Fridge use whilst travelling

Hi TW,

Are you sure about not being able to use the gas for fridge when travelling?     The instructions that come with the new units with crash sensors say you can.    Have a look at Truma.com.

I agree that there are rules that say you must not on a ferry or in Eurotunnel, but on the road?

We have a separate fridge and freezer and the battery/engine does not keep the freezer cold enough when doing long distances, the ice blocks for the G&T melt, but the gas keeps the ice solid.

BillC

I think your right K. but don't think many caravans have it fitted and I would guess that you would/should turn off when refueling at a petrol station as all signs say "no naked flames".

I would never consider using gas to fuel the fridge whilst travelling.  Isolate at the bottle is my rule.

I have done the Portsmouth/Santander 24hr crossing a number of times and I freeze  a few milk bottles or water bottles to keep the fridge cool.  No problems.  Will not work on battery when on the crossing and I have always thought it was a no no to have it on gas when towing; not only could it  blow out but should you have an accident you would have a gas bottle with the valve open in your outfit!.  When towing and the fridge is on 12v it should keep it cool enough, the trick is to ensure it is cold before you start your journey - the ice for my G & T is always there after a day towing. 

Allegedly we can power fridge and space heater in our motorhome by gas on the move 😲. Could well be perfectly safe - we allegedly have the cut off in case of collision. I'm with you. Gas off whilst travelling enough other hazards on our roads without adding this into the mix !

If it's cold in the motorhome and heater not managing to heat the full area we put extra layers on - after all they're easily accessible in the cupboards 😉

All very interesting but the OP has a caravan!

There is no difference between caravan and MH when it comes to fridges and gas systems; but there will be a difference between older and newer models of both.

BillC

Hi, KB. 

I’m willing to be corrected but it was my understanding that gas could only be used on the move for heating and only with the purpose designed system. This I believed to be due to the gas flame for the heating being protected unlike the flames for the fridge and cooker which are exposed. I’m not able to look at the Truma site at present. 

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There is no indication on my new caravan that gas can be used on the move as seems to be the case with Motorhomes.  The fridge will automatically switch to the appropriate fuel if there is one - but no gas in a moving caravan I think. 

As others have said it has never been a problem for me on long sailings if the fridge is properly cooled.  If worried put some ice cubes in a bag or box and if they have defrosted eat your food quickly!  I enjoy eating local so I don't keep all that much in the fridge or freezer just a couple of emergency meals?