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kp57george
Newbie
Joined: 13 Aug 2015
Location: Bay Village, OH
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Posts: 24
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Topic: Running refrigerator on propane while driving Posted: 30 Aug 2018 at 1:02pm |
Should I use the battery or propane
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kp57george
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Capt Kidd
podders Helping podders - pHp
Joined: 18 Aug 2015
Location: Chico, CA
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Posts: 212
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Posted: 30 Aug 2018 at 1:05pm |
If you use the battery just remember to turn it off over night or you will get a dead battery in your tow car.
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The Pirate's Pod
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BVK
Newbie
Joined: 21 Jul 2018
Location: Pacific NW
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Posts: 21
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Posted: 30 Aug 2018 at 1:08pm |
We choose to use a cooler as long as possible, and then I feel switching to the propane refrigerator ideal when dry-camping. Frankly, I value the energy in my battery, given that it's a more readily available source of energy, over the propane in my bottle which has very limited uses. That may be naive, and I'm open to other points of view.
Edit: Oh, I didn't notice we were talking about while driving!
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2012 RP-171 HRE, 2006 F-150
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Keith-N-Dar
podders Helping podders - pHp
Joined: 03 Apr 2011
Location: Mayville, WI
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Posted: 30 Aug 2018 at 1:12pm |
We just went through this issue for days. There was a post today on the thread.
Each time this comes up it is split between those who feel running the fridge on gas while driving creates risk, and those who point out that mny tow vehicles don't come with sufficient wiring to run the fridge and keep the battery charged.
I run the fridge on LP when driving. I have never seen any reports on fires caused by this but one other poster claims to have seen them. Decide for yourself. According to half the group you will be wrong whichever way you decide. Also right with half the group.
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Keith-N-Dar
Boris & Betty (Boston Terriers)
2011 R-Pod 177
2010 Ford F-150
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furpod
Moderator Group - pHp
Joined: 25 Jul 2011
Location: Central KY
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Posts: 6128
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Posted: 30 Aug 2018 at 1:16pm |
Originally posted by BVK
We choose to use a cooler as long as possible, and then I feel switching to the propane refrigerator ideal when dry-camping. Frankly, I value the energy in my battery, given that it's a more readily available source of energy, over the propane in my bottle which has very limited use. That may be naive, and I'm open to other points of view.
| Your fridge will run on the standard 12v battery for about 3-4 hours.
It will run on your standard, single 20 pound propane tank for 4-6 weeks.
Just as a "planning" note..
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kp57george
Newbie
Joined: 13 Aug 2015
Location: Bay Village, OH
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Posts: 24
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Posted: 30 Aug 2018 at 1:16pm |
Thanks that makes sense to me. I will run with propane.
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kp57george
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Richand Cindy
Senior Member
Joined: 16 Apr 2016
Location: New Jersey
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Posts: 328
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Posted: 30 Aug 2018 at 2:04pm |
Some bridges and tunnels do not allow propane tanks at all so you have to avoid them. Others allow them but they must be turned off and some gas stations require you to turn off propane tanks. We always run on propane and have never had to turn it off when fueling and have not had a problem. Basically having a three way refrigerator is a waste. Either we use propane or campground electricity. Never used the battery option.
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OLD 2017.5 RPOD 180 + 2015 Jeep Cherokee Trailhawk
NEW: 2018 Passport Elite 23RB + 2017 Ram 1500 Diesel
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BVK
Newbie
Joined: 21 Jul 2018
Location: Pacific NW
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Posts: 21
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Posted: 30 Aug 2018 at 2:06pm |
I failed to notice the "while driving" part of the question. We actually haven't run the fridge at all while driving, not that I'm necessarily opposed to it. I think we just don't plan to use the refrigerator at all, frankly. It's nice to have, but we're never taking into account that we have a fridge when shopping. If we can't keep it in a cooler while we're travelling, we don't carry it. If I found a great deal on some free steaks that I had to keep frozen, sure, I'll run the fridge on gas while driving for that!
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2012 RP-171 HRE, 2006 F-150
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mcarter
podders Helping podders - pHp
Joined: 07 Apr 2016
Location: Greenbrier, TN
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Posts: 3419
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Posted: 30 Aug 2018 at 2:21pm |
Once again :) I always run my fridge on battery when traveling. I have used propane.
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Mike Carter
2015 178
" I had the right to remain silent, I just didn't have the ability."
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mcarter
podders Helping podders - pHp
Joined: 07 Apr 2016
Location: Greenbrier, TN
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Posts: 3419
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Posted: 30 Aug 2018 at 6:27pm |
I know the dilemma associated with this issue. I have done some research and I am probably the one referred to as "one poster" who offered a negative to propane use while traveling. For your own purposes, Google "RV traveling with propane on". make your own conclusion and here is a short video offered by a full time RVer and a safety guy:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wMtzsY3Ps8c
The issue is NOT the reefer, it is an open propane line while traveling and the opportunity for an accident or obstruction to hit the bottom of the pod. Where are your propane lines? They are under the pod floor on the road surface side. How much of a spark does your igniter make when lighting a propane fueled device. You don't have to damage a tank, just a line.
What most RVer authorities say is "what is your acceptable level of risk and safety". That's the bottom line. Thanks
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Mike Carter
2015 178
" I had the right to remain silent, I just didn't have the ability."
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