No RV is complete without a refrigerator to keep your food and drinks cool. Most RV refrigerators will either be powered from a 120 Volt electrical system or an LP gas system. An LP gas system, otherwise known as a propane gas system, is ideal if you don’t have electrical hookups within reach.
If you are considering an LP gas system, you probably want to know how long an RV refrigerator will run on propane. The short answer is that the average 20 lb. propane tank will typically last around 16 days in a 10 to 12 ft. fridge. Of course, the exact number depends on your usage, fridge size, and more.
To find out more about RV refrigerators that run on propane, keep reading. In this article, we tell you about the basic design of LP gas systems, how long they run on propane tanks, and safety features. Let’s dive right in.
About RV Refrigerators with LP Gas Systems
As we already mentioned, RV refrigerators that run on propane tanks are called LP gas systems. You should definitely opt for one of these refrigerators if your RV or refrigerator placement has limited access to electrical outlets.
How Do They Work?
RV refrigerators are not like refrigerators found in a home. Instead, RV refrigerators classify as absorption refrigerators. This means that they use ammonia, hydrogen, and water to create evaporation for coolness.
How it works is that the fluid solution is heated using a propane flame. Then, the solution is moved through a pump, where it releases hot ammonia vapor. Water is brought back to a special boiler and heat is transferred to the outside environment.
Next, the liquid ammonia is drained with hydrogen gas into an evaporator. There, a reaction occurs between the two ingredients, which removes hot energy, keeping the interior cool. The process is started over whenever the hydrogen and ammonia are drained into a chamber and dissolved into water. Hydrogen gas is brought back to the evaporator, officially starting the process over.
During this entire process, only minimal amounts of propane are used. In other words, one tank of propane can go a long way with absorption refrigerators, such as those found in your RV. Note that an RV refrigerator will take about 24 hours to get cold.
This 3 way LP Gas refrigerator is silent, compact, and has reversible/removable shelves. It makes for a great fridge for an RV or Camping.
Do RV Refrigerators Need a Battery to Run on Propane?
Yes. Any RV refrigerator that runs on propane needs at least 10.5 volts of battery power. This power is used to open the gas valve, as well as spark the igniter. If you do not have battery power, the refrigerator will not run properly. In fact, many broken RV fridges don’t work properly due to a malfunction with the battery.
Even though the minimal electricity use is 10.5 volts, you can select refrigerators that require more powerful batteries. Opting for a different voltage will result in more or less propane use, which obviously affects the lifespan of your RV fridge’s propane tank.
How Much Propane Does an RV Refrigerator Use?
One of the first questions you are likely to ask about RV refrigerators with LP gas systems is how much propane the refrigerator uses. Unfortunately, it is very difficult to give an exact number since propane use depends on a variety of factors, such as the refrigerator-size and age.
Most RV refrigerators are 10 to 12 cubic feet in size. They also consume around 1.5 pounds of propane a day, which results in using around 1400 BTUs an hour. Once again, these numbers are based on the average usage of modern refrigerators, meaning that older models and other factors can alter these numbers.
How Long Will a 20 LB. Propane Tank Run a Refrigerator?
Because a number of factors affect how much propane is used for an RV refrigerator, it is impossible to say with certainty how long your exact refrigerator can run on a 20 lb. propane tank. On average, most propane tanks can last for about 16.5 days in an RV refrigerator.
LP Gas RV Refrigerator Safety
Because you will be spending so much time and money on this RV, you naturally want the safest option. Although LP gas RV fridges are considered very safe to use, they come with risks, just as everything else that involves propane. Here are some key safety facts about RV fridges that use LP gas systems.
Is It Safe to Travel With My RV Refrigerator on Propane?
Many manufacturers do not outright say whether or not it is safe to travel with the propane refrigerator turned on. It is actually very difficult to say whether or not it is safe to drive with a propane fridge turned on because the fridge type determines safety more than anything else.
If you use a 3-way fridge, definitely turn off the propane every time you are driving. This sort of fridge is specifically designed so that you can turn off the propane when you are driving. Take advantage of this fact for optimum safety.
Many RVers decide to keep their propane turned on whenever they are driving. If you do not have a 3-way refrigerator, this may be ideal for you. However, turning off your propane refrigerator is the safest option, no matter what kind of a fridge you have.
Luckily, RV fridges only lose about four degrees every eight hours the fridge is turned off whenever you keep the door closed. Because of this fact, your food won’t go bad while you are driving. Because of how long the refrigerator retains the coolness, we recommend turning off the fridge when you are driving.
How Do You Use Propane Tanks Safely in Your RV?
Even though RV fridges that run on propane are generally safe, you still want to go the extra mile to keep your RV and family safe. Anytime you use propane tanks in your RV, make sure to check the system regularly. This will ensure that there are no leaks or other issues.
It’s also a great idea to install detectors, such as carbon monoxide detectors and fire detectors. They will let you know in case of a fire, which is a common risk associated with propane tanks. Even if you don’t use a propane refrigerator, these detectors are a great way to ensure a safe RVing experience.
Final Thoughts
Some of the most popular types of RV fridges are run using propane tanks. These sorts of fridges are very different from the fridges you put in your home, which is why the propane tank can last so long. Once again, you can expect a 20 lb. tank of propane to last about 16.5 days.
If you are worried about the safety of one of these refrigerators, rest assured that they are generally safe. These refrigerators are designed for optimal use, including user safety. However, anytime you use a propane tank, there are some risks involved.
Going the extra mile to keep the area and parts clean and free of debris can go a long way. Additionally, it is a great idea to turn off your propane refrigerator when driving, keep the door closed when it is off, and install different sensors for optimal safety.
