Using fridge on propane question...

[RICamper]

As a newbie, I have a question about running the fridge on propane while traveling down the road. Since the rig is supposed to be level in order for the propane to run the fridge, how well does that concept work while traveling through hills and mountain highways? Will the propane run the fridge with no problems while driving through Colorado? If so, doesn't that contradict the level-rig rule? Thanks in advance for any input!

[ctbruce]

I've never had a problem with this in my camper. The problem comes about when the coolant is boiled out and blocked. Probably a better way to say this. Traveling on hills and mountains does not create this problem for a long enough time. Fret not while traveling.

Sent from my SAMSUNG-SM-N910A using Tapatalk

[chuckster57]

Bingo when travelling there is enough movement that the coolant cant puddle in the corners. I have always left my refer running on LP when travelling.

There are some areas of the country that require the LP tanks to be turned off before crossing a bridge or entering a tunnel. We don't have that restriction where I do my camping so I don't have a list.

[Richard Noble]

I live in the mountains of Colorado. I've never had a problem (with 4 5er's) running the frig on propane. I did modify one 5er frig to run on an inverter powered by two 12v batteries charging directly from truck alternator. While this was a fun mod I do not see the need (except maybe for safety while fueling) to do this again. It is easier to turn off the propane when fueling up.

[Outback 325BH]

Keep in mind, with an absorption fridge, the level issue is for any fuel and not just propane.

It doesn't take much out-of-level to prevent the ammonia-and-water solution from flowing back to the boiler. The concern is the heating of an empty boiler.

If you look at the cooling unit, the lines run back-and-forth, slightly downhill. Gravity is what brings it all back to the boiler. An out-of-level condition (side-to-side for fridge; normally front to back for trailer) can cause the return lines to run uphill... or the line from the absorber to the boiler to go uphill and prevent the boiler to stay filled.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[chuckster57]

While parked, an RV absorption refer can be 3 degrees off level and operate without any issues.

While running down the road, there is enough motion to move things in the right direction.