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09-21-2018, 07:40 PM
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#1
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Junior Member
Join Date: Apr 2017
Location: Colorado springs
Posts: 2
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Odd question
I have a 2017 Bullet Ultralight 220RBI. It is recommended to turn off fridge and propane while traveling. I have a solar generator (battery) with a 30 amp RV receptacle. Question: is it feasible (Will it work) to connect the external power cord into the battery to run the refrigerator and, if so, where and how do I access the cord from INSIDE the trailer so I can plug it into the battery as we cruise down the road? I said it was an odd question.
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09-21-2018, 07:51 PM
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#2
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Site Team
Join Date: Jul 2014
Location: Modesto
Posts: 20,317
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Welcome to the forum!!!
Who “recommended” that you turn off your fridge and shut off the propane while traveling? It’s not necessary and probably 95% of us if not more travel with the fridge operating on propane.
You would need 110VAC for the fridge to operate on AC during travel, which would require either a generator running or an inverter operating.
Set the fridge to “AUTO” open the propane valves and enjoy your trip.
__________________
2012 Copper Canyon 273FWRET being towed by a 1994 Ford F350 CC,LB,Dually diesel.
Airlift 5000 bags, Prodigy brake control, 5 gauges on the pillar.Used to tow a '97 Jayco 323RKS.
Now an RVIA registered tech. Retired from Law enforcement in 2008 after 25+ yrs.
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09-21-2018, 07:55 PM
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#3
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Senior Member
Join Date: Nov 2017
Location: Picacho, Az
Posts: 6,809
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The easiest way is set the fridge to "auto" open propane bottle & hit the road. Tens of thousands have traveled millions of miles doing it this way for years, that's what they're designed to do.
Not sure what/how your solar set up might work, but I'd think you'll need an inverter to get AC power from your batteries/solar system.
__________________
Full-timed 10+ years
Sold '13 Redwood FB
Traded '13 GMC Denali DRW D/A
Replacement undetermined
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09-21-2018, 08:15 PM
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#4
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Senior Member
Join Date: Jan 2018
Location: Midlands of South Carolina
Posts: 277
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The only time I ever turned the refrigerator off during our travel trailer days was because I was getting gasoline. As soon as that was done, the refrigerator was turned back on. Now we have a residential refrigerator so that is not necessary.
__________________
Bill & Anne, Athena (cat), Jada (pup), and Cupcake (cat)
Retired Navy CPO, Vollie Firefighter and Industrial Maintenance Specialist
Wilson III: 2015 Ram Tradesman 2500 6.4l CC 4x4 SB
the gypsy, Belle III: 2018 Sprinter Limited 3531 FWDEN
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09-22-2018, 04:08 AM
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#5
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Senior Member
Join Date: Oct 2010
Posts: 117
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leave your propane on! you don't have to turn your refrig off at all while traveling.
even if you did turn it off for 4 or 5 hours it won't defrost.
let it go.
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09-22-2018, 04:19 AM
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#6
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Senior Member
Join Date: Sep 2018
Location: Farmington
Posts: 109
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I'm also curious where you heard you should shut the fridge and propane off when traveling. Going back to when I was young, in our family's then-new Sportscoach, we always left the fridge on when under way.
Often it blew out during driving, and in the old days, they didn't self light, so my dad would have to re-light it when we stopped for the day, but that just seemed to be "standard operating procedure".
Based on that experience, I've always left my fridge on while traveling. Never knew not to.
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09-22-2018, 07:37 AM
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#7
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Junior Member
Join Date: Apr 2017
Location: Colorado springs
Posts: 2
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Odd question thx
Thank you to everyone who responded. I will keep it simple and leave on the propane except when refueling. I keep seeing videos of rv’s On fire due to propane lines ruptured on the road so thought I might try the solar battery concept, but it would be complicated. I’ve traveled with propane on and off and it is a big hassle when off due to warmups or using coolers. My wife has threatened my life if I do it again. Thanks for your quick responses and putting my mind at ease.
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09-22-2018, 11:15 AM
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#8
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Senior Member
Join Date: Jul 2017
Location: Monroeville
Posts: 1,549
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Quote:
Originally Posted by DENBRO
Thank you to everyone who responded. I will keep it simple and leave on the propane except when refueling.
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You shouldn't even have to turn it off during refueling. If there is that much gasoline vapor in the air to ignite from the flame, the station will have gone up in flames from other cars coming and going LONG before your little flame would cause anything. That just seems like a great way to waste 10 extra minutes at the station.
__________________
2014 Bullet Premier 29bh in Charocal
2019 Ram 2500 HD 4x4, CC, 6.4L
2011 Passport 2510RB (Sold)
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09-22-2018, 11:58 AM
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#9
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Senior Member
Join Date: Sep 2018
Location: Farmington
Posts: 109
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Quote:
Originally Posted by DENBRO
Thank you to everyone who responded. I will keep it simple and leave on the propane except when refueling. I keep seeing videos of rv’s On fire due to propane lines ruptured on the road so thought I might try the solar battery concept, but it would be complicated. I’ve traveled with propane on and off and it is a big hassle when off due to warmups or using coolers. My wife has threatened my life if I do it again. Thanks for your quick responses and putting my mind at ease.
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The "My wife has threatened my life it I do it again" quote was a laugh out loud moment for me!
I seem to remember back in the "old days" there being 3 way fridges that would work off 12volt while underway, but I've never owned one. Maybe they still make them? I don't know. But my experience has been that propane is a pretty safe fuel. I'm totally comfortable with my new rig with the fridge burning propane while underway, and I must say the fact that it will re-light itself if the wind blows it out on the road is pretty cool.
(OK, just re-read that, and honestly, no pun intended!)
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09-22-2018, 12:11 PM
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#10
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Senior Member
Join Date: Mar 2015
Location: Southeastern Connectiut
Posts: 1,306
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To the best of my knowledge, the only time you are "required" to turn off propane is when in certain marked tunnels, or marked bridges or ferries. Other than that, as already mentioned, your kept closed COLD refrigerator will stay cold for quite a while. So it's a matter of choice, For me, here in New England where traffic jams are a given, I keep mine on propane for travel.
For example, the George Washington Bridge between NYC and NJ requires Haz-Mat, and propane to use the upper level . But is rarely enforced.
Good Luck,
__________________
Pull Toy
Steve & Jan, Ava & Emma (Mini Schnauzers):
2016 F350 Lariat 4X4 Powerstroke CC/SB "PULLTOY V"
2013 Alpine 3535RE "MAGIC CARPET IV"
Proud Navy Vet!
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09-22-2018, 02:27 PM
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#11
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Senior Member
Join Date: Aug 2018
Location: Lake Stevens
Posts: 764
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Propane industry groups recommend turning it off when fueling.
__________________
2019 Laredo 225MK for travel. Bighorn 3575el summer home in Washington, Park Model with Arizona Room for winters.
2015 RAM 3500 SRW CC SB Aisin Laramie
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09-22-2018, 03:22 PM
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#12
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Site Team
Join Date: Feb 2014
Location: W. Texas
Posts: 17,669
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There's no need to turn your propane off when refueling IMO. Just think about it; that tiny pilot is a long way from that pump. As was mentioned, if the fumes were that heavy the smoker standing next to his pump 20' away would have already exploded. In our case, the pilot is 20'+ away from the pump and on the other side of the trailer. If something is going to cause a blowup at the pump there are a lot of other folks doing far worse than leaving a fridge pilot lit that should go "boom" first. YMMV
__________________
Danny and Susan, wife of 56 years
2019 Ram 3500 Laramie CC SWB SB 6.4 4x4 4.10
2020 Montana High Country 331RL
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09-22-2018, 05:59 PM
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#13
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Senior Member
Join Date: Oct 2014
Location: Germantown, TN
Posts: 6,327
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"Propane industry groups recommend turning it off when fueling" That's because of the large number of lives lost every year due to RV's exploding at the pumps. Uh, excuse me while I get my tongue out of my cheek.
There are a number of RV owners who will not travel with the propane on, check the tire pressure every single pee stop, and loosen and retorque lug nuts before every trip. It is what floats their boat. In that it doesn't affect me or mine I really couldn't care less. However I can't in good conscience recommend to an inexperienced RV'er that the propane should be turned off during refueling. Better that they should spend that time checking the air pressure in the tires....
__________________
Jim in Memphis, Wife of 51 years is Brenda
2019 F450 6.7 Powerstroke
2018 Mobile Suites 40RSSA
2021 40' Jayco Eagle
2001 Road king w/matching Harley sidecar
2021 Yamaha X2 Wolverine 1000
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09-23-2018, 04:53 AM
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#14
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Senior Member
Join Date: Aug 2018
Location: prophetstown
Posts: 318
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Sure don't miss the old days of laying on the floor and lite frig manually
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09-23-2018, 08:20 AM
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#15
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Senior Member
Join Date: Mar 2015
Location: Southeastern Connectiut
Posts: 1,306
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The oven is still a pain! Especially with a center island floor Plan! LOL
__________________
Pull Toy
Steve & Jan, Ava & Emma (Mini Schnauzers):
2016 F350 Lariat 4X4 Powerstroke CC/SB "PULLTOY V"
2013 Alpine 3535RE "MAGIC CARPET IV"
Proud Navy Vet!
