Community Forums

Cruzer · 03-14-2007, 05:19 PM

The 3,000 watt inverter easily handles it. The coach originally came with 8 AGM batteries, which will run the fridge as well as some TV time and other items for at least 8 hours but being the overkill kinda guy I am I installed 4 more so I now have 12 AGM batteries.

In actuality that big 22 cu ft fridge draws less electricity than my 4 door Norcold did on AC. It's more efficient and better insulated, even though it's twice the size. However, the Norcold could run on propane so it didn't always need to run on electricity. Plus it was never connected to the 2,000 watt inverter on the last coach.

We had initial concerns about the runtime and did some research before making the move in that direction. I now know that as long as you have 8 batteries, a 3,000 watt inverter, and automatic generator start there are no drawbacks to not having a fridge that runs off LP.

Gary RVRoamer · 03-18-2007, 05:51 AM

<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-title">quote:</div><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-content">Still, I plan on shutting mine off while re-fueling since it is the law </div></BLOCKQUOTE>

There is no legal requirement to shut off any propane tank when refueling. It's the ignition sources that have to be shut down, e.g. turn off propane appliances with automatic ignition (DSI) such as water heaters and fridges.

Gadget Man · 03-18-2007, 08:55 PM

<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-title">quote:</div><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-content">Originally posted by RV Roamer:
There is no legal requirement to shut off any propane tank when refueling. It's the ignition sources that have to be shut down, e.g. turn off propane appliances with automatic ignition (DSI) such as water heaters and fridges. </div></BLOCKQUOTE>
That's what I was referring to Gary.

Hogwart · 03-21-2007, 03:44 PM

I don't shut the propane off while stored. Mainly because we store it in our driveway and use it at least a couple of times a week. We also have the fridge and furnace on while traveling. Yes it is off when fueling.

Cubey · 04-23-2007, 06:01 PM

I have a very small, simple propane system and even if the system has air in the lines, it's not too hard to purge. The easiest way for me is just open a range burner on low and keep my nose near it so i can smell when the gas starts to come out then close it. My range is right next to the door however and the roof vent is right nearby as well, plus it has a vent hood with a vent over it as well. It takes less than a minute to purge air from the system.

Pretty sure that owners manuals will tell you not to tow with the tank valves open on the tanks. Also, you shoudn't have any air in your propane lines just from closing the valves as long as you don't purge the propane left in the lines. Supposing you do have a leak suddenly in tow, you'd have a bit of propane leaking into the cabin but it still would only be what's left in the lines, not the entire tank leaking in.

I don't think I want to risk my TT by leaving the propane tanks open while in tow. I'd rather have a cold cabin for a short time than risk it catching fire or expoding while I'm driving down the road due to a propane leak and a possible 12v spark.

Ray,IN · 04-23-2007, 06:52 PM

The fridg, furnace, and water heater are all designed to operate en-route. The LPG tank's OPD valve also has a "open line" detection valve. It will close automatically when an unrestricted gas flow is detected. Gas valves using a pilot light will close immediately if the pilot goes out. Electronic igintion gas valves will do the same if the flame goes out. For confirmation call the appliance manufacturer(s) and inquire. It's your choice in the end.

Cubey · 04-24-2007, 04:38 AM

<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-title">quote:</div><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-content">Originally posted by Ray,IN:
The fridg, furnace, and water heater are all designed to operate en-route. The LPG tank's OPD valve also has a "open line" detection valve. It will close automatically when an unrestricted gas flow is detected. Gas valves using a pilot light will close immediately if the pilot goes out. Electronic igintion gas valves will do the same if the flame goes out. For confirmation call the appliance manufacturer(s) and inquire. It's your choice in the end. </div></BLOCKQUOTE>

This all may be well and good on brand new, high dollar RVs but for those of us on a low budget with older RVs and appliances, you may find yourself lucky to even have a water heater, or even a pump. I happen to have neither on mine. Sure I could add them if I wanted to keep putting more money into it but anyway...

Older appliances lack such features so I guess I'm mainly stressing this to those with older RVs and appliances. The Wedgewood range I installed into mine as a replacement for a damaged original Holiday one is not much better than the original other than a fourth burner. The stove top burners lack a pilot completely though the oven does have a manual light pilot.

As pointed out in another thread, I'm about 90% sure i'm going to buy an older Dometic fridge to install as a replacement to a normal household 120v fridge. This may or may not have such a feature. I will have to investigate it to see if I buy it. The heater I have in there is a catalytic heater that lacks a pilot of course but won't let gas leak out if it's not combusting/goes out/gets switched to on (you must forcefully hold it to 'light' to allow gas to come out to light it) so it's safe enough in that respect.

I plan to most likely keep the gas off though while towing. Should I decide to leave it on for the fridge, I will simply cut off the pilot on the range (very simple to do on the control knob on the front) for safety since it for sure lacks auto-reignition.