ERA propane generator - refrigerator

[mrfuni]

I read on different forums opinions on traveling down the road with the propane generator running. Seems dangerous to me. Without the generator what about the perishables in the refrigerator when leaving one stop and driving all day to another? Do they go in a cooler with ice?

Thanks

[Old Crows]

Ahhhh check your fridge! It is at least 3 way. May be manual or auto switching. You don't need to run on lp underway.

Unit needs access to 12V to power up. It could come from 110V conversion or direct from battery....

Once up:

Shore power or generator = 110V powered.
LP = when 110V is not available, and....
12V = from the alternator... only when the engine is running

If its Automatic switching: turn the LP on (so it is available if needed). It will pick the best energy source and you don't need to worry that your food will spoil.

When you crank up, the LP shuts off and it runs off alternator.

No worries... And, don't worry about driving with LP on.

[Mr_D]

Do you think that propane powered vehicles turn the propane off when on the road? If so how do they even start?
Lots of OTR freezer trucks run a propane generator to power the cooling unit, again they have the propane on.
The propane system in RV's is designed, built, tested and certified to be on while on the road. They have a high flow cutoff the senses anything like a broken line and cuts the flow. In fact, if you turn on the propane valve too quickly you can trigger it and have to start over.

[mrfuni]

Originally Posted by Old Crows

Ahhhh check your fridge! It is at least 3 way. May be manual or auto switching. You don't need to run on lp underway.

Unit needs access to 12V to power up. It could come from 110V conversion or direct from battery....

Once up:

Shore power or generator = 110V powered.
LP = when 110V is not available, and....
12V = from the alternator... only when the engine is running

If its Automatic switching: turn the LP on (so it is available if needed). It will pick the best energy source and you don't need to worry that your food will spoil.

When you crank up, the LP shuts off and it runs off alternator.

No worries... And, don't worry about driving with LP on.

Thanks guys, I'm new at this and we are preparing our first trip and my wife asked the question. Back to the manuals.

[GuidoLyons]

Originally Posted by mrfuni

Thanks guys, I'm new at this and we are preparing our first trip and my wife asked the question. Back to the manuals.

Yep. Check your fridge manual. If set on auto, it will select the appropriate power source.

In the 70C, mine runs on 110v shore power/or generator if it's available, defaults to 12v when the engine is running. It switches to propane if there is no 110v or 12v power. Mine will not stay on 12v with the engine off to prevent running down the house battery.


Also, it will help if you can plug your RV into shore power before you start packing for your trip, that will get the fridge cold before you start loading food, you can also run the rooftop AC to keep the coach cool, too