Can You Run Your Camper Fridge While Driving?

by | Last updated on January 24, 2024

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The short answer is:

Yes! An RV fridge can be used while driving

. Keep in mind there are safety concerns with running propane while driving.

How long will a 20 lb propane tank run a refrigerator?

If you’re using a standard 20-lb propane tank, you can expect it to last around

11 days

(non-stop) before needing to replace or refill it.

Can you run an RV refrigerator on propane while driving?


Shut your propane off entirely and run your fridge on 12 volt DC power

. That’s what it’s there for. Your generator is another option, if you have one, for running off of AC power. This is a very safe method, and comes with the added bonus of running an air conditioner in your motorhome.

Is it OK to run generator while driving RV?


Driving with the RV generator on is perfectly safe

and will allow you to run all of your major RV appliances while driving your RV. Even though it is not the most fuel efficient way to drive your RV, you and any passengers on board may be very happy being able to use all the conveniences the RV has to offer.

Will RV fridge run off battery while driving?

So will RV fridges run off of battery while driving?

They sure will

. If you’re still looking for another option, however, you could always run your generator and use AC power to run your fridge.

Can you leave gas fridge on while driving?

A:

Travelling with the gas turned on is a big no-no

. All caravan and gas appliance manufacturers advise you to turn the gas off while travelling for safety. This is more due to having a naked flame running on your van, and associated dangers with entering a service station, than any issues with the fridge itself.

How do you travel in an RV refrigerator?

If you have a three-way RV fridge that you want to run while you’re driving, you’re in luck – that third power option is there specifically for this purpose. You won’t need to run your propane tank or your generator to keep your fridge cold; just

switch it to 12V DC

and you’re all set!

Is it better to run RV fridge on propane or electric?

Many agree that

RV refrigerators work better on electricity

, as it keeps the food fresh and cold for a longer period. On the other hand, a gas RV fridge will cool faster and stay colder even in high temperatures.

Does RV fridge work better on propane?

Generally speaking,

propane-powered RV fridges are preferred as they don’t require a lot of maintenance, and they last longer as they don’t have any moving parts

. An electric fridge, on the other hand, is a bit safer and doesn’t require you to be on the lookout for gas leaks.

How long will propane tank last RV fridge?

Although times will vary depending on the battery and fridge, the average RV fridge will run for

8 to 10 hours

with the batteries on. When plugged into shore power your house batteries will be charging so the battery will last as long as you are plugged in.

Can you walk around in an RV while driving?


Even if there are no laws preventing you from walking around in your RV while it is in motion, you should still stay seated and wear a seatbelt

. Walking around in your RV will put you at serious risk for a severe injury. It could even result in a fatality.

Do you need a special license to drive an RV?

Here is the simple answer:

You don’t need a special license to drive most motorhomes

. If you’re driving any vehicle under 26,000 pounds — and most RV classes are — you are clear to drive with a regular operator’s driver’s license according to current DMV laws in all 50 states.

Can you use the microwave in an RV while driving?

Can you use the microwave in an RV while driving? The short answer is yes.

If you have a built-in generator or inverter, you can power most anything while you are moving.

Does an RV fridge need power to run on propane?

To run on propane (LP),

an RV fridge does not require battery power

, but it does require battery power to open the gas valve and fire the igniter. The front panel LEDs and thermostat are also powered by RV batteries. RV refrigerators commonly use a gas absorption cooling system.

How long will a 12 volt battery run a RV refrigerator?

In general, a 12V-50Ah battery can run a 2 cubic feet 12V fridge for

35 to 50 hours

before it’s completely depleted. A 10 cubic feet RV refrigerator can run on the same battery for only 10 to 15 hours. However, it’s important to note that: Batteries should not be fully discharged.

Will an RV fridge run on propane without a battery?


The fridge will not run on propane if the batteries are too low

. It uses battery power for the control board and for ignition. The batteries have to be pretty low. The fridge does not draw much power on propane but it does need the voltage.

How much propane does a RV fridge use?

Generally, a 10 to 12 cubic foot RV fridge will burn about

1.5 pounds of propane per day

.

How much electricity does a RV refrigerator use?

The small RV refrigerator ended up using about

5 kWh of power per day

. Our entire battery bank is about 24 kWh. This means that nearly every day about 20% to 25% of all our usable battery power would need to go to powering the refrigerator.

How long does it take a RV fridge to get cold?

The time for your RV refrigerator to get cold would vary depending on the type of fridge you have. Some RV fridge units usually take

5.5 to 6 hours

to reach the recommended temperature. While some RV fridges would take three to 24 hours to cool down.

Jasmine Sibley
Author
Jasmine Sibley
Jasmine is a DIY enthusiast with a passion for crafting and design. She has written several blog posts on crafting and has been featured in various DIY websites. Jasmine's expertise in sewing, knitting, and woodworking will help you create beautiful and unique projects.