Refrigerator: propane ?

[Bob Denman]

We also run ours on propane while driving...
So far: Nothing like this has happened!

http://www.thorforums.com/forums/att...1&d=1576767807

[Chance]

Originally Posted by Bob Denman

They still have to figure out a way around the power usage of a compressor style 'Fridge...

So you think manufacturers are starting to install 12V compressor refrigerators in motorhomes without figuring out how they will be powered?

If so, there’s going to be a lot of very angry new buyers.

[Bob Denman]

I think that there's still a lot of sorting out to do; that's all...
There's about 3 million spaces available in RV parks Nationwide, and about 10 million RVs. Somebody has to be boondocking somewhere.

[Chance]

Originally Posted by Bob Denman

I think that there's still a lot of sorting out to do; that's all...
There's about 3 million spaces available in RV parks Nationwide, and about 10 million RVs. Somebody has to be boondocking somewhere.

And what is your point? That a 12V compressor refrigerator can’t be used for boondocking?

[Bob Denman]

It should be obvious. With it's increased power usage; it will complicate things a bit...
How many folks with residential refrigerators in their RVs are even able to run them off their batteries at this time? I've seen the stories in here; where folks pack the 'fridge with ice, for the drive to their destination...
All that I'm saying... is that this is a nice idea that's not "ready for Prime Time" just yet.
(IMHO)

[The Gritz Carlton]

..."How many folks with residential refrigerators in their RVs are even able to run them off their batteries at this time"...

I can run the residential fridge nearly 48 hours on the batteries alone...depending on what other things are running. With the house generator and the portable back ups, it's no challenge to boondock for days on end. We spent 10 days boondocking at Atlanta Motor Speedway and used 7 gallons of gas in the portables and about 5 gallons of diesel to run the house unit.

[Bob Denman]

Not everyone is set up in the same fashion as you...

[Chance]

Originally Posted by Bob Denman

It should be obvious. With it's increased power usage; it will complicate things a bit...
How many folks with residential refrigerators in their RVs are even able to run them off their batteries at this time? I've seen the stories in here; where folks pack the 'fridge with ice, for the drive to their destination...
All that I'm saying... is that this is a nice idea that's not "ready for Prime Time" just yet.
(IMHO)

In addition to what Gritz stated above, you’re comparing apples to oranges and then coming to a conclusion that’s not applicable or supported by facts.

First, the residential refrigerators you’re referring to were designed and built for a house, and can run in size up to 30 cubic feet. They are powered by 120V A/C electricity which requires an inverter and their associated inefficiency.

The new 12V compressor fridge I referred to are much smaller at 10 cubic feet, and are meant to replace the standard 6 to 8 cubic foot absorption units in most motorhomes.

They are COMPRESSOR cooled so not to be confused with running a propane absorption refrigerator on 12V, which uses over 300 Watts of electricity for heat. I’ve seen members here make that mistake.

Anyway, if you have data that shows that these new efficient refrigerators use too much battery power, please post it. Otherwise, let’s not start new rumors based on unrelated examples that will prevent or slow the adoption of new and useful technologies.

[Bob Denman]

I get that you're calling them "compressor refrigerators"; and hot using the term "residential".
I mix the terms; but I do understand the difference.
The question still remains about the power usage (particularly at start-up)

[Chance]

Originally Posted by Bob Denman

I get that you're calling them "compressor refrigerators"; and hot using the term "residential".
I mix the terms; but I do understand the difference.
The question still remains about the power usage (particularly at start-up)

So you don’t know energy consumption but know it is too high and that “they still have to figure out a way around the power usage of a compressor style 'Fridge...”.

[Bob Denman]

I don't recall saying that...

But if it works for you: Run with it!

[frankgtx]

For those of you thinking it’s safe to fill up with lit fridge propane because your gasoline fill tube is on the other side of the fridge, realize that on the fridge side there might be someone else filling up. Don’t leave your vehicle running if you are filling up. If you go back in your vehicle while filling up make sure your discharge built-up static by touching your vehicle before you touch the pump handle. Chemical plants and refineries do not allow use of non-inherently safe cell phones inside their production units so why take a chance and use one at a gas station. Just because something is unlikely to happen doesn’t mean it can’t happen. Check out the web if you need convincing.

[ducksface]

Statistically, a fear of ghosts is as good of a choice of self infliction as these pilot light at a gas station cautionary unsubstantiated tales that pop up here every... Single... Month....

I prefer to live life in a more casual fashion.

These aren't
'If I can save just one life' arguments.
It's fear mongering unless you come up with a substantiated and substantial percentage of gas station stops and the fire the fridge caused.

You're scaring people with ghost stories.

[JamieGeek]

You know gas fumes are heavier than air and thus settle down at the cement...just adding fuel for thought LOL.

Where is that fridge pilot...oh yeah a good 4' or even 5' off the ground.

[Chance]

The main gas station danger I’m cornered about (other than getting mugged ), is of a liquid gasoline spill. I’ve personally seen that occur relatively close to me a couple of times in my lifetime when pumps didn’t shut off when vehicle fuel tank was full. Liquid gas spilling on floor around pumps and cars could ignite, although in these instances it did not.

While it’s possible, I’m not worried about gas fumes igniting. I’ve seen people fill up while smoking and they didn’t blow themselves up (hard to believe people can be that reckless ).

I figure cars/vehicles are not built to explosion-proof standards, so if gas fumes were that easy to ignite, then nearby cars could ignite gas fumes when they were being started and driven away.

[frankgtx]

To quote Bandit from the movie: ”I ain’t afraid of no one but women and the police”. Live your life in as casual a way you want to, just don’t do it near me. Like I said if you need convincing look it up on the web. I worked in chemical plants for years and heard all the idiotic comments fools made before they got severely injured. I’ll just add yours to the list...

[frankgtx]

Overweight rig never weighed
Underinflated tires
Bad brakes
Old wipers
Lights (indicators, head) not working
Speeding, texting, on the phone, checking GPS while driving
Probably high (alcohol, drugs)
YOU CAN BET YOUR BOTTOM DOLLAR THEY’VE BEEN INVOLVED IN MULTIPLE INCIDENTS ON THE ROAD, AT HOME, AT WORK. ITS NEVER THEIR FAULT CUZ IT WAS AN ACCIDENT.

They are casually risking their lives and yours. Watch out for them!

[16ACE27]

Originally Posted by frankgtx

Overweight rig never weighed
Underinflated tires
Bad brakes
Old wipers
Lights (indicators, head) not working
Speeding, texting, on the phone, checking GPS while driving
Probably high (alcohol, drugs)
YOU CAN BET YOUR BOTTOM DOLLAR THEY’VE BEEN INVOLVED IN MULTIPLE INCIDENTS ON THE ROAD, AT HOME, AT WORK. ITS NEVER THEIR FAULT CUZ IT WAS AN ACCIDENT.

They are casually risking their lives and yours. Watch out for them!

I always check my GPS while driving. That's why they are there.

That's like saying "checking their speedometer while driving".

[frankgtx]

Ok I may be a little over the top with checking GPS as unsafe. However if that’s the only quibble with my post then I’ve made my point. Over and out.