Using Your RV
Don't try to control temperature in fifth wheel when being towed

RV Travel Forum member "Tech Mech" provided this response to another forum member's question about cooling or heating a fifth wheel while it was being towed. He wrote:

"If you are planning to have someone or a pet inside the unit while traveling down the road, DON'T! In the summer, it can get very hot in the unit without any air conditioning on. Your roof air conditioner runs off electrical power so you have to have the RV plugged in to run it.

"The only appliance that is designed to be on while traveling is the fridge. It can be run on propane. The only time you have to shut it off is when you are at a gas station for the tow vehicle or are getting the propane cylinders refilled.

"All sources of ignition must be shut off. RVs are not really made for winter use (at this time) and can get very cold inside. Some people who live all year in trailer parks take extra steps to insulate them to at least make it comfortable in the cold.

"In comparison, motorized RVs have onboard generators that can be run to power the roof A/C as well as having the dashboard A/C on. These RVs are designed to transport people.

"Any kind of trailer that is towed is not designed to have anyone in it while moving. It's best to get to your destination, set up the trailer/5th wheel and then start up your A/C or furnace after you have your unit plugged in. The unit cools down in usually a short time. Also the furnace and water heater have hot exhaust coming out of the exhaust tube or grille and can actually damage the side of the RV when it is moving."

EDITOR'S NOTE: As Tech Mech advised, never allow anyone to travel in a towable RV while it's moving. And running the fridge on propane while on the road. . . Many RVers believe that is a bad idea because of a potential fire hazard in a traffic accident.

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