Community Forums

pdcruiser · 10-27-2020, 09:25 AM

Hi - New to the RV world, and to the Entegra Vision.
I can't seem to find an answer to this question - can I power the refrigerator using the inverter while traveling with this unit?
If not what are your feelings about traveling with the propane on and cooling the fridge that way?
Thanks for your help .. Paul

HarryStone · 10-27-2020, 09:32 AM

There are several threads discussing exactly this item. Yes, you can run your fridge from the inverter, if your fridge is on the circuit that is powered by the inverter. The engine 'should' recharge the house batteries on the road. You can also run your fridge on propane, both do the same job, heat the fluid in the tubes to provide cooling. The discussion normally is; will driving cause the fridge damage while it is on. Some say yes, some say no. The manufacturers state that driving causes no harm.

Xmcdog · 10-27-2020, 09:59 AM

Welcome aboard.
Congratulations on a beautiful coach. Wish you many happy years and miles

**Spdracr39** · 10-27-2020, 10:03 AM

As far as the inverter, it depends on how the outlets are wired. My 2 way fridge was wired with a non inverter outlet for cooling and an inverted outlet for the icemaker. Simply plugging both into the inverted outlet would resolve that issue. You will get two opinions on running on propane. It is fine or you are a safety hazard. If I had the choice between the two I would run it from the inverter because you aren't consuming any resources if not I would just run it on propane.

MSHappyCampers · 10-27-2020, 10:16 AM

Hi ! Welcome to IRV2! We're sure glad you joined us!

Yes, you can power the fridge from the inverter IF there is an AC outlet behind the fridge that operates from the inverter. Many folks run the fridge on propane but I would turn it off when stopping for fuel.

Good luck, happy trails, and God bless!

pdcruiser · 10-27-2020, 10:55 AM

Thanks - great responses and appreciated !

I think from what you all say it is probably my fridge is not wired into the inverter, that is why I can't get it powered from that source.

I think I'll leave the propane off for now, the way we shake, rattle and roll I'd hate to look back and see my butt on fire from a broken connection.

I'll ask the dealer if it's a big deal to wire it into the inverter.

Thanks again ..

HarryStone · 10-27-2020, 11:38 AM

A broken connection isn't the issue. The issue is the coolant that is used in the piping of the fridge. You are not supposed to use the fridge when not reasonably level, sitting still. Both Dometic and Norcold say it is ok to use while driving. Of course, you need to turn off all propane devices when refueling and going thru most tunnels.

Gary RVRoamer · 10-27-2020, 02:01 PM

The risk of fire from the fridge propane line is infinitesimally small. Neither the national gas/fire codes (NFPA 1192/NFPA 58)) nor any of the 50 state fire marshalls prohibits use of LP gas burners like the fridge while in motion. Fire statistics show you are more likely to have an engine or wheel/rake fire than a fridge fire.

pdcruiser · 10-27-2020, 02:16 PM

Thanks Gary - that's great information appreciate it ..

Tlmr4784 · 10-28-2020, 07:02 PM

Our Vision 29S frig to powered via propane when traveling.
We set frig to auto mode and when we plug into shore power it switches over to ac automatically.

hattitude · 11-01-2020, 11:42 AM

Years ago I looked into the choice between running the fridge on propane, or running the generator at stops to cool down the fridge, while towing my old travel trailer....

I couldn't find a manufacturer that warned it would hurt the unit... All I read said that the motion while underway, will keep the fridge from sustaining damage like when its parked on uneven ground..

The vast majority of the increased fire hazard warnings I found, were based on getting into an accident, not just driving down the road... They all warned of the increased possibility of fire when a vehicle damaged in a collision develops/has a propane leak, around disabled vehicles that could be sparking, smoking, or have other collision induced ignition sources...

Anecdotal of course, but I never had a problem towing while the propane fridge was on...

Now my motorhome has a home style fridge that runs off shore power or inverter. I like this system far better than the propane/120V systems...