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Topic ClosedCan my truck power the fridge while towing?
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offgrid View Drop Down
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Posts: 5290 		Direct Link To This Post Topic: Can my truck power the fridge while towing?
    Posted: 08 Oct 2019 at 4:57am
The Norfolk tunnels all restrict propane use as well, for the same reasons. I think there is another one in Houston.  I go through the Norfolk tunnels a lot and they make you stop to prove that your cylinders are shut off.  I usually just switch over to 12V battery use at that point so I don't need to stop a second time. Its not a big deal, certainly not a reason to avoid travelling east. 
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Posts: 6288 		Direct Link To This Post Posted: 06 Oct 2019 at 6:23pm
The difference is in the type of tunnel. When it goes through a mountain, there is generally a rise all the way through (or fall if going the other direction) or a higher place in the middle. Since LP is heavier than air, then it would tend to flow out of the tunnel. Under a river (or in the case of the bay bridge/tunnel, the middle of the tunnel is generally the lowest point. LP would then tend to flow toward that point where it could accumulate to a level where ignition is possible. That is why LP tanks need to be shut off when going through those type tunnels. Open road? There is no reason to require that LP gas tanks be turned off.
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Posts: 3221 		Direct Link To This Post Posted: 06 Oct 2019 at 5:38pm
Thanks for the info Stephen.  Guess that is one reason we never travel east, or in those areas.  If we ever do, we will find alternate routes, as you did.  Fortunately on our recent 30 day excursion out west, mainly to Colorado and Utah, and yes we went through some quite lengthy tunnels and NO signs that said no lp usage, we never had to deal with that, only with a plethora of spectacular,  amazing sights of nature, animals, shooting stars, people, a very worthwhile trip that I pray we never forget.  Glad my wife journals all the daily events we encountered.
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Posts: 6288 		Direct Link To This Post Posted: 06 Oct 2019 at 5:00pm
I can see it if one were in the city limits or approaching one of the tunnels. BTW, I90 does not run through NYC. It does run through New York and south of Albany, continues east to Boston.

This is the only information I can find about LP restrictions in New York State:

LP gas is prohibited between Manhattan and Jersey City in the Holland Tunnel. Between Manhattan and Fort Lee, New Jersey lower level of the George Washington Bridge (I-95 South) and the George Washington Bridge Expressway between Manhattan and Weehawken, New Jersey: Lincoln Tunnel. LP gas is prohibited between Manhattan and Brooklyn on the Brooklyn Battery Tunnel and between Manhattan and Queens on the Queens Midtown Tunnel.

All of these involve bridges or tunnels.

Likewise, LP restrictions exist for Baltimore because of tunnels. We ended up having to re-route on a trip to avoid the tunnels.
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Posts: 1446 		Direct Link To This Post Posted: 06 Oct 2019 at 2:52pm
Originally posted by mjlrpod

I traveled I90 thru New York. About every 25 feet is a sign saying it is illegal to travel with the propane running.

I was up that way 4 years ago and don't recall those signs.  Honestly, at this point I'm not sure I took I95, although it certainly connect the dots.  Anyway, that seems very unusual.  Were you approaching a tunnel or bridge?

You do have a little generator; an alternator actually.  Maybe it's not big enough or maybe the wiring is too small. 

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mjlrpod View Drop Down
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Posts: 1214 		Direct Link To This Post Posted: 06 Oct 2019 at 1:27pm
I traveled I90 thru New York. About every 25 feet is a sign saying it is illegal to travel with the propane running. I have a 195 and the 12v option is not offered on this model.  I hated thinking that I was some type of criminal, for just trying to get to my camp destination, but what option do we have. I don't fill my fridge usually, I carry about 2 days of food, and buy near by where I camp.  But that small amount still needs refrigeration. To bad we can't get a larger version of the little generator I used to have on my bicycle tire to power my light. We could land a man on the moon 50 years ago, and power a bicycle light, but supplying a few amps to a fridge can't be done. Go figure.
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Posts: 98 		Direct Link To This Post Posted: 06 Oct 2019 at 11:32am
In some states it is illegal to run with your propane in the open position. I use the electric on my 180 when running down the road and never had an issue.
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Posts: 155 		Direct Link To This Post Posted: 01 Oct 2019 at 9:25pm
Check the fuse box on the  Ridgeline,there should be a 20 amp fuse in the
TRL CHARGE, Position 11 in the fuse box,  20 amps should run the refer.
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Posts: 3419 		Direct Link To This Post Posted: 01 Oct 2019 at 6:40pm
I use the TV 12vs to power reefer when traveling. I have also traveled with propane on. Mine works fine.
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Posts: 4 		Direct Link To This Post Posted: 01 Oct 2019 at 3:03pm
 Yes, absolutely. Your 7 pin socket can be wired to supply 12v @ 30 amps to your trailer. I know because my 2015 Ford Escape came with a 4 pin connector. My R-pod came with a 7 pin cord.
 I read the instructions that came with the 7 pin socket. (Let me repeat that, I Read the Instructions) Got the additional fuses* and wire. Took me a little over an hour to dress all wiring. * special size and shape, Not tube or push-in style.  
 At the same time I installed an electric brake controller.
When hitching up my R-pod I leave shore power connected till the last minute. After I put the power cord away I then connect the 7 pin and start my car. Then I switch the refrigerator from 120 v to 12 volt operation. Only drawback I can see is if I were to leave the trailer connected and the engine off for more than a few minutes (the time it takes to pump gas or get takeout) I would run the risk of draining my cars battery. But I’ve taken 6 trips and so far no problems or issues.
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