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Old 05-24-2015, 02:50 PM   #1
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Running on propane

Am I missing something.When I plug my trailer into my tug.With coming of off 110 power to 12volt.The manual says it supposed to the switch,on the display graphics.Over to 12 volt,or if I'm going onto propane.With the propane I'd be turning the tanks on. Yes or no thks.
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Old 05-24-2015, 03:50 PM   #2
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Am I missing something.When I plug my trailer into my tug.With coming of off 110 power to 12volt.The manual says it supposed to the switch,on the display graphics.Over to 12 volt,or if I'm going onto propane.With the propane I'd be turning the tanks on. Yes or no thks.
A bit hard to decipher your question.

If you set the fridge to 'A" for automatic, it will automatically switch to the next available fuel source when towing - usually DC. You can also set it manually to Propane by pressing the button with the flame on it. Of course, if you want to use Propane when towing, you'll need to have the tank valve open. Some like running on Propane when towing because it generates heat (a necessary component to start the absorption process) better than the DC heating element, and therefore the fridge cools better. Be aware however that some folks have had trouble trying to tow on Propane because the flame blows out from the wind entering the compartment.

We just leave ours on Automatic and it works fine. YMMV.
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Old 05-24-2015, 03:50 PM   #3
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robert answered for me.
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Old 05-24-2015, 04:36 PM   #4
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On our 6.7 it will swap automatically from AC to propane or vise versa, to get it to go to DC you have to manually swap it. Robert, have you tried it to verify it works as you state?
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Old 05-24-2015, 04:40 PM   #5
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On our 6.7 it will swap automatically from AC to propane or vise versa, to get it to go to DC you have to manually swap it. Robert, have you tried it to verify it works as you state?
Yeah, to clarify -- if we have the Propane shut off, it will switch to DC automatically. If the Propane is supplying the fridge, it will default to that. We haven't had issues with the flame blowing out on the RMD 8555, so we leave the valves open and just leave it on Auto.
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Old 05-24-2015, 04:51 PM   #6
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Thanks, I've never tried it with the propane off.
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Old 05-24-2015, 04:53 PM   #7
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What do you do when you stop for gas and the propane function is supposed to be off?
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Old 05-24-2015, 06:34 PM   #8
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What do you do when you stop for gas and the propane function is supposed to be off?
I hate to veer off the subject a bit, but I'd like to know the rules/regs regarding traveling with propane. Is this specific to a jurisdiction or is there a general rule about it? I've been putting my fridge on 12V when traveling, but sometimes (like today) it threatens to drain the batteries. I won't do it if I don't have to.
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Old 05-24-2015, 06:48 PM   #9
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Mainly, propane off for re-fueling and traveling through tunnels and on ferries. Not sure if there is more.
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Old 05-24-2015, 07:00 PM   #10
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The attached is form the Canadian Propane Association web site. Check the second bullet.

RVs and Campers

If you and your family use a recreational vehicle (R.V.) or camper it is important to ensure all users are familiar with the manufacturer's written operating and maintenance instructions. If you are renting, ask for safety instructions. Use the same care and diligence when tending to the propane systems in your R.V. or camper as you would for those in your home or business. With respect to regulations specific to the use of R.V.s and campers in Canada:
  • In many provinces, regular inspection of the propane system on board by a qualified service technician is mandatory.
  • In most provinces, it's law that all appliances and pilot lights must be turned off and cylinder valves closed while travelling.
Contact the provincial Motor Vehicle Branch where you own, rent or operate an R.V. or camper to inquire about requirements that may apply to you.


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Old 05-24-2015, 07:06 PM   #11
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The attached is form the Canadian Propane Association web site. Check the second bullet.

RVs and Campers
  • In most provinces, it's law that all appliances and pilot lights must be turned off and cylinder valves closed while travelling.
Mark
Yeah, this was my assumption and what I was going by. I need more solar panels.
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Old 05-24-2015, 08:05 PM   #12
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Yeah, this was my assumption and what I was going by. I need more solar panels.
Interesting. Based on this I checked out a few more websites and found an article at DriveSmartBC. The Canadian Transportation of Dangerous Goods Regulations require that the appliance tank valves be closed when your RV is moving. I see no real issue with this, provided your trailer's propane system is well maintained, but apparently there is a wide difference of opinion. I tow with the valves open. I'm living on the edge.

Operating RV's with Propane On | DriveSmartBC
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Old 05-24-2015, 08:16 PM   #13
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Just based on the quality of the writing, I'm not convinced the author knows what he is talking about.
Anyway, some time ago Jim Bennett did a survey, writing to the ministry of transportation in every province across Canada and determined that there was no law about driving with propane on. There are laws about fueling and ferries.
Imagine all those propane-powered vehicles that couldn't move because their propane was turned off.
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Old 05-24-2015, 08:24 PM   #14
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With my 5.0 the frig is on the passenger side and I tow with the propane on. And always stop at an outside pump so there is no one on my right. With the TA, the frig is on the driver's side (with the gas fill), so I expect i will tow on DC if possible, or turn off the propane while pumping gas.
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Old 05-24-2015, 08:26 PM   #15
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This is previous thread on the subject. Includes Jim's findings.

http://www.escapeforum.org/forums/f9...tor-199-7.html
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Old 05-24-2015, 08:56 PM   #16
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This was an issue I posted several weeks ago, about crossing the border with the frig running on propane. I didn't want to be delayed or have issues... all the Canadians that contacted me via PM said it wasn't a problem... but we know rules change hourly.
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Old 05-24-2015, 09:14 PM   #17
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Just based on the quality of the writing, I'm not convinced the author knows what he is talking about.
off.

Yeah, sounded strange to me. Thanks for pointing out Jim's thread.
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Old 05-24-2015, 09:29 PM   #18
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I've run with propane on for the fridge, but I tend to forget to pull over and shut it down prior to fueling. And, stopping again, after fueling to restart it is a pain. I've found with my 5.0 fridge that if I keep the door shut, the fridge can be off for four or five hours and the ice-cream will just be soft enough to scoop.
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Old 05-24-2015, 10:42 PM   #19
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Yes today we had to surrender two eggs and a frozen Costco chicken breast to the gloved border guard as we crossed into Vancouver - apparently there is an outbreak of avian flu in the U.S. She was very nice and did not even want to check the contents of the trailer once we surrendered our contraband.
We are at Burnaby a Cariboo RV Park tonight - there is a 17 near us - wonder who?
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Old 05-24-2015, 10:44 PM   #20
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One wouldn't want to offend the BC Egg Marketing Board.
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