Community Forums

hawk232 · 05-13-2013, 08:20 PM

the other fridge thread pushed me to finally post this. most of my trips are short and i dont need to fuel up while hauling the camper. heading out to va this weekend ~11hrs which will mean lots of fill ups. the way i see it, you SHOULD stop before the gas station, shut the fridge off. continue to station and fill up. leave station and pull over somewhere else and start fridge back up.

thats what SHOULD be done... what do yall ACTUALLY do?? ( one time i did fill up while leaving it running. i was on an end pump with the vent on opposite side of the dispenser and i use diesel so i hoped i was safe)

bluepill · 05-13-2013, 08:31 PM

It's not the diesel that will possibly ignite as much as someone else's gasoline fumes - most likely from a recent spill - rolling into your area.

Because my reefer is AC and propane, I run on AC with the inverter while I drive so I don't end up with the flame blowing out. Therefore, it's not a problem when I refuel because there is no flame.

Papa_Jim · 05-13-2013, 08:54 PM

What I actually do is this. Before I enter the fuel lane, I make sure all propane appliances are turned off, and go outside and close the valve on the propane tank.

After I have left the fuel lane, I stop, go outside to open the valve on the propane tank. Once back inside, I turn on any propane appliances that need to be on.

flaggship1 · 05-13-2013, 09:00 PM

Hawk - if your trailer has an inverter and you have enough battery life to run that way it's an option. If not - and you leave with the fridge cold and freezer well below 32 - you can just turn it off and run for hours. When you stop for fuel check the temps.

You can get a remote fridge / freezer thermometer and you won't have to open the doors to read the temps.

Click image for larger version

Name: image-411494088.jpg
Views: 236
Size: 471.6 KB
ID: 38840

It also has high low warning settings.

Not sure how far it will send the signal - but you could try carrying it in the tow vehicle and see if it works. If not just check it to be sure - but as long as you leave the doors closed - a cold unit will stay cold at least 4 hours.
RVM2
Steve and Annie

Mr_D · 05-13-2013, 09:01 PM

The only time I turn my propane off is when I fill the propane tank. We have motor aid on the water heater so it's off when on the road.

Cumminsfan · 05-13-2013, 11:47 PM

I never turn anything off. My gas cap is on the opposite side as the fridge. It would take one heck of a gas leak to set off a fire from my fridge. I would think by that time a lot of other things would come into play if gas was leaking around the pumps.

bradnailer · 05-14-2013, 11:14 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Cumminsfan

I never turn anything off. My gas cap is on the opposite side as the fridge. It would take one heck of a gas leak to set off a fire from my fridge. I would think by that time a lot of other things would come into play if gas was leaking around the pumps.

Same here but I've started running my fridge on 12 volt while in route. When I arrive at the campsite, I either switch to propane or 110 depending on whether I have hook ups or not.

dagmandt · 05-14-2013, 03:35 PM

I don't worry about it. As stated above, my fridge is on the opposite side from my fuel door. Also, exhaust pipes are pretty darn hot and so are catalytic converters and they are just hanging out there really close to the ground under the car waiting to kill us all

I understand the concern some have though... I just don't feel it is much of a danger.

fishinjim · 05-16-2013, 07:47 PM

Maybe an episode for mythbusters?

Anyways, i used to tow with propane on for the fridge but i found my fridge/freezer will stay cold for 6 or so hours. I've gone 8 and food was still frozen and beer was still cold. I just plug in at home the night before so the fridge is cd when i load it.

Chowboy · 05-16-2013, 07:57 PM

I remember when gas attendants were required to not smoke when fueling customers.
I remember when drivers were required to not smoke when the car was being refueled.
I remember when it was required that you turn off the ignition when refueling.
I remember doing all those things before they were "not allowed".
Running a refrigerator that has a burner well above the elevation of the fuel tank, well away from the fuel tank and probably well away and above others fuel inlets when fumes are heavier than air is not an issue.
Unless you are smoking.

flaggship1 · 05-16-2013, 08:19 PM

I have finally lived long enough to see more people argue to needlessly burn fuel than i imagined possible. A cold fridge stays cold if you don't open the doors. You can't open the doors if you're towing a trailer. I remain

Not to mention surprised at so many selectively choosing and rationalizing why it's ok to ignore the sign / law. Propane must be free everywhere except where I am.