​Every RV owner is faced with the same question. Is it safe to leave a propane gas RV refrigerator on while driving? The answer is not black and while. Operating an RV refrigerator on the road always causes a lively discussion around the campfire.
Do You Run Your RV Refrigerator on the Move?
The truth is, most RV refrigerators operate effectively on propane while you are rolling down the road. An RV absorption refrigerator left on when driving should not have problems with the flame blowing out.​
The constant motion keeps everything flowing smoothly in the cooling system. But just because you can leave the RV refrigerator on, should you?
Turn Your Propane RV Refrigerator Off While Driving
The key issues with running a propane RV refrigerator when driving are safety-related.​
Every propane RV refrigerator has an open flame. Propane flowing through RV lines can be hazardous if an accident or an RV tire blowout happens. Many tunnels require anyone carrying LP gas to turn off the supply when traveling through. Some prohibit any kind of propane cargo whatsoever.​
Sudden jarring movements to your RV can damage propane lines. A tire blowout, or a trailer sway rollover can create a hole, crack or gas leak in the RV propane supply piping. Now you have an instant fire/explosion hazard just waiting for a spark.
Don’t chance it. Be safe and shut the refrigerator off when you start moving.
In fact, do it before you approach a fuel station or propane tank fill service. For ultimate safety while driving with a propane RV refrigerator, water heater, and other appliances, turn them off.
Do you care about the safety of you and your passengers? Just don’t drive with your absorption fridge running.
Off propane RV refrigerators keep cold for hours
How many hours do you drive your RV to get to your destination? Probably no more than five or six, right? It’s just too exhausting to do otherwise. In that case, you’re in luck. For the average RV trip length, the refrigerator maintains a cold enough internal temperature to keep food cold during cooler months, and even when it’s hot outside.
Consider a 12-volt DC Power Refrigerator
Many people make the switch to a 12-volt DC power refrigerator. Much like a residential refrigerator, it does not require external vents, and an inverter is not needed either because it doesn’t run on AC power. The only problem? A compressor fridge needs a robust power source to keep it running. Your solar panels and battery bank must be able to keep up with the demand for it to continue operating at the right level.
How to Keep the RV Refrigerator Cold
Still worried about spoiled food when the outside ambient temperature is too high? Buy blue ice instead of driving with your RV refrigerator on. Freeze several ice packs the night before departure day. Plastic water bottles are good too. Put them in the refrigerator to keep everything cold while traveling.
