The advice in the Scamp manual for my 2016 13' is to pre-cool the refrigerator on shore power, drive with the refrigerator switches set to 12v, then change to propane or shore power at the site. How can one know if the tow vehicle's wiring is adequate to run the refrigerator plus keep the battery charged? (I want a fully charged battery when I arrive at a boondocking site.) If there is any doubt, is it *safe* to use the propane while driving?
Each person makes that decision for themselves. This is a question that has as many answers as there are RV Owners !!!
The one argument I heard against driving with your Fridge running on Propane is incase there were an accident and a Propane line broke and Propane started leaking / free flowing. Now, I feel this opinion was formulated based on the older style tank valves which did not have a mechanism to prevent Propane from free-flowing out of the tank incase a line broke.
The newer style tank valves do have built-in protection against a free-flowing Propane line, so I believe there is less of an issue during an accident with the new tank valves than with the previous tank valves ( the new tank valves have a trilobal on/off valve).
Know the risks and make an informed decision.
PS: If you do decide to drive with the fridge on, be certain to turn off the Propane whenever you go through long tunnels (required by law).
The propane fridge operates with an open flame. Pumping gas into your tow vehicle with an open flame right next to you could ruin your day. It would make the gas station owner unhappy. It would give the local fire department something to do! Be Safe!
We have a 13', big-bed, layout 1 (no bath), on order and I've been wondering quite a bit about forgoing the propane stove (as you were thinking of doing) for an open counter space and portable induction plate. I am curious ot know which way you went and if you are happy with how it has been for your camping adventures.
Heather, we did not buy the 13' and bought the 17' instead. We did have the propane stove and am happy we did. We sold the Scamp 2 yrs ago due to size. Bought a 20.5' Retro.
good luck in your choice
happy camping!
Thanks for making us feel so welcome.
If you have a choice, Please buy, "Made in America"
The advice in the Scamp manual for my 2016 13' is to pre-cool the refrigerator on shore power, drive with the refrigerator switches set to 12v, then change to propane or shore power at the site. How can one know if the tow vehicle's wiring is adequate to run the refrigerator plus keep the battery charged? (I want a fully charged battery when I arrive at a boondocking site.) If there is any doubt, is it *safe* to use the propane while driving?
Each person makes that decision for themselves. This is a question that has as many answers as there are RV Owners !!!
The one argument I heard against driving with your Fridge running on Propane is incase there were an accident and a Propane line broke and Propane started leaking / free flowing. Now, I feel this opinion was formulated based on the older style tank valves which did not have a mechanism to prevent Propane from free-flowing out of the tank incase a line broke.
The newer style tank valves do have built-in protection against a free-flowing Propane line, so I believe there is less of an issue during an accident with the new tank valves than with the previous tank valves ( the new tank valves have a trilobal on/off valve).
Know the risks and make an informed decision.
PS: If you do decide to drive with the fridge on, be certain to turn off the Propane whenever you go through long tunnels (required by law).
As Always,
Happy Scamping !!!
The propane fridge operates with an open flame. Pumping gas into your tow vehicle with an open flame right next to you could ruin your day. It would make the gas station owner unhappy. It would give the local fire department something to do! Be Safe!
Hello,
We have a 13', big-bed, layout 1 (no bath), on order and I've been wondering quite a bit about forgoing the propane stove (as you were thinking of doing) for an open counter space and portable induction plate. I am curious ot know which way you went and if you are happy with how it has been for your camping adventures.
Thank you!
Heather
Heather, we did not buy the 13' and bought the 17' instead. We did have the propane stove and am happy we did. We sold the Scamp 2 yrs ago due to size. Bought a 20.5' Retro.
good luck in your choice
happy camping!
Thanks for making us feel so welcome.
If you have a choice, Please buy, "Made in America"
I can't believe you found the post and answered it. I appreciate it and hope you enjoy your 20.5 retro immensely! :)
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