Level Fridge?

[68dodgeramman]

I've noticed some posts here that talk about having to keep the camper level because of the fridge. I was just curious, what's the reason? Are they that sensitive? I'd like to know since we just bought a 5er. I don't remember our old TT fridge being that finicky. