newbie, how to run fridge when traveling

[L0veless]

we just purchased a montana 3720rl,
getting ready to snow bird out to AZ.
started to think about the trip and it hit me the refrigerator.

how does the refrigerator work when traveling/driving?

do you run it on propane or will it run on electrical from the batteries/truck?

thank you

[chuckster57]

If you have an RV refrigerator, it will operate on LP while your traveling. Chances are slim to nil of causing a fire, but when stopping to fuel the tow vehicle you may want to turn the refer off.

[mfifield01]

It probably depends on the fridge. It depends on the length of the trip, but I will leave it off or on propane. I typically leave the switch on Auto and it will switch to propane when I leave the house. Many people say to switch it off when fueling up the TV.

[L0veless]

wow! never thought about turning it when fueling

thanks for the advise

[xrated]

What about if the T.V. is diesel.....do you still need to turn it off?

[mfifield01]

If the fuel station has gasoline, I assume yes. Someone else could be filling up with gasoline. The idea is that there is an open flame burning near a flammable area. That being said, the open flame is very small. I try to turn mine off, but have filled up with it on.

[bobbecky]

One other consideration when traveling with the fridge is, you need to be level when not moving. You will risk damaging the cooling unit if parked too long, so if you stop to visit something along the way for more than a real short time, it's best to turn it off during the stop. After two failed cooling units, I installed an ARP protective device which is supposed to turn the unit off if the unit gets too hot, which can happen if out of plumb. Unless you travel more than 8 hours a day, it will not defrost your fridge if you just turn it off.

[chuckster57]

As a rule 3 degrees off is the accepted limit.

[mfifield01]

Originally Posted by chuckster57

As a rule 3 degrees off is the accepted limit.

Is this just front to back?

[chuckster57]

Front to back and side to side. Not all RV refers are mounted on a side wall.

[mfifield01]

I typically level my RV at home from front to back for setup. I don't mess with side to side. Basically, the fridge is level on one axis. If you look straight at it, it is level.

[L0veless]

sounds like the best thing to do is just turn it off when driving. I don't expect to drive more than 8 hrs a day total. since my new attitude is I will get there when I get there.

[chuckster57]

As long as you start with a cold refer filled with cold food.

[mfifield01]

I will turn it off if I drive less than 3 hours. In the Texas summer, 3 hours is the max.

[theeyres]

We have RVed for 40 years, always with the fridge on when travelling. Never had a problem, never worried about level (while travelling or stopping for breaks), never turned it off while fueling with either gas or diesel. Me thinks you worry to much. Just relax, leave it on and enjoy the trip.