Refrigerator: propane ?

SueTac · 12-09-2019, 10:41 PM

We are parked and no electric or generator, will the refrigerator stay on with just propane ? Or do you need to leave house batteries on to keep propane running ? Thanks

Popfla · 12-09-2019, 10:48 PM

Fridge will still need power from the house battery/batteries to operate on propane. The 12V power operates the igniter and the fridge's thermostat and interior lights.

The Gritz Carlton · 12-09-2019, 10:49 PM

But don't worry...it draws such little amperage you can go for days and days with no worries.

SueTac · 12-09-2019, 11:00 PM

Thank you , I will house batteries on for the night, sounds like no problem if I do. Batteries are fully charged. Thank you all !

Bob Denman · 12-09-2019, 11:13 PM

This means that you don't have to worry about drinking up all of the beer: before it starts getting warm...

SueTac · 12-09-2019, 11:24 PM

Ooohhh too bad ... was looking for an excuse to get that ice cold beer taken care of ! Thanks Bob !��

Bob Denman · 12-09-2019, 11:46 PM

Of course I never said that you couldn't...

SueTac · 12-10-2019, 12:06 AM

�� I’ll do my best to monitor the temps on those beers !

Bob Denman · 12-10-2019, 12:17 AM

vigilance...

CampTap · 12-19-2019, 12:16 AM

Depends on if you have a dual power RV fridge or a residential fridge if residential you need power from inverter if RV should have a switch for propane.

SueTac · 12-19-2019, 12:33 AM

We have duel fridge, we are good one ac or propane. Hasn’t been a problem. We choose not to run propane while driving, but with it on all day and night , and sometimes multiple day’s and nights, the 3 or 4 maybe 5 hours we drive , fridge and freezer stays cold enough. Saw too many nightmare situations with propane on while driving... not worth it to us. Just needed that info to know if we could run house batteries for a night without any electric power. We appreciate everyone who helps newbies to this RV journey. It makes the trip extra special to know that there are people who care ! ��

**16ACE27** · 12-19-2019, 12:38 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by SueTac

We have duel fridge, we are good one ac or propane. Hasn’t been a problem. We choose not to run propane while driving, but with it on all day and night , and sometimes multiple day’s and nights, the 3 or 4 maybe 5 hours we drive , fridge and freezer stays cold enough. Saw too many nightmare situations with propane on while driving... not worth it to us. Just needed that info to know if we could run house batteries for a night without any electric power. We appreciate everyone who helps newbies to this RV journey. It makes the trip extra special to know that there are people who care ! ��

Did you actually see them or just hear rumors? After 30 years of RVing I have heard multiple rumors but have never seen a real problem.

SuperD · 12-19-2019, 01:33 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 16ACE27

Did you actually see them or just hear rumors? After 30 years of RVing I have heard multiple rumors but have never seen a real problem.

I’m right there with you on this one!!! Been doing this a long time, lots of places and miles, have never seen, or talked to anyone who has seen a problem when running propane on the road.

**16ACE27** · 12-19-2019, 02:02 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by SuperD

I’m right there with you on this one!!! Been doing this a long time, lots of places and miles, have never seen, or talked to anyone who has seen a problem when running propane on the road.

Yeah, it's right up there with the "you won't be covered by your insurance if you _________" (fill in the blank) rumors.

MJC62 · 12-19-2019, 03:23 AM

Gotta agree with SuperD and 16ACE27 I have heard the rumors of propane problems while traveling but I have never seen or heard of an issue personally.
That goes all the way back to late 60's traveling in my dad's 69 Pontiac wagon and watching him turn the gas fridge on the camper off at gas stops then relight it manually after pulling off the pumps.
One travel trailer and three motorhomes later, our absorption refrigerator is always on propane when we travel. Never been an issue. As a precaution, and the necessity for this has been debated on these forums, we turn the fridge off when fueling and turn it back on after pulling away from the pumps. Just something my pops always did.

The_Breeze · 12-19-2019, 03:51 AM

LPG is heavier than air. You can shut it off at the gas pump if that makes you feel better but it's not necessary. LPG quickly drops to the ground and disperses outward. It dissipates rather quick. If you're in red neck village where some clown is pumping gas and smoking a cigarette, I strongly suggest you turn the shut off valve in a counter-clockwise direction. Other than that, relax and enjoy the adventure.

Mr.Good · 12-19-2019, 11:14 AM

I’d rather leave the propane on than have a fridge and freezer full of food thaw and have to throw it all out (which has happened once or twice). Not worried about the gas station issue, since we’re diesel and go to truck stops. Diesel doesn’t have the same problem of easily being ignited by a spark.

Chance · 12-19-2019, 02:10 PM

I don’t personally worry about it either, but understand the concern.

Hopefully in next few years it’ll be a moot point as more motorhomes offer 12V compressor refrigerators. Lately I’ve noticed more motorhome specs showing a 10 cubic-foot 12V compressor fridge in place of absorption (propane) refrigerators. Picture below is one example.

There are pros and cons to both compressor and absorption designs, and fire safety isn’t the main issue for wanting the newer refrigerators, but at least it will be an option for those who aren’t as comfortable with propane.

Bob Denman · 12-19-2019, 02:25 PM

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

Pete'sMH · 12-19-2019, 02:26 PM

I’ve traveled a lot with the fridge on propane and it doesn’t bother me. I don’t turn it off when refueling either since my fridge is on the other side of the coach and it’s easy to make sure it’s running by listening for the burner. If it’s running then obviously the propane that’s reaching the unit is being burned. If there is a line leak upstream shutting it off inside isn’t going to make any difference.

That said, I prefer to drive with the propane off at the tank mostly in case of an accident. I bought an 800W inverter for $55 on eBay that is dedicated to running the refrigerator. Added an automatic transfer switch and I pretty much never run it on propane anymore. It was an easy and fun modification with no downside. Works for me.

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