Using refrigerator on propane while traveling

[tknick]

I recently got rid of a 28 ft travel trailer that had a 120v/propane refrigerator with no 12v mode.  When we towed the trailer, we used the propane mode to keep it cold.  The 2002 Coleman Bayside we recently purchased has a Dometic 120v/12v/propane three-way fridge and no instruction manual.  I know I can use the 12v mode while traveling, but is there any problem using the propane while traveling?  I am already familiar with the normal concerns of gas stations, tunnels, etc. when using propane.

Just wondering.

Thanks
travis

[flyfisherman]

travis - on my campers that were equiped with the 3-way frig, I always towed in the 12 volt mode. Of course, caution had to be taken when stopping off too long a time as it could (and would) drain the TV battery. Never had a problem with, say, stopping for a 30 min lunch, but that was with a healthy battery. But have heard stories of someone stopping off to eat and coming back to a run-down battery.

I never tow with the propane connected. Owner's manuals always said not to do so stating the possibility of an accident and that turning just enought propane loose to cause a fire. Figure just towing down the highway these days is risky business enough so I try not to tempt fate with some outlandish possibility.

Fly

[oldmoose]

I've towed using 12v and propane. If I'm traveling to an area with hot weather, I will probably tow with propane. In cool to moderate temps, I tow with 12v. If using propane, I turn off at the gas station. Many tunnels on the left coast prohibit using propane in tunnels, which is another consideration.

Moose

[hoppy]

I use the 12 V option during my travel to the campground, since it will help maintain the inside temperature after I have gone through the pre-chill, and adding frozen items ritual.  As a matter of fact, as long as you keep the fridge door firmly closed (locked) and not powered, I have seen them hold a safe temperature inside for over five hours.

 One other consideration when using the gas option during travel, is the pilot light blowing out. But based upon the fridge's capability to remain cold for a number of hours, this really is not a concern either.

 BTW, it may just be a legal disclaimer, but the Fleetwood manual states not to use any propane appliances while traveling.

[tknick]

thanks for everyone's help.  This forum is great!  I guess I just had propane on the brain from my last unit since it didn't have the 12v mode.  My TV 12v line is only hot when the car is on so battery drain wont be an issue.  I'll pre-chill and use the 12!

thanks again

travis

[hoppy]

tknick,

 Want to know another trick I use to pre-chill the fridge during the 8 hour time frame that is really easy? IMHO.

 Your 2002 Bayside is wired exactly like my 2001 Mesa.

 Instead of scurring around to find the 30 amp to 20 amp "dog-bone" adapter or running on propane to pre-cool, just open the bottom vent door behind the fridge compartment and disconnect the fridge from the wall recepticle inside the compartment. Insert the plug to the fridge directly into a 15 or 20 amp rated HD outdoor extension cord, and into the nearest recepticle at your home. Set to the AC mode and your temperature controls are right there. This method also eliminates powering-up the converter inside the PU. My Mesa has the top down access to the fridge, so all I do is load up the fridge and I am ready to roll after the pre-cool routine.

 When your done pre-cooling, just insert the plug back into the wall recepticle, and switch over to the 12 V mode during the travel. Once at the CG, select either the 110 v or the propane mode. This is the beauty of the 3-way fridges..... there are so many options that you can use.

 I have found that this is easier that lighting the fridge on propane, and searching for the adapter while I'm pre-cooling.

  Give it a try.... you just might like it.

[tlhdoc]

I like to plug the camper in and have the converter give the battery a little boost while the fridge is cooling down.  I don't have to hunt for the adapter.  I keep it in the same place and know where it is every time I need to use it.  Before anyone says an thing about using the converter to charge the battery...I do charge the battery when we get home with a 3 stage battery charger.  I use the converter to top the battery off before we go camping.  The converter does a good job of it too.