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Old 08-31-2016, 12:00 PM   #1
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Propane use to cool down refrigerator...

Wanted to ask folks about using the propane on my 5th wheel to cool the freezer and refrigerator before using my trailer. I am not able to bring my trailer to my house prior to leave on trips. That being said, I wanted to see if there would be any issues with me using my propane to do this about 24hrs prior to use. My only concern is the fact that I have to leave the trailer batteries on for that amount of time. Will this be OK? Didn't want to run the batts down etc. Please advise.
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Old 08-31-2016, 12:03 PM   #2
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Quote:
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Wanted to ask folks about using the propane on my 5th wheel to cool the freezer and refrigerator before using my trailer. I am not able to bring my trailer to my house prior to leave on trips. That being said, I wanted to see if there would be any issues with me using my propane to do this about 24hrs prior to use. My only concern is the fact that I have to leave the trailer batteries on for that amount of time. Will this be OK? Didn't want to run the batts down etc. Please advise.
Doing this should be no different than the way you use it while camping. The refrigerator uses very little battery and propane and it is designed to operate this way.
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Old 08-31-2016, 12:05 PM   #3
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Doing this should be no different than the way you use it while camping. The refrigerator uses very little battery and propane and it is designed to operate this way.
The reason I ask is because I do not use (of haven't used) propane when camping. Thus far I have been in full hookup locations and use electricity. Just didn't want the batteries to die on me.
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Old 08-31-2016, 01:11 PM   #4
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Guess it all depends on your batteries state of charge. Are they completely charged? If they are it should be no problem for a 24hr stint.
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Old 08-31-2016, 02:08 PM   #5
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The reason I ask is because I do not use (of haven't used) propane when camping. Thus far I have been in full hookup locations and use electricity. Just didn't want the batteries to die on me.
I suggest you check your battery condition and make sure they are still good and have a full charge. Not sure what kind of batteries you have nor how many but even a good single 12 volt should be no problem for a couple of days. Also, you may want to use your propane once in a while just to make sure there are no spider webs or other obstructions in there that will affect the flame and the way it cools.
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Old 08-31-2016, 07:13 PM   #6
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Also check to be sure everything is turned off that could be a battery drain. And don't forget the amplifier for the TV antenna, that one is easy to miss. On our previous TT and our current MH, it is a button on the panel where the TV coax cable attaches.
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Old 08-31-2016, 07:21 PM   #7
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We do it all the time with no problems. I have found it takes very little time to cool down using propane (much more efficient than electricity).
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Old 08-31-2016, 07:28 PM   #8
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We do it all the time with no problems. I have found it takes very little time to cool down using propane (much more efficient than electricity).
Same on our '02 DSDP, but we had four deep cycle house batteries too.
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Old 09-01-2016, 07:33 AM   #9
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If your batteries go down in a 24 hour period, it won't be from the refrigerator operating on propane. Something else would have to be using electricity more than the fridge. Now, if it does happen and they are drained in a 24 hour period, then your batteries were already ruined, and you simply didn't know it because you were always plugged in...
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Old 09-01-2016, 08:27 PM   #10
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Just make sure the trailer is relatively level. Propane use is minimal and battery usage isn't even noticable.
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Old 09-01-2016, 09:06 PM   #11
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On the back of your frig is a data plate that shows 12V amp draw while the frig is on. I once calculated battery longevity for our 5er, which turned out to be almost 30 days with 2 RV/Marine deep-cycle batteries. That takes into account one should not deplete batteries over 50% if you want them to last a long time.
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Old 09-02-2016, 10:17 AM   #12
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same boat

Just make sure the gas is really working, just went through the routine of getting the gas turned on properly if You have the flow restriction (green) hoses on twin tanks. It will flow a small amount but not enough to operate if not done right. Cost me some head scratching!
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Old 09-02-2016, 10:35 AM   #13
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Just make sure the gas is really working, just went through the routine of getting the gas turned on properly if You have the flow restriction (green) hoses on twin tanks. It will flow a small amount but not enough to operate if not done right. Cost me some head scratching!

It is called 'excess flow device'
It is a ball bearing inside the ACME Nut (Green...but could be Black or Red depending on FLOW RATING)

When you OPEN the propane service valve do it slowly.
This allows for downstream pressure to build/equalize with the upstream pressure...... ball bearing re-centers when pressure is equalized

IF you open valve quickly the ball bearing gets pushed towards output side of hose and limits flow.
Close service valve wait 1 minute then SLOWLY open it back up.
Ball bearing should then re-center allowing FULL flow.


Typical RV absorption fridge that uses 12V DC for controls will draw less than 2 amps while on propane
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Old 09-03-2016, 07:31 AM   #14
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Sorry didn't mean to hijack the frig. thread with gas. Thanks for the info on the LP hoses, had never dealt with dual tanks and one was empty. I had one burner on the stove working so assumed gas was on. It wasn't enough to work the frig. Have this kind of hose on grills and cookers but no double tank regulators. A newbe that hasn't read enough yet apparently! Working hard to correct that. I will make sure I have full gas flow after restarting from bottle changes though.
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