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 > Refrigerator operation while driving

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goldsmje

maryland

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Posted: 08/19/08 08:59pm Link  |  Quote  |  Print  |  Notify Moderator

Hi, We just traded in a pop-up and bought a 2009 Jayco Octane. When I have the trailer hooked up to the tow vehicle and am driving, is the refrigerator working off the hookup to the truck??? Or do I need to have it set on propane while driving?

Rvndave

Medina, Ohio

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Posted: 08/19/08 09:02pm Link  |  Quote  |  Print  |  Notify Moderator

Unless it is a 3 way refrigerator, you will need to have the propane on. You might have to cycle the fridge on/off a few times to bleed the air out of the propane line.


2003 Jayco 308fbs eagle 33' tt, towed by a 2003 Ram 3500 slt, quad cab dually, cummins diesel ho, trailer towing package, with 6 speed manual. Hauls better 1/2, 3 kids, myself, and a 2003 ez go clays car.. I have added so far, neon lights, clearance lights, back up lights, black light, lift kit, mud tires, and everything necessary to make the golf cart street legal. It's now ready to spend the winter in the garage for more mods. More neon, strobe lights, alarm, a pa system, maintance, and whatever else that comes along. This golf cart does wheelies and travels thru 7 inches of mud when need be. Two honda eu2000i gens twinned to supply the electrical power. Latest addition an 04 Honda Goldwing. [url]http://www.hometown.aol.com/rvnagain/myhomepage/profile.html[url]

Eycom

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Posted: 08/19/08 09:08pm Link  |  Quote  |  Print  |  Notify Moderator

Depends... some fridges run on all three modes, propane, AC, and DC. An "auto" mode will detect the most efficient source. The DC mode on mine is the least efficient. The truck's alternator can't quite keep up. Subsequently, I'm starting in a hole when I stop to boondock. And heaven forbid, I stop for any length of time while in the DC mode and I forget to switch it over to gas. Needless to say, I don't use DC mode unless I have no shore power or am out of propane.


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RVN'S 4 US

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Posted: 08/19/08 09:13pm Link  |  Quote  |  Print  |  Notify Moderator

Since most newer 5ers/TT/TH do not have 3 way frig, you probably will need to run off propane or have a possibility to plug in your AC cord.

Some pick-ups now come with an inverter in the bed. Some people have the capability of having an inverter pre-wired in option packs. Some have done it themselves. As noted above, you may want to use this as less than an all day option.

I can normally drive a 300-330 mile day without the frig running at all and still have no spoilage.


Plan for tomorrow. Live for today. Learn from yesterday.


talonguy

Schertz, TX

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Posted: 08/19/08 10:04pm Link  |  Quote  |  Print  |  Notify Moderator

Put it on auto (if you have that setting available), make sure the propane is on (and primed), and you'll have no problems. As said before, it probably isn't 3-way, so it'll either need 120 VAC or propane to run. The contol section does work on 12V DC (your truck should provide this when you are plugged into the truck and the truck is running).

RVpullinGuy

North Ogden, Utah

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Posted: 08/20/08 02:10am Link  |  Quote  |  Print  |  Notify Moderator

I believe most fridges are either electric or propane and when driving function on propane. Most have an auto mode you can use and it will switch automatically from electricity (shore power) when unplug and drive away.

One trick I've learned to clear the lines of air so that the auto switch works every time is.... I light my stove in the trailer before I leave and draw all the air out and the propane through the lines. You only need to let them burn for a few seconds. Then the auto switch will always work for you when switching to propane.


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UPSed

Green Valley

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Posted: 08/20/08 09:05am Link  |  Quote  |  Print  |  Notify Moderator

I've run mine on propane while driving in the past but was told it is dangerous AND against the law here in CA. Does anyone know for sure?

MadMav

Colorado Springs, CO

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Posted: 08/20/08 10:24am Link  |  Quote  |  Print  |  Notify Moderator

I heard it was only illegal when going through tunnels.

Running on propane is the way to go. Quite efficent too.

Mav


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reno82

Cardiff by the Sea, CA

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Posted: 08/20/08 01:44pm Link  |  Quote  |  Print  |  Notify Moderator

Only illegal in Ca when fueling or going through some tunnels (the tunnels will have a sign if you need to shut it off) Other wise it works great and always the way I travel.

jim87vette

Arizona

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Posted: 08/20/08 05:17pm Link  |  Quote  |  Print  |  Notify Moderator

I put mine on auto, but like said above purge the lines and check the pilot area of the refer before I go anywhere just in case some critters decided to set-up camp.Wait until you know it has started to run before you go anywhere.I guess I really don't understand the danger running on the fly because everything is vented just like a home?


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