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Old 06-29-2022, 12:15 PM   #1
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Newbie with a Fridge Question

Hi all, the wife and I are waiting on our 5.0 TA and trying to learn as much as possible in anticipation of a delivery mid next year. We are curious regarding two issues somewhat rekated issues:

1. If you go with the 3 way Fridge, is there a way to select gas, the trailer batteries or the 12v from your tow vehicle while traveling?

2. If you are not running anything on gas, i.e. gas is shutoff, do you still gave to stop at tunnels and bridges for inspections?
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Old 06-29-2022, 12:25 PM   #2
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Hi and welcome.

The fridge is Auto select. If you're plugged in it can default to run on 110V but you can select it run on propane etc.

I guess inspections are a back East situation so I don't know the answer. But on this side of North America I've never encountered any inspections. When using ferries you're handed a sticker and told to close your propane valve and put the sticker on the valve. That's it.

Some folks shut off their propane when fueling up, some don't.

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Old 06-29-2022, 12:50 PM   #3
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Re: refueling with refer in operation, I always stop at the first pump for refueling, the trailer and propane source is maybe 15 feet away from me and the fumes.
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Old 06-29-2022, 03:04 PM   #4
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There is no way to operate the 3-way fridge remotely from your tow vehicle. However, if you set the fridge to Auto, it will choose whatever is available while underway. Ie: if you drive with propane tank open, we don't, the fridge will automatically select gas. If you don't drive with your propane on it will default to DC. This is what we do and we have solar so our batteries don't run down with the fridge on DC power as they are being charged by the solar.
In regards to your second question, I don't have a clue. :-)
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Old 06-29-2022, 03:07 PM   #5
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I have never stopped for propane inspection, anywhere, anytime.
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Old 06-29-2022, 03:39 PM   #6
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Quote:
Originally Posted by cpaharley2008 View Post
I have never stopped for propane inspection, anywhere, anytime.
Considering the number of states and provinces that we've travelled collectively in could this be an Urban Myth?

Only time that I've had any other type of inspection, aside from water craft, was at the US border near Yellowstone.

Three border agents and they said that they were inspecting my hitch Factory tow package, nothing unusual, and a WDH. They wiggled and jiggled and almost looked disappointed that they didn't find anything wrong. Really don't know what that was all about.

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Old 06-29-2022, 07:57 PM   #7
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Quote:
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…, if you set the fridge to Auto, it will choose whatever is available while underway. Ie: if you drive with propane tank open, we don't, the fridge will automatically select gas. If you don't drive with your propane on it will default to DC. …
On our fridge, Auto only selects between AC and Propane. DC must be selected manually.
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Old 06-29-2022, 10:12 PM   #8
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#2. The interstate tunnels in Hampton Roads, VA have a dedicated lane for vehicles with propane tanks to pull into so you can close your propane valve and someone usually comes and checks. Baltimore Harbor Tunnel also requires propane tanks to be closed but I don’t remember if they have a turnout for that. Unfortunately there isn’t a turnout at the other end so you can open the valve
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Old 06-30-2022, 01:35 AM   #9
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I got this list from rvblogger.com.


The following popular tunnels prohibit LP gas. You will see signs as you approach each of these tunnels for convenient alternate routes for RVs.
⛔️ Prohibited Tunnels in Arizona

  • I-10 thru Phoenix, AZ. Park deck tunnel.
⛔️ Prohibited Tunnels in Kentucky/Tennessee

  • US 25E tunnel at Cumberland Gap between KY and TN
⛔️ Prohibited Tunnels in Maryland:

  • Baltimore Harbor and Fort McHenry (I-95) tunnels – Alternate route for RVs with propane over the Francis Scott Key Bridge is I-695.
⛔️ Prohibited Tunnels In Massachusetts:

  • Massachusetts/Boston Harbor: All tunnels prohibit propane
⛔️ Prohibited Tunnels In New York and New Jersey:

  • Brooklyn Battery Tunnel (East River between Manhattan and Brooklyn)
  • Queens Midtown Tunnel (East River between Manhattan and Queens)
  • Holland Tunnel (Hudson River between Manhattan and Jersey City
  • Lower level George Washington Bridge (I-95 South), George Washington Bridge Expressway, Lower level Verrazano Narrows Bridge (Hudson River between Manhattan and Fort Lee)
  • Lincoln Tunnel (between Manhattan and Weehawken
⛔️ Prohibited Tunnels in Texas

  • Texas/Houston Ship Channel: Washburn Tunnel between Pasadena and Galena Park
⛔️ Prohibited Tunnels In Canada

  • Montreal tunnel – use the Hwy 30 bypass, its shorter/faster but does have a small toll.
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Old 06-30-2022, 02:26 AM   #10
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One recommendation is to download all the Escape maintenance and "how-to" videos. They have one on the fridge as well as other important components of your trailer like the furnace, the electrical system, etc. I downloaded them all onto a USB stick, and I keep that in the trailer for use when traveling. I had to clean the sail switch in the furnace once while we were out and the video was a lifesaver.
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Old 06-30-2022, 06:01 AM   #11
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"I downloaded them all onto a USB stick, and I keep that in the trailer for use when traveling."

Great Idea! Just another example why this forum is a gem.
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Old 06-30-2022, 01:55 PM   #12
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Originally Posted by kathytony1985 View Post
If you don't drive with your propane on it will default to DC. This is what we do and we have solar so our batteries don't run down with the fridge on DC power as they are being charged by the solar.
In regards to your second question, I don't have a clue. :-)
Correct me if I'm wrong but will the batteries not be recharged from the TV while driving?
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Old 06-30-2022, 02:04 PM   #13
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I understand from others on the forum that it is just a trickle charge, but I don't know anything about electricity. I just know ours defaults to DC when driving of the propane is off. ��
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Old 06-30-2022, 02:15 PM   #14
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Quote:
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Correct me if I'm wrong but will the batteries not be recharged from the TV while driving?
Not if the fridge is on DC. Tow vehicle can only handle one or the other.
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Old 06-30-2022, 02:49 PM   #15
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Not if the fridge is on DC. Tow vehicle can only handle one or the other.
Depends on your tow vehicle.
Ours charges trailer batteries AND operates fridge on DC just fine!
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Old 06-30-2022, 02:56 PM   #16
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That depends on the wiring from TV to trailer. I had 10 gauge used for mine because I anticipated using DC. As Reace explained to me, if you leave a campsite with depleted house battery and run the fridge on DC, you will arrive at your next campsite with a depleted house battery. So, I switched to a two-way propane/AC fridge.
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Old 06-30-2022, 03:00 PM   #17
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It's great to have options!
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Old 06-30-2022, 03:41 PM   #18
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Fender View Post
Correct me if I'm wrong but will the batteries not be recharged from the TV while driving?

The fridge draws so much power on 12 volt that it is difficult for most tow vehicle's alternators to keep up with the demand. Many people who are uncomfortable driving with the fridge on propane have had to either install a more powerful alternator and heavier wiring. Or have solar panels to supplement the alternator's output.
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Old 06-30-2022, 08:34 PM   #19
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Quote:
Originally Posted by billswave View Post
Hi all, the wife and I are waiting on our 5.0 TA and trying to learn as much as possible in anticipation of a delivery mid next year. We are curious regarding two issues somewhat rekated issues:

1. If you go with the 3 way Fridge, is there a way to select gas, the trailer batteries or the 12v from your tow vehicle while traveling?

2. If you are not running anything on gas, i.e. gas is shutoff, do you still gave to stop at tunnels and bridges for inspections?
You might want want to check out todays Q & A from Escape. Looks like the 3 way fridge is not going to be available for long as they are not going to be manufactured any more.
The options will be propane/AC for absorption fridges, I am not sure about the other type of fridge (condenser?) but I think they offer a DC version?
There are lots of changes due to supply issues and changes by the manufacturer, for instance the emergency window is changing also.

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Old 07-01-2022, 07:06 AM   #20
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I have always liked the ac/propane absorption refer, never used DC option for cooling....
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