Keep refrigerator cold while driving

[Jaykol]

For the first time, we will be driving multiple days this summer - Michigan to the Black Hills, time there and then driving back, 3 to 5 days each way going thru the UP. Normally we drive 2-4 hours to a campground and for a day or two we just crank up the fridge at home before we go and all is well for a few hours. I feel a drive day of 6-8 hours or so could warm the fridge to much, and I don't want to use propane on the move. Will a bunch of ice packs keep it cold? Or a battery bank and plugging in the fridge directly, then recharging it each night? Or just use a cooler and stock up when we get there? Wife has insulin which must be kept cold.

[The Gritz Carlton]

They are designed to function while underway. Turn off if fueling (here comes lots of goober drama). If not comfortable doing this, place blue ice packs tightly throughout...don't open it. All should be good for a day. The more you have in the fridge, the easier it is to maintain cold.

[TMTEX]

Last summer we went from Dallas to the Black Hills. I drove 4-6 hrs a day and had no issues with it off. It kept cool/cold/frozen. Now it was all plugged in before we left

[CAG]

Originally Posted by Jaykol

For the first time, we will be driving multiple days this summer - Michigan to the Black Hills, time there and then driving back, 3 to 5 days each way going thru the UP. Normally we drive 2-4 hours to a campground and for a day or two we just crank up the fridge at home before we go and all is well for a few hours. I feel a drive day of 6-8 hours or so could warm the fridge to much, and I don't want to use propane on the move. Will a bunch of ice packs keep it cold? Or a battery bank and plugging in the fridge directly, then recharging it each night? Or just use a cooler and stock up when we get there? Wife has insulin which must be kept cold.

Literally volumes of information on traveling with the fridge on and how to keep the fridge cool.



Try the search feature at the top of the page for some of those previous threads.

[Tunce the traveler]

I use 3 of these milk containers when I first start out. They are 52 Oz. & takes me 3 days to freeze them. 1/3 fill per day. I put one in the freezer & two in the frig and they last me 3 days+. I drive approximately 6 hours per day or 300-350 miles then plug into an RV Site till the next day and always have ice when I arrive at my destination that is approximately 1100 miles away ( from Bellingham to Pismo Beach). If I’m going to use them for my regular trip of 10 weeks then at night I put all 3 at the bottom of my freezer then I always have ice. Been doing this for 11 years now but there’s only just the 2 of us so our fridge/ freezer are never that full to begin with

[pconroy]

I'd say it depends on the type of 'fridge. Ours is an absorbtion style and can run on propane just fine. I set the switch to "Auto" and it flips between propane and electric.

Residential style 'fridge, you'd keep the electric on, and that plug energized.

[Isaacs]

I drive with my propane fridge running all the time, no problems.

[dwaynebmsg]

Propane/electric refrigerator always on auto. Never give it a second thought.

[Jagiven]

Originally Posted by dwaynebmsg

Propane/electric refrigerator always on auto. Never give it a second thought.

X2, for a 2 way frig.

What style frig do you have? Residential frig, 12v or a 2 way propane/electric.

[mrmom]

I run our propane fridge all the time when travelling. The only issue we have had is that once in a while, on windy or rainy days, we have found the fridge light blinking when we stop (propane has stopped working). Reset the switch and all is fine. When travelling in the heat of summer we will just freeze 2 or 3 water bottles before we leave and place them in the fridge while travelling just to be safe. When you arrive at your destination, just throw them back in the freezer until the next trip.

[Happy wife / happy life]

Not wanting to use propane when traveling kind’a throws a monkey wrench it to keeping the fridg cold in the summer time . I’m just curious why you don’t want to use propane. Ours is electric/propane set on automatic, we have no problem keeping things cold while traveling.

[colby]

Originally Posted by Happy wife / happy life

Not wanting to use propane when traveling kind’a throws a monkey wrench it to keeping the fridg cold in the summer time . I’m just curious why you don’t want to use propane. Ours is electric/propane set on automatic, we have no problem keeping things cold while traveling.

While there is no law against it, I think it is just a personal preference. Lots of people have never had issues, some people are more risk adverse. Kind of like driving on all season tires instead of putting on winter tires in northern climates.

[Jaykol]

Newer two way fridge, 110v and propane. I realized it is controversial (maybe even third behind tire pressure and driving speed lol) but I don't want to use propane while driving. Sounds like the ice packs will be enough.

[billcf7]

Originally Posted by colby

While there is no law against it, I think it is just a personal preference. Lots of people have never had issues, some people are more risk adverse. Kind of like driving on all season tires instead of putting on winter tires in northern climates.

There is a law against it in tunnels, gas stations, ferries and bridges in some states and provinces

[The Gritz Carlton]

Just curious why you don't want to use propane while traveling? Fire hazard or using up propane? Im lucky by choice that mine is 3-way...it was a requirement for us. Propane while boondocking, 12V while underway and 120V when connected. I leave it on 24/7.

[Jaykol]

My reasoning is the potential hazard, and hassle/remembering to turn it on and off. Although I would guess a lot of people don't turn it off at gas stations or pull over for a bridge.

[harryjr]

While it may take a bit of research to find some, you could always pick up some dry ice. Just don't put too much in the fridge, or you could freeze your fruits and veggies.

[The Gritz Carlton]

Too much drama for me...its about the journey, not the destination. Just pack a big cooler and use the fridge for storage.

[gypsmjim]

The propane tank is safe and secure and nothing will happen if you leave the valve open.

Butttttt, what about that flimsy little rubber hose. Any chance it might split and leak? Probably not in a million years...hahaha.

Even if it does leak, the wind will probably blow the gas away....right?

Ever see a propane tank explode? I have.

Do as you please. But if you leave it open don't park next to me at the interstate rest stop. Momma didn't raise no moron.

[colby]

Originally Posted by billcf7

There is a law against it in tunnels, gas stations, ferries and bridges in some states and provinces

Agreed, I should have more concise.