There is a never-ending debate about whether to leave the RV refrigerator on.
You’re in the right place if you have ever wondered if you can use your RV fridge while driving.
Do I Have The Option Of Using My Rv Fridge While Driving?
It’s a yes! A refrigerator can be used while driving in an RV. However, using propane while driving can pose safety risks.
Alternatively, you can power your RV fridge from your inverter, which usually lasts until you reach your destination.
The RV refrigerator can be operated while driving, so here is more information that may help you understand any potential risks.
Considerations For Running Rv Refrigerators While Driving:
The majority of the refrigerators inside of your RV are two-way refrigerators. The best performance comes from using propane. It is also possible that your refrigerator is a 3-way refrigerator. If so, you can drive with your fridge running on 12V DC power.
I will discuss two options: propane and a generator. RV refrigerators are usually powered by one of these two options.
Even though propane is one of the most commonly used fuels, it is also one of the most dangerous. It is safer to use a generator, but it is less powerful.
Gas-Powered Refrigerator
RV propane should never be left unattended.
There are many pros and cons to using propane while driving. My preference when driving my RV is propane, although everyone’s opinion differs.
In the end, it will be up to you to decide. The most commonly used fuel is propane. However, it is important to note that this method has pros and cons.
When you use propane to fuel your refrigerator while driving, you get the following benefits:
- You can run your fridge with propane.
- The water inside your water heater is kept warm by propane.
- Propane is especially helpful for heating the RV when traveling through cold regions.
In addition to propane safety, there are several cons associated with RV refrigeration safety while driving:
- Driving can cause an appliance to move around, breaking the propane line, and allowing the gas in the tank to escape.
- The propane gas can be ignited completely with just a small spark.
- It only takes a broken line to ignite a fire.
It is highly unlikely that you’ll get fire if your propane runs while driving. Your RV may be susceptible to damage if something goes wrong, such as when the line breaks. An explosion may occur.
It is best to practice safety and inspect the propane regularly. There are lots of people who are driving with propane on, and they seem to be alright.
Make sure you turn off your propane before entering a gas station. Turning off your propane is required at many other locations when entering tunnels.
If you think you have leaks in your Rv Fridge pipes, here is a good tip to check your fridge for Ammonia leaks.
Using A Generator To Power A Refrigerator In An Rv
A generator can power your RV refrigerator.
Driving with a generator is also an option. The wattage of generators varies. When purchasing a generator, be sure to check the starting watts. If you do this, you’ll be able to turn on your fridge without running out of power.
Your generator can also power your RV’s heating and cooling system. Generators typically have a starting power of 2000-2500 watts. For the power spike to be handled, this is crucial.
Here is a list of the best generators you can choose from.
- Champion 3400- Watt Dual Fuel Inverter Generator. This wattage is higher than the need for your fridge, so you’ll be glad you bought it.
- Generac GP3300 Portable Generator. Compared to other generators, this one is relatively inexpensive. Using it is also easy.
- Briggs & Stratton 30545 P3000 Power Smart Series. It can run many appliances simultaneously, making it a powerful generator.
Generators are space-consuming. RVs aren’t designed to have big, clunky generators inside them. The smaller options tend to have less power.
You can use any of these generators to avoid running the risk of using propane. There is plenty of power in all these generators to supply power to your refrigerator. It is also much safer to use them than propane. When you use a generator, you don’t have to worry about fire.
In case of a power outage, generators are also useful. In addition to RV needs, it is a great item to own even if you don’t have an RV.
Alternative Methods For Cooling Rv Refrigerators:
You can choose from a few other options if you do not want to run any risks while keeping your food cool.
Below are a few of my favorite alternatives:
- Just don’t run the fridge. The temperature of your fridge only drops by 4 degrees Fahrenheit every eight hours it is turned off. You won’t need to turn on the refrigerator to protect your food.
- Turn your fridge’s temperature down the night before. You can easily keep things cold throughout your tip if you set your refrigerator to the coldest setting. The refrigerator will also be safe to use, since you won’t be driving.
- Make use of an ice chest. This option can keep all your food and drinks cold throughout the day. Additionally, you will be able to open the fridge less frequently.
You can choose any of these options without using your refrigerator, but you will still enjoy its benefits. Having all the food you need for the day is still possible. You will also be able to keep your fridge’s contents cool.
You can also get more tips on how to keep your fridge cool without turning on your Rv refrigerator. Just click on here!
In case you are concerned about the risks associated with running propane while driving, here is the best option for you:
Here Is A List Of Camping Foods That Don’t Require Refrigeration In Rvs:
You can always pack foods that do not require a fridge if you are not convinced that using a fridge is for you. During your trip, you may want to buy refrigerated items when you are close to your campsite if you need them.
A lot of food can be taken camping without refrigeration in the RV.
- Velveeta cheese
- Honey
- Bisquick
- Dried herbs and spices
- Canned Evaporated Milk
- Cookies
- Smores
- Crackers
- Potato Chips
- Cured Meat
- Bread
- Bagels
- Powdered Milk
- Dry Lentils and Beans
- Soy Sauce
- Potatoes
- Energy Bars
- Raisins
- Fresh Fruits
- Fresh Vegetables
- Cereal
- Tortillas
- Rice Cakes
- Nuts
- Candy bars
- Pretzels
- Beef Jerky
- Oatmeal
- Pancake Mix
- Dried Fruit
- Canned vegetables and beans
- Trail Mix
- Popcorn
- Instant Noodles
- Dehydrated meals
Almost an endless amount of foods can be consumed without a fridge, as demonstrated by this list. The same things you’d take camping in a tent.
Additionally, there are foods you can prepare ahead of time that is not on this list. As an example, if you need an ingredient from the fridge to make a meal, prepare it before you leave.
If you don’t want to use your fridge during your trip, several other options exist.
Conclusion:
RV refrigerators can certainly be operated while driving. Nevertheless, you must decide how much risk you are willing to take regarding RV travel safety. It is impossible for there to be one right answer for everyone.
