Community Forums

J. Frank · 11-22-2016, 01:54 PM

I have never even given a thought to turning off the fridge. It actually should be turned off before you pull up to the pumps. I have had RV's of all types for 30+ years and most of them had gas refrigerators that we always ran when traveling and refueling.

TonyMac · 11-22-2016, 01:56 PM

Gas or diesel? Gas, absolutely! Propane, oh heck yes. Diesel, yeah, maybe no.

SpaceNorman · 11-22-2016, 02:12 PM

Large Diesel pusher here. I don't do squat aside from not "flicking my BIC" next to the open fuel fill tube. I'm sure there's a list of OSHA approved safety rules that include stuff like wearing steel toe boots, hard hats, safety goggles and hazmat suits ... and who am I to argue with the "experts". I can say that my "don't do squat" approach is batting 1,000 so far!

SuperGewl · 11-23-2016, 03:50 AM

I do shut down the Genny but not always the fridge(lazy). I will shut down the fridge when filling the propane due to the fridge being directly above it.

But to be safe, yes you should shut down ALL open flames.

I have no need to worry about the water heater because I have Motoraide so my water heater gets hot while driving.

AFChap · 11-24-2016, 08:59 AM

I believe all states (maybe federal) have regulations that require several things be posted at self-serve fuel stations, including prohibition of smoking and open flames. And the self-lighting spark-ignition appliances are probably more dangerous than one with a pilot light. If you ignore the posted warnings, and something happens, you are liable. A couple of years ago there was one where a trailer owner left something on because it was on the side opposite the fuel fill. While he was filling fuel, an attendant was changing the filter on a pump on the other side. He did something careless, fuel splashed on the side of the trailer, and ka-boom. We all have our own comfort level when it comes to taking a risk. The important thing is that we are totally aware of what the risk is before we decide to go for it or not.

I run diesel. I normally did shut down my refrigerator when refueling before I replaced it with a residential. I often have the generator running and do not shut it down. The water heater is never on while traveling.

dix39 · 11-24-2016, 09:56 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by AFChap

I believe all states (maybe federal) have regulations that require several things be posted at self-serve fuel stations, including prohibition of smoking and open flames. And the self-lighting spark-ignition appliances are probably more dangerous than one with a pilot light. If you ignore the posted warnings, and something happens, you are liable. A couple of years ago there was one where a trailer owner left something on because it was on the side opposite the fuel fill. While he was filling fuel, an attendant was changing the filter on a pump on the other side. He did something careless, fuel splashed on the side of the trailer, and ka-boom. We all have our own comfort level when it comes to taking a risk. The important thing is that we are totally aware of what the risk is before we decide to go for it or not.

Amen to that!

Steve

olustee bus · 11-24-2016, 10:06 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by SpaceNorman

Large Diesel pusher here. I don't do squat aside from not "flicking my BIC" next to the open fuel fill tube. I'm sure there's a list of OSHA approved safety rules that include stuff like wearing steel toe boots, hard hats, safety goggles and hazmat suits ... and who am I to argue with the "experts". I can say that my "don't do squat" approach is batting 1,000 so far!

Just my opinion, I think the hard hat and hazmat suit is a little overboard but I don't get in my MH without steel toe boots, safety goggles and a dust mask. Oh sure, I get strange looks but one can't be too safety concious.

Falcon190 · 11-24-2016, 10:37 AM

Gasoline? I would absolutely shut off all sources of flames and/or sparks.

Propane? I hadn't thought about it before but now when I refuel my onboard propane tank I'll shut off the fridge. Tho' my water heater is diesel and the heater is a heat pump they still spark so I'd shut them off, too.

Diesel? Have you ever tried to light diesel with a match? It has to be atomized to ignite. I don't turn anything off tho' now I'd think twice if I were fueling at a regular gas station, but as I always fuel up at truck stops there isn't a gasoline pump anywhere near me so no worries.

Easyrider · 11-24-2016, 02:04 PM

We shut all flames off in our RV when at the pump. I've seen people standing at their car with the pump nozzle in their hand and a lit cigarette in their mouth. We move well away from the pump area and wait until they have left before we park at the pump. "you can't fix stupid"!!!

NRR · 11-26-2016, 02:26 PM

Never turn off the fridge except while filling up the LP tank. Around here that is the practice. Only have the water heater on 15 minutes before I need it for a shower. Then I turn it off. After the shower I still have hot water all day. Have never been in a situation to need the furnace while driving. Dash air heat does just fine till I stop for the night.

ScottyBye · 11-26-2016, 06:02 PM

All flames are turned of before fuelling with gas, propane, or diesel. No exceptions... like an earlier post said. You Can't Fix Stupid.

TonyMac · 11-26-2016, 06:52 PM

Oh, here's another fueling safety tip for those of you with fillers on both sides of the rig: Only have one open at a time. Topping off one side and it's a coming out the other. Don't ask me how I figured that one out.....

tombottcat · 11-26-2016, 10:42 PM

gas most definitely diesel i don,t think its as important,at most big truck stops they never shut there rigs off NOTHING LIKE LIFE ON THE ROAD

GoneToTheDog · 11-27-2016, 10:27 AM

Wow!! I am truly amazed that so many....do not....turn off every source with a flame when you fuel up. I have always turned everything off long before I ever enter a gas station island. And then wait until I am far from the gas station island to relight the refrigerator, etc. Just seems like common sense to me. Accidents happen in the blink of an eye. Taking simple, quick, and easy precautions only takes a few minutes of your time......and maybe even just save your life someday.