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Old 11-23-2017, 03:19 AM   #1
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Furnace use during cold months on the road

It is okay to run the furnace to heat the coach while going down the road in the winter months I hope? I have to transport my elderly inlaws from Iowa to Texas next week and want to make sure I can keep it warm for them.

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Old 11-23-2017, 04:09 AM   #2
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heat

I wouldn't the propane is supposed to be turned off and the wind would probably blow out the flame . I know that the 2 way fridge use propane so I would check with the manufacture of the heater. Might try and electric heater with the gen running but I think that might be a no. If you do be sure to turn off all gas appliances before fueling up.
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Old 11-23-2017, 04:13 AM   #3
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I've done it a lot of times. Never a problem. Why would you have to shut off all of the propane? I have never , even when fueling.

Bill
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Old 11-23-2017, 04:16 AM   #4
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off

If the heater or fridge come on while fueling gas and fire not good.
The manual in my old rv had that high lighted.
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Old 11-23-2017, 04:25 AM   #5
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Found this

Found this about propane safety

Safe?

This is the factor that gets the debate heated at times…is it safe to travel with the propane on? Most people will agree that it is safe to be traveling down the road and have the propane on and operating the refrigerator or furnace. And the new OPD valve and connecting hoses make it even safer than before.

However, almost everyone agrees that you should turn both the propane tank valves and, more importantly, all the propane appliances (fridge, furnace and water heater) off before entering a fueling station. Most states have laws that require any open flame source be turned off while fueling. The “open flame” in this case would be any pilot lights or anything that causes a spark (such as the igniter). Although fires at gas stations are rare, they do occur. I have chatted online with 2 firefighters who say they have either fought or investigated fires at gas stations that were blamed on an RV having a propane appliance on. So make sure you turn the appliance off, not just the tank valve!!
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Old 11-23-2017, 04:27 AM   #6
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Have ran the fridge on gas & the gas furnace while traveling for years, no problems.
I understand turning off gas appliances while fueling, but don't understand closing all propane bottles.
It scares me far worse to see some idiot talking on the cell phone or smoking while fueling than a rv that may/may not have their fridge running on propane.
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Old 11-23-2017, 04:31 AM   #7
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off

Check this site.

https://rvshare.com/blog/dangerous-use-propane-gas/


Better safe than sorry.
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Old 11-23-2017, 05:03 AM   #8
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"Most new RV’s are wired in such a way that the generator cannot run your refrigerator while traveling due to the amount of energy required." Quote
I bet most rvers with generators will be disappointed to read this, what planet is this guy from? That's just one one his statements that's total bologna.
I would never suggest that traveling with gas appliances running isn't a possible danger, but that was not a good link to convince anyone.
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Old 11-23-2017, 11:02 AM   #9
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Fridge is not an issue since it doesn’t use propane and the generator most certainly will run it going down the road. I just need to keep folks warm and electric heaters on the move are a non-starter.
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Old 11-23-2017, 12:39 PM   #10
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Quote:
Originally Posted by mash557 View Post
Fridge is not an issue since it doesn’t use propane and the generator most certainly will run it going down the road. I just need to keep folks warm and electric heaters on the move are a non-starter.
All the onboard appliances including furnace CAN be used on the road...
Whether you want to or not is a personal decision.

I haven't had the need to run furnace, but have the fridge on most of the time on propane. I wouldn't hesitate to use it myself to keep passengers comfortable...

Very easy to hit the STORE switch as you exit the RV to fuel... Assuming Genny is off too (and should be while fueling) it turns off all propane appliances. Turn back on once you exit the station.
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Old 11-23-2017, 12:43 PM   #11
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Would it help to pack along some "Coach Blankets", for them to snuggle in?
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Old 11-23-2017, 01:02 PM   #12
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Cell phone can't start a fire at a gas station all it can do is distract the person from paying attention. Another piece of baloney.
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Old 11-23-2017, 02:13 PM   #13
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to each his own

1 injured in fire at La Mesa RV Center - Story | KSAZ

This could be your's

I turn mine off when traveling and have my own test equipment to look for a leak.
My son was there to pick up his new used rv that was 50 ft from the fire.
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Old 11-23-2017, 03:40 PM   #14
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I guess everyone has to determine if they think it is safe to have their propane powering a frig or furnace while going down the road. For us we never considered it unsafe and utilized the furnace while traveling when we needed to.

One thing you may check is that all of your floor registers are clear when the slides are in. Each floorplan should be designed so they are but it would not shock me to see one cut in the wrong place.
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Old 11-23-2017, 04:00 PM   #15
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Cell phone can't start a fire at a gas station all it can do is distract the person from paying attention. Another piece of baloney.
No, some burst into flames all by themselves!
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Old 11-23-2017, 04:07 PM   #16
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Yes everyone needs to make their own decision as a former firefighter just don't want to take that risk. Also had a past issue last year when a pickup truck junk man dropped a spool of wire off back of truck on I 95 and I hit it tore off exhaust, bent drive shaft, and damaged propane line glad I didn't have propane on
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Old 11-23-2017, 05:05 PM   #17
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Did you realize that the OPD valve on your tanks will shut off the flow almost instantly if a line breaks? Do you know at what percentage of o2 and propane is required for ignition? Do you realize how close to impossible that percentage is to achieve in an outdoor setting, especially if there is any wind? Do you know that you can put a lit cigarette out in a can of gas with zero chance of an ignition or explosion? From a former fire chief.

Bill
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Old 11-23-2017, 05:18 PM   #18
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I am glad we all now know what level you have achieved I don't brag just give my honest opinion on how I feel and I will always error to the side of safety like all first responders should
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Old 11-23-2017, 06:31 PM   #19
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Quote:
Originally Posted by mash557 View Post
Fridge is not an issue since it doesn’t use propane and the generator most certainly will run it going down the road. I just need to keep folks warm and electric heaters on the move are a non-starter.

Would you consider electric blanket(s)? Some may even run off inverter without having to run generator.
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Old 11-23-2017, 06:55 PM   #20
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Porkchop View Post
Did you realize that the OPD valve on your tanks will shut off the flow almost instantly if a line breaks? Do you know at what percentage of o2 and propane is required for ignition? Do you realize how close to impossible that percentage is to achieve in an outdoor setting, especially if there is any wind? Do you know that you can put a lit cigarette out in a can of gas with zero chance of an ignition or explosion? From a former fire chief.

Bill
I spent 30+ years in the pipeline industry pumping all sorts of flammable liquids & couldn't agree with you more.
I'm not bragging on the level I've achieved & don't believe Pork chop was either, just stating facts.
If you don't want to run your furnace/fridge on gas while traveling by all means don't, just passing on information for those that do/will/want to.
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