Propane Furnance While Traveling

[rclark]

Seems like a stupid question, but can you run your propane furnace while towing down the road. Never traveled in a cold area when I wanted to keep the interior of the 5th wheel from being freezing cold. We are taking a few plants and other items while we tow south for winter. Our cold (28-34 degrees) area will actually only be a few hundred (350) miles. Seems like vents might be covered up by slides?? Your opinions would be valued. Thanks

[Festus2]

The Suburban owner's manual gives a "WARNING!" followed by this: Be sure the furnace and all ignition systems are "OFF" during any type of refueling and while the vehicle is in motion or being towed".

Further on in the manual, there is another second warning which states: "Do not operate furnace while vehicle is in motion or being towed".

Does this warning from the manufacturer answer your question?

Many folks have their fridge on (using propane) while traveling but I've never heard of anyone having their furnace on.

[rayjoanlough]

There have been a few reports of fire occurring when rv'ers leave their propane on (for the fridge) and stop for fuel on the way--------ka-boom!
Prudent minds turn off the propane!

[rclark]

I had the feeling that it probably would not be a good idea to run the furnace. So will not attempt to run the furnace. I have been towing RV's for 30 plus years and always have run the refrigerator on propane while towing and never had a problem. Lucky?? We crank up the refer about 24 hours prior to heading out and fill up the fridge and head out. In the weather I guess it could leave the propane off, but most times and places we travel are warm so it needs to be on.

[Ken / Claudia]

The last Dec elk hunt I went on. Temps were 20s in day, mornings were 5 to -5. The last 60 miles to camp we all chained up. Motorhome with jeep, 2 trucks with travel trailers(no slides). At end of long day, we voted to turn on furnaces in trailers to get some sleep sooner than later at arrival to camp site. So, they were on for 70-80 minutes, traveling at 30-35mph. They stayed on. Not suppoosed to be on but, felt needed to under the conditions. I am not telling anyone to do it, just that I did and am here to tell the story.

[outwest]

Read awhile back on another forum about a person that left either water heater on gas mode or furnace on (forget which), got flagged down by another motorist, saw flames coming out of side of trailer in mirror, and had to pull over and put out the fire.

That being said, there's been a time or two I've accidentally left furnace on for travel and nothing bad happened. And I always leave fridge on in gas mode for travel (tow vehicle is diesel and use pump islands for semi trucks, so nowhere near gasoline pumps). But as far as heat I'd probably simply turn the heat up a little before travel and turn it off when leave since only gonna be 6 hour in cold. If you stop at a rest stop can always turn heat on for a bit. Plus, the sun on the trailer will help keep it above freezing (assuming it's not overcast).