Propane Use While Driving

[sam dunn]

I was told that it is illegal to use a propane stove or frig while driving is that right.

 

[GallenH]

Generally, no. But I'll let others respond with more experience. Some have noted that certain tunnels and ferries require propane to be turned off. Otherwise, it's always recommended practice for propane to be turned off when you are at a gas station. I assume because an active pilot light burner on, say, a fridge could be dangerous with gasoline fumes in the pump vicinity. The main argument against having it continually on centers on the danger if you are in a substantial accident where a LP line in your RV system could be severed, allowing propane to escape in an uncontrolled manner where an engine fire or spark could ignite it. I've driven with it on and with it off, using 12v. For me it depends on where I'm driving and for how long.

 

[Johnnyfry]

Tunnels nd ferries usually enforce a Propane shut off policy. There may be laws in some Provences of Canada, but otherwise I know of no legal limitations. That said, there are some who shut it off and othere that run the fridge on propane underway...I fit into the latter category. I have run my fridge underway for going on 16 years and have never had any problems. Of course, I am careful to turn things off when in a filling station. I have found that operating the fridge 12 volts to be totally ineffective.

 

[youngnretired]

On our last trip out east that we just returned from, the 7 hour ferry to Newfoundland gave us a piece of paper when we purchased tickets about shutting off the propane valve at the tank. On the 90 minute ferry ride to go from Newfoundland to Labrador, the ticket lady only mentioned about shutting off the propane.

On the two other local-ish type ferries we took on our trip, no mention of propane systems etc. Difference between the ferries above is to/from Newfoundland are enclosed, and the local-ish type ferries are open deck and you sit in the vehicle while ferrying.

I also run on propane while driving down the road.

 

[engnrsrule]

Many Tunnels and Bridges prohibited vehicles with propane at all - the Baltimore Tunnels, the George Washington Bridge lower levels. Additionally New Jersey, New York and Connecticut prohibit driving with the tank valve open. Bridge over James River in Virginia requires valve closed to cross, and ferries I have ridden required it turned off.

I recently wrecked my class B and my first impulse afterward was to check the valve. It was open, although no appliances were using propane. Luckily connecting lines remained intact. I will always ride with the tank off.

Good RV-specific GPS units will tell you if you are entering a propane regulated area or state.

 

[phantomjock]

Have you shared any wreck details - and I missed? Don't mean to be mean - but do you have any lessons learned?
Your note re: propane off while enroute - was the refer off during the wreck? Is your concern the Hard lines - the joints and fittings? I'm guessing , not the tank, as you haven't suggested all DC system.
I"m guessing you plan on running on DC if you are still on a 3-way? Inquiring minds...just another endineer gathering data.

Cheers - Jim

 

[engnrsrule]

I have run with propane on in the past when I had a 3-way fridge, but usually preferred to use it on 12 volt while driving. My 3 way also had a safety feature where it automatically switched to 12v for 20 minutes whenever the engine was turned off, to prevent open flame during refuelling. Since I had upgraded batteries to 300ah lithium and added 290w of solar, I went to a 12 compressor fridge. This trip was its maiden voyage and it worked well, very much surpassing the absorption fridge performance in hot weather.

Here is a pic of my Sprinter. Rolled 4 times down a 65' embankment. Despite not being belted I walked away by God's grace. I will likely post a separate thread about it soon. I was only moving it a few feet, on a driveway. It was steep packed gravel and I lost traction and slid backward. As for lessons? If you notice the driver door you can see being belted may have contributed to injuries from the way the door pushed in.