LP Refrig. question

[stampgirl]

Not new to RVing but bought used TT last year in which Refrig. is AC and LP only (prev. had DC option). In the old unit we used AC at home and on site then DC for travel time. My husband is unsure about the safety of using LP while traveling on road...isn't that what the LP option is mostly for? I've read the manual (ha ha, what a joke) and know how to tell my Refrig. to use LP instead of the AC (button/switch on control panel), but do I need to do anything else besides open the valve on the LP tank? And any safety issues?

(okay "whodo"...I know you can help me ;) ).

Thanks!

[whodo]

Yes I can help you Stampgirl. I think.

First your present fridge. works just like your old one as far as LP & Elec.
"It is a heat absorption type cooling unit."
My husband is unsure about the safety of using LP while traveling on road...
This is a controversial question. Is it safe to use LP while moving. YES & NO. There is two schools of thought on this subject. {YES side says; with today's auto shut off valves in the LP tank the worry of gas spewing out in case of a accident is minimal. With today's LP gas detectors that come with most RV's, the chance of having a slow gas leak and not knowing it until it is too late, is a mute point do to the gas leak detectors, etc. etc.}
{NO side says; the flame could blow out while driving down the road causing a slow gas leak. The fridge could attempt to relight or the already flame from the heating element of the fridge could ignite the gas fumes at a gas station while refueling. What if you get a crack in the LP line an start leaking gas while driving, etc. etc. I think you get the point.}
I've read the manual (ha ha, what a joke) and know how to tell my Refrig. to use LP instead of the AC (button/switch on control panel), but do I need to do anything else besides open the valve on the LP tank? Just open the valve, light the stove to get the air out of the LP gas line, then light the fridge.(Just for what it is worth, "lighting the stove first allows for the air to be purged from the gas line much quicker than waiting for it to purge through the fridge pilot light.")
In the old unit we used AC at home and on site then DC for travel time.
(Manufactures for the most part stopped offering the DC option on fridge due to the fact that it really wasn't a efficient mode of operation).
using LP while traveling on road...isn't that what the LP option is mostly for? For some people yes for others no. It is an option. People like myself that prefer to camp/boon-dock with out hook ups, use gas regularly. (Can't remember the last time I used my fridge on elec.)


OK now that you are totally bored to death from reading the above information I will offer my personal opinion.
Check your LP lines for leaks regularly, this includes the regulator, before each trip, with a LP leak detector. (You can buy a hand held unit at most RV supply places). Then go ahead an use the LP while traveling. Just be sure to turn FRIDGE OFF BEFORE pulling into a gas station!

[stampgirl]

Wheeeew! Lots of info but VERY imformative! Thanks!

[frank]

Stampgirl, we have been on the road for 33 years and have always used gas on the road with no problems. You should be checking your gas lines on a regular basis to make sure they do not vibrate loose-that could cause a major headache!!

Enjoy!!

[jeffmue]

Just open the valve, light the stove to get the air out of the LP gas line, then light the fridge.(Just for what it is worth, "lighting the stove first allows for the air to be purged from the gas line much quicker than waiting for it to purge through the fridge pilot light.")

Oh yeah!!!:) Thank you very much whodo! I just brought our rambler home yesterday and have been trying to figure out the oven and the fridge. I didn't know I had to ignite the pilot light. I can't tell if the LP gas is running on the the fridge, but the check light hasn't come on so I'll check it in a few hours.

There's absolutely nothing better than a site with all the answers!

[dicky1243]

Stampgirl there is another way to get the air out of the LP line which
works good after refilling your tanks, its called (by my mech burping the line)
you hook up the line to the tank turn on the valve for a sec then off now loosen the connection that lets the air out then tighten it back up. If you don't have any leaks in the line this should be the only time you have to worry if the frig is getting gas. I have a norcold that has a switch that in 1 pos. it will work on which ever elec or gas is avail. 2nd is for just gas, so in pos1 when i plug in at the park it will automaticaly switch to elec whithout me doing anything then it switches back to gas when i unplug.
Hope this helps also
****,

[bukhrn]

We always have the fridge on AUTO, when you unhook from shore power,or the power goes out, the fridge will automaticaly switch to propane, (if you have the propane turned on)then switch back when you plug in again.
As far as an accident, I have about 9.8 gals of LP (when the tank is full), I have 55 gals of gasoline, (when the tank is full), I never turn my gas tank off, why would I turn my LP off? (except when filling up at a gas station), then I only turn the fridge off.
It's made to run on LP, use it.;)

[spiritwomyn]

Well stamp girl, I am not expert on Rv's but I am on LP gas fires and explosions. OFF when traveling, better safe then sorry. Relighting is so easy and you will be stoppping before the fridge gets warm. Regardless of everyone way of doing it, the bottom line should always be safety first. Being in an RV or fifth wheel or travel trailer is not like being in a stick built house. Also remember if you are driving there is also the possible accident to consider. A small leak in the right circumstances can make an awfully big explosion. And that can really put the kibbosh on your day.