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Old 05-09-2014, 05:05 PM   #1
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Propane on when trailering?

Just watched a u tube video warning about trailering with the propane turned on. The concern centered around a tire blow out and the resulting tire and steel belts ripping into the propane lines running along side the frame near the tires. The warning was about the belts and any sparks igniting the propane.
Is this a concern, what are the options of the members here?
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Old 05-09-2014, 05:12 PM   #2
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We run with it turned on so we can keep the fridge cold. There's always the possibility of something like that happening but hard to predict. A lot of travel days for us are 500 miles and that's a long time to have the fridge off. It is recommended during fueling to shut them off but this risk about tire blowout is new to me. Won't stop me from leaving it on while towing though.
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Old 05-09-2014, 05:33 PM   #3
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I've towed a bunch of miles with the propane turned on to keep the fridge cold. As Scott said, 6 or 7 hours is a long haul with perishable items in the fridge. There is a risk, but not enough for me to worry too much about. I did smell propane at a rest stop once, and when I checked it out, it was a leaking compression fitting in the line going to the outdoor kitchen on my previous camper. It is a good idea to pay attention to things like that when you stop.
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Old 05-09-2014, 05:59 PM   #4
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it is on here. I think about all the reasons above but like said others it out ways the risk.
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Old 05-09-2014, 06:44 PM   #5
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Modern propane regulators have a high flow rate safety shutoff. If a propane line is ruptured for any reason the high flow will quickly result in the flow being shutoff. Blown tire, ruptured hose while operating kitchen slide out, or whatever happens, the regulator is designed to minimize the risk.
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Old 05-09-2014, 06:58 PM   #6
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We also run with the propane on. We are real conscious about shutting the fridge off before going up to the pumps. More so now with the gasoline.
I've heard some say they weren't to worried about an ignition at the pumps because they were pumping diesel.
For those of you that feel that way, just remember, the guy next to you, behind you, or in front of you, might be pumping gas, and if the wind is in the right direction there could be a big explosion.
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Old 05-09-2014, 07:03 PM   #7
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I saw a trailer accident last year and yes they catch on fire. But if your in an accident, you are going to have bigger problems.

Also, I believe you're supposed to shut off the propane and fridge when traveling through tunnels. Not that I am compliant
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Old 05-09-2014, 08:04 PM   #8
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Dayle1 is correct. The propane cylinders have an excess flow feature that will stop the flow of propane with a line break situation.
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Old 05-09-2014, 08:06 PM   #9
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I wondered if it was safe to leave the fridge on when towing. I asked at my walk thru when I purchased the trailer. He told me for safety and liability he had to tell me to turn it off.
He said he knew people in fifth wheels that towed with it on.
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Old 05-09-2014, 08:21 PM   #10
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I know of very few that do tow with it off. Like others said on a long trip, how do you keep your food cold? If a tunnel requires I turn it off, I do, then turn it back on.
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Old 05-09-2014, 11:18 PM   #11
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We also run with the propane on. We are real conscious about shutting the fridge off before going up to the pumps. More so now with the gasoline.
I've heard some say they weren't to worried about an ignition at the pumps because they were pumping diesel.
For those of you that feel that way, just remember, the guy next to you, behind you, or in front of you, might be pumping gas, and if the wind is in the right direction there could be a big explosion.
Unless like many of us, we use the big rig fueling stations where gasoline isn't anywhere to be found.

I like the taller canopy heights and wide bays too.
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Old 05-10-2014, 06:28 AM   #12
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Does that mean you don't turn your fridge off while you are fueling?
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Old 05-10-2014, 06:48 AM   #13
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I run with the fridge on and refuel the same. Don't know of anyone who turns theirs off. The concentration of fumes from a filling station, at the distance and height of a fridges propane flame, would need to be so great for an explosion that I just don't see it happening.
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Old 05-10-2014, 07:13 AM   #14
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I run with the fridge on and refuel the same. Don't know of anyone who turns theirs off. The concentration of fumes from a filling station, at the distance and height of a fridges propane flame, would need to be so great for an explosion that I just don't see it happening.
You apparently have never seen the videos of explosions at the gas pumps.
Fumes travel on air currents, and gas fumes are the worst. They not only travel with air currents, they can also pocket.
I hope for you and your families sake this never happens to you.
It's a minor inconvenience to shut it off and turn it back on, but well worth it for the safety of everyone around.
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Old 05-10-2014, 07:44 AM   #15
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I know a tire can go from debris in the road, but a good practice is to check tire temp every few hundred miles to see if they are overly warm. low or over inflated tires can heat up and blow just as easily as a debris blowout. FYI, I do know the tunnels going into VaBch require ALL campers with propane to be inspected before entering. The Lehigh tunnel in Pa does not. Pay attention to signage and you won't be surprised.
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Old 05-10-2014, 10:05 AM   #16
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You apparently have never seen the videos of explosions at the gas pumps.
Fumes travel on air currents, and gas fumes are the worst. They not only travel with air currents, they can also pocket.
I hope for you and your families sake this never happens to you.
It's a minor inconvenience to shut it off and turn it back on, but well worth it for the safety of everyone around.
I could not agree with Lloyd more! I spent 41 years working in a oil refinery where safe practices were preached every day and still s%$t happened. One time a fellow was drawing water out of the bottom of a large gasoline storage tank. He opened the water draw, walked half way around the tank, a distance of a couple hundred feet, lit up a cigarette and started the fumes coming out with the water on fire. Fortunately he nor anyone else was injured. Major fire resulted from an improperly grounded sample draw when the raw gasoline lit off due to static electricity. Two people were seriously burned and damage was in the millions. And diesel drivers, DO NOT think you are immune. Diesel has to be loaded in tank cars and trucks at a slower rate than gasoline because in is more susceptible to static build up. Better safe than sorry any day!
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Old 05-10-2014, 10:14 AM   #17
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Glad I got a residential pkg running off the inverter then
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Old 05-10-2014, 11:00 AM   #18
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I think All the propane gas lines are black steal pipes. Just like the ones in your house. It will be pretty hard to puncture that line with a tire steal belt.
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Old 05-10-2014, 11:19 AM   #19
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I think All the propane gas lines are black steal pipes. Just like the ones in your house. It will be pretty hard to puncture that line with a tire steal belt.
There is a piece of copper tubing behind my tire for the water heater. That could get ripped apart pretty easily. But the chances of it getting ripped open then igniting are small compared to all the other things that can happen.
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Old 05-10-2014, 11:35 AM   #20
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Glad I got a residential pkg running off the inverter then
John, you're not totally immune either. Nobody is. Static electricity can happen just by sliding in or out of the vehicle. That's why they warn people to stay at the pump once they start pumping fuel. A lot of people will jump back in the vehicle after starting the pump, especially up here in the cold country during the winter.
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