Heat buildup on fridge when closed

I have a new 3023 and have wondered if there is a significant heat buildup from the fridge burner when the trailer is stowed. Also, should the fridge fan be run when towing with the fridge on LP?

That heat must go somewhere and if it builds up too much I would think that the potential for fire is present.

[rtcassel]

The fridge should be on the battery setting when towing; towing with the fridge on LP presents a safety concern. The fan should be running if the fridge is set to any energy source and the TM is closed.

Originally Posted by central_texan

...wondered if there is a significant heat buildup from the fridge burner when the trailer is stowed. Also, should the fridge fan be run when towing with the fridge on LP?

Read your refrigerator instruction book. If you understand the principal, whether you operate on LP, 12VDC or 120VAC, heat needs to be removed from the ammonia line in order to keep the reefer cold. That's is the purpose of the fan, whether the shells are opened or closed for traveling. So, when you take off on a trip, make sure the fan is turned on, whether you use LP or 12VDC while traveling.

It is adviseable to pre-cool the refrigerator on 120VDC or LP for about 24 hours before you plan to leave. Load the reefer during the last couple of hours. Before you close up, I recommend you switch to 12VDC and turn on the fan. Be aware though, if your tow vehicle battery is not isolated from the trailer when the ignition switch is turned off, you could run down the battery in the TV if parked too long (10-12 hrs) with the trailer connected. The reefer draws about 10 amps on 12VDC.

LP is best used if you are boondocking and 120VDC is not available at the campsite. We use LP while traveling with our current rig because the reefer doesn't have the 12VDC option as our TM did. It is safe to do so as long as you remember to turn off the reefer at gas stations, before entering tunnels, or loading the rig onto a ferry.

Happy camping,

In case anyone hasn't check, in many states it is illegal to have the LP gas turned on while an rv/trailer is in motion. If the flame goes out in your reefer while traveling the unit could fill up with gas and present an explosion hazard. Then there is the danger present to Firefighters, EMT's, bystanders in the event of an accident. Please folks, turn your LP gas off before towing. Thanks.

Originally Posted by grampa

In case anyone hasn't check, in many states it is illegal to have the LP gas turned on while an rv/trailer is in motion. If the flame goes out in your reefer while traveling the unit could fill up with gas and present an explosion hazard.

I believe this is misinformation. If you have the Good Sam Travel Directory, the laws for towing in every state are listed in the front of the book. Our personal experience includes travel in every US state except the deep South, and across Canada. We have never encountered any prohibition on using LP while traveling in either country, except where noted: gas stations, tunnels and ferrys.

All LP-powered reefers have an automated cut-off for the gas if the flame goes out, just as does your gas-powered forced air heater in your home. There is no danger of LP escaping into the trailer if the flame goes out.

Please, verify your facts before you distribute erroneous information.

[fcatwo]

The new tanks may have a shut off device that prevents fast escape of gas but manufacturers (including TM) used to recommend shutting off the gas valves at the tank before traveling. The reason is that a gas hose could be severed in an accident and add a cloud of propane/butane to an already bad situation. Like others, we traveled with the fridge on propane in our 5th wheel but with the 12V alternative on the TM there is no reason to take that chance.