada
We don't and you shouldn't.
We personally don't know anyone who has had a problem either but that does not mean that problems with natural gas and propane don't happen .... they certainly do.
Here is a good video that discusses this topic. And there are several more out there the pretty much all say the same thing ... DON"T!
Why take the chance? Your safety, your horses safety and public safety are more important.
Posted 2017-06-28 5:48 PM (#170169 - in reply to #170161) Subject: RE: Do you run Fridge on propane down the road?
Veteran
Posts: 124 Location: Calgary, Canada
Found this on the net ... some real food for thought on this topic:
"Propane travel safety
One of the most common questions I get is, “Is it safe to travel with my propane on?”
Travel trailer propane tanks
Well many people do without a problem, but propane safety rules regarding travelling with propane can vary so much from province to province, or state to state. It’s difficult to keep track. Plus, some jurisdictions require you to turn your propane off while passing through tunnels or going over bridges. And no matter where you go, you have to shut it off when you board a ferry. Will you remember to switch the propane on and off every time? Probably not.
The safe answer, and the answer I always give, is you should shut off your propane while travelling.
One of the biggest safety concerns is that your propane must be shut off before pulling into a fuel station. Many of your appliances have pilot lights, which could spark off the fuel vapour that floats in the air around fuel stations. The combination could spell disaster. It’s not enough to turn the propane off once you get there, because it could already be too late. To learn more about propane explosions, learn from CBC’s Q&A: Propane Safety."
Posted 2017-06-28 6:14 PM (#170170 - in reply to #170161) Subject: RE: Do you run Fridge on propane down the road?
We dont , you should watch this youtube video scary stuff. video. https://video.search.yahoo.com/search/video;_ylt=A0LEVxpYvkJZCHYA3X5XNyoA;_ylu=X3oDMTExZzQ0YmY1BGNvbG8DYmYxBHBvcwMxBHZ0aWQDVUlDMV8xBHNlYwNzYw--?p=norcold+propane+refrigerator+catches+fire&fr=tightropetb#id=2&vid=564a5271171278e9717fde735f101aaf&action=view
Posted 2017-06-28 7:02 PM (#170171 - in reply to #170161) Subject: RE: Do you run Fridge on propane down the road?
Member
Posts: 45
Never. Not worth the risk.
If I pack blocks of ice in the fridge and don't open it, the temp will hold for 6-7 hours.
I also have a 12 volt refrigerator/freezer (NOT an electric cooler but a unit with a compressor like your home refrigerator) and it works great. Holds at any temp you set with very little draw. Mine is an ARB and it has not had any problems in the 5 years I've used it. Bought it on Amazon.
It was somewhat pricey but worth it - I sure don't miss the cooler and ice routine.
Posted 2017-06-28 11:09 PM (#170174 - in reply to #170161) Subject: RE: Do you run Fridge on propane down the road?
Veteran
Posts: 124 Location: Calgary, Canada
Paul,
You are the man!
Conclusive evidence!
Overloaded truck and running with propane on!
Is this trailer called an "Inferno"? Suitably named!
Regards, 3CW
Posted 2017-06-29 8:03 AM (#170176 - in reply to #170161) Subject: RE: Do you run Fridge on propane down the road?
Veteran
Posts: 108 Location: Lawrence KS
Thanks for the replies - I have never run the propane with horses in the trailer. I bought a nicer cooler for this longer trip. Many trips 3 hours or so the fridge stays cold enough just turned off.
Posted 2017-06-29 8:07 PM (#170182 - in reply to #170161) Subject: RE: Do you run Fridge on propane down the road?
Veteran
Posts: 233 Location: Pataskala, Ohio
I have traveled many years with the fridge on. My book says it is okay to drive with it on.
If you are not comfortable doing so then shut it off. Most large grocery stores have dry ice now, just put a few kilos in and your beer may ice over when you open it. Then when you get to camp you have fun with dry ice, I am very large for my maturity.
Posted 2017-06-30 9:43 AM (#170188 - in reply to #170182) Subject: RE: Do you run Fridge on propane down the road?
Veteran
Posts: 124 Location: Calgary, Canada
Jeepplr - 2017-06-29 8:07 PM
I have traveled many years with the fridge on. My book says it is okay to drive with it on.
If you are not comfortable doing so then shut it off. Most large grocery stores have dry ice now, just put a few kilos in and your beer may ice over when you open it. Then when you get to camp you have fun with dry ice, I am very large for my maturity.
Since you have traveled for many years with your fridge on, you must have refueled at one point with your trailer.
Did you turn you propane appliances off when you refueled?
Posted 2017-07-01 2:28 PM (#170197 - in reply to #170188) Subject: RE: Do you run Fridge on propane down the road?
Expert
Posts: 3802 Location: Rocky Mount N.C.
Wonder what kind of gasoline vapor consentration it would take light off a fire under a service station canopy while a dozen or more cars a refueling with gasoline on a 95 degree afternoon with no wind.....!! All the while your LP fired fridge that started the fire was cooking to keep a beer or three cool....!!!! We keep everything in an ice chest until we get settled, fridge only takes a little while to get cold and everything we put in the fridge is already cold from the ice chest.....
Posted 2017-07-02 11:19 AM (#170203 - in reply to #170161) Subject: RE: Do you run Fridge on propane down the road?
Regular
Posts: 88 Location: Washington
This is a good discussion (in my opinion). From looking at RV sites, it appears that the majority use the fridge on propane while traveling. It's obvious, (and it sounds like law supports) that any pilot lights should be extinguished before pulling in to refuel. I haven't read the law but you see the signs everywhere. As for cooling down the fridge and traveling with it off, I see 4-5 hours referred to as a generally accepted safe time period. We travel in hot conditions usually and I don't want to test this. We have always travelled with the fridge on. I pull up short of the gas station and turn the fridge off before refueling. Half the time I forget to turn it back on. http://www.crossingcreeksrvresort.com/~crossingcreek/index.php/component/k2/item/64-what-are-the-leading-causes-of-motorhome-fires
Posted 2017-07-02 2:00 PM (#170204 - in reply to #170197) Subject: RE: Do you run Fridge on propane down the road?
Veteran
Posts: 233 Location: Pataskala, Ohio
No, I even have a gas powered truck but my fridge is above my gas cap. Gasoline is heavier than air so it is well below and dispersed before it could get to the burner.
What I worry about is what happens in the burner while driving. I have looked in the burner tube with a borescope and can see no damage.
I did drive with the hot water heater on accidentally once. It was a cold drive in the mountains 50's, the water was hot so it works on the move but still likely not a good idea.
Posted 2017-07-02 9:16 PM (#170205 - in reply to #170161) Subject: RE: Do you run Fridge on propane down the road?
Elite Veteran
Posts: 656 Location: Rayne, LA
This is from the ?inferno trailer owner
my husband and I were the owners of the camper. My husband and son were taking the camper to the Gulf for the holiday weekend, but unfortunately there was an electrical short that caused the fire. The truck had to have a little assistance be unattached from the camper. For bright eyes above this is a camper with electric jacks…fire started..no electricity.. therefore you are not able to lift the jacks to get the camper off the truck. They did get out and we are fine, but there is not much left of the camper or our two Harley Davidson Motorcycles. I commend the Spanish Fort police and fire who defiantly displayed the epitome of true heroes.
Do you run Fridge on propane down the road?