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09-23-2018, 02:10 PM
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#16
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Senior Member
Join Date: Aug 2018
Location: prophetstown
Posts: 318
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Pull Toy
The oven is still a pain! Especially with a center island floor Plan! LOL
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It sure is,, I was gonna cook pizza a while back,, by the time I got it lit was not hungry lol
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09-24-2018, 10:58 AM
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#17
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Site Team
Join Date: Oct 2011
Location: Joppa, MD
Posts: 11,741
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Quote:
Originally Posted by DENBRO
I have a 2017 Bullet Ultralight 220RBI. It is recommended to turn off fridge and propane while traveling. I have a solar generator (battery) with a 30 amp RV receptacle. Question: is it feasible (Will it work) to connect the external power cord into the battery to run the refrigerator and, if so, where and how do I access the cord from INSIDE the trailer so I can plug it into the battery as we cruise down the road? I said it was an odd question.
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WOW, I've not heard of turning off the propane while underway (he said with a sarcastic tone )
__________________
Marshall
2012 Laredo 303 TG
2010 F250 LT Super Cab, long bed, 4X4, 6.4 Turbo Diesel
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09-24-2018, 01:29 PM
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#18
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Site Team
Join Date: Mar 2011
Location: Gaylord
Posts: 26,979
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I don't think we'll ever find a statement in any Dometic manual that says, "If you're reading this on the Keystone Forum....." That said, the Dometic owner's manual addresses operating the refrigerator while underway. It does not say "you can safely use propane" nor does it say, "You must not use propane" but it does say that the rocking and motion of the coach will eliminate the need to maintain the vehicle level while operating the refrigerator when towing. That "should" provide the ability to understand the process (although it's not addressed in specific words"....
Anyway, this is what's in the Dometic 2652/2852 Owner's Manual:
"Any time the vehicle is parked for several hours with the refrigerator operating, the vehicle should be leveled to prevent this loss of cooling. The vehicle needs to be leveled only so it is comfortable to live in (no noticeable sloping of floor or walls). When the vehicle is moving, the leveling is not critical, as the rolling and pitching movement of the vehicle will pass to either side of level, keeping the liquid ammonia from accumulating in the evaporator tubing."
So, common sense would indicate that if the rocking while towing is sufficient to distribute the gasses, then it must be OK to operate the refrigerator while in motion which means that it also must be OK to operate the propane system when in motion because that's the only way to operate the refrigerator.... (vicious circle ???)
And, if there's someone who wants to rebut this with, "But that could mean operating it on 12 VDC"... Remember, the 2652/2852 are both two-way refrigerator systems and require either 120VAC or LPG to operate...
__________________
John
2015 F250 6.7l 4x4
2014 Cougar X Lite 27RKS
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09-24-2018, 02:09 PM
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#19
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Junior Member
Join Date: Jan 2014
Posts: 3
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Keep it on while travelling unless required otherwise by your DOT like on specific tunnels and such.
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09-24-2018, 02:19 PM
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#20
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Senior Member
Join Date: Aug 2018
Location: prophetstown
Posts: 318
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Quote:
Originally Posted by JRTJH
I don't think we'll ever find a statement in any Dometic manual that says, "If you're reading this on the Keystone Forum....." That said, the Dometic owner's manual addresses operating the refrigerator while underway. It does not say "you can safely use propane" nor does it say, "You must not use propane" but it does say that the rocking and motion of the coach will eliminate the need to maintain the vehicle level while operating the refrigerator when towing. That "should" provide the ability to understand the process (although it's not addressed in specific words"....
Anyway, this is what's in the Dometic 2652/2852 Owner's Manual:
"Any time the vehicle is parked for several hours with the refrigerator operating, the vehicle should be leveled to prevent this loss of cooling. The vehicle needs to be leveled only so it is comfortable to live in (no noticeable sloping of floor or walls). When the vehicle is moving, the leveling is not critical, as the rolling and pitching movement of the vehicle will pass to either side of level, keeping the liquid ammonia from accumulating in the evaporator tubing."
So, common sense would indicate that if the rocking while towing is sufficient to distribute the gasses, then it must be OK to operate the refrigerator while in motion which means that it also must be OK to operate the propane system when in motion because that's the only way to operate the refrigerator.... (vicious circle ???)
And, if there's someone who wants to rebut this with, "But that could mean operating it on 12 VDC"... Remember, the 2652/2852 are both two-way refrigerator systems and require either 120VAC or LPG to operate...
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A good read,, enjoyed it
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