RV blogs, social media groups and YouTube videos have exploded over the past couple of years. Some provide great information, others questionable information and some downright bad information. Can you tell the difference? In this regular column, we will post a question based on information we find online. You can then test your RV prowess by seeing how your answer compares with the facts. Today we discuss the cause of RV fires.
Today’s Question
Fact or fiction? Driving with your RV refrigerator on propane is the number one cause of RV fires on highways.
*Paraphrased/condensed from this source.
What do you think?
That was an easy one.
Favorite discussion filling propane bottles on the trailer. “Are all your pilot lights off? YES SIR. Please verify, I JUST DID. no you must go inside to verify. DONT NEED TO BOTH TANKS ARE DISCONNECTED. I can’t fill them unless you verify. MY ONLY PILOT IS THE OVEN. ITS NOT LIT. AND BEING DISCONNECTED FROM THE BOTTLES MEANS ITS NOT ON. you must check. 🤦♂️🤦♂️. NO. LOL. HE GAVE UP FINALLY.
Doesn’t matter that a RV frig is not the highest or even one of the highest reasons for RV fires. What does matter is that it is an UNECESSARY RISK to both first responders and those around you in a gas station.
The questionnaire is opinions, right.
You asked a question and we the audience provided the answer. Now, whats the real answer?
I would like to know the breakdown between bumper pull, 5th wheel and motorhome on that questions answers. Curious.
I just never travel with propane on. The reason being I find the refrigerator will stay cold enough even in 100 degree weather while we are traveling. When we stop we usually have electricity and then I run off the electricity and save the propane for boondocking. I just feel safer with the propane off , plus when refueling I don’t have to run and turn thr fridge and propane both off.
Traveling by RV since 1978 with propane on I have never come close to having a safety problem. I have never had a Norcold refrigerator either, not having any proof of my statement other than the accident reports published, it seems like they are the ones that have the most accidents. Whether it’s a design deficiency or what I don’t know, but I do know I have refused to look seriously at a RV that has that type of fridge installed.
https://www.rvandplaya.com/rv-fire-statistics-facts-to-know/
Highest percentage (28%) of fire source on an RV: Engine area, wheel area, running gear
Not the fridge.