Newbee to HiLo question

[Oldcamper7124]

When towing I know I can't safely use propane to run the refrigerator and hopefully it will run on Electricity but do I put the fan on or not?

 

[JackandJanet]

I do sir! It probably won't run when you are underway, since it is thermostatically controlled and the coils are cooled by the airflow past things while you are moving. But, if you stop, with the top down, it is absolutely necessary to cool things then, since the air vents are covered.

- Jack

 

[Oldcamper7124]

JackandJanet, will the little electricity from either the battery or from the tow vehicle make the refrigerator work while underway? If not what do you do when its a days drive everyday?

 

[txhillcountry]

Refrigerator on propane while driving

If you have a 3 way refrigerator (also runs on 12 volts) and also have a large wire and fuse connected to the vehicle battery, then running on DC is an option. Remember, if you stop for several hours or over night, your car battery will probably be dead.

Alternately, install a GasStop valve on the propane cylinder and go ahead and use propane for the refrigerator. Any large leak, ruptured line, etc will immediately block the flow from the propane tank. GasStop valves are about $80 from many RV stores as well as Amazon.

 

[sam-HILO]

Refrigerator tips

Chill or freeze anything you are going to put in the ref. or freezer. Use blue ice packs anywhere you can. Some are able to get a hold of dry ice. I freeze ice in juice jugs. When these thaw out i have cold filtered ice water. I also bring along a cooler for extra food.

 

[JackandJanet]

JackandJanet, will the little electricity from either the battery or from the tow vehicle make the refrigerator work while underway? If not what do you do when its a days drive everyday?

I would guess you would stop for the night and set up a temporary camp. Put your refrigerator on propane then, or if at a campground with hookups, you could run it on AC, which will also charge the battery through the converter. If "dry" camping, you could connect a generator to the shore power cord and that would charge the trailer battery too.

Yes, the tow vehicle will send enough current to the trailer to help the trailer's battery run the fridge, but the battery will probably be run down some at the end of a day's drive. You need some way to recharge it when stopped. You COULD try to do it using the tow vehicle's alternator, if you put the fridge on propane, but that will be an inefficient process.

- Jack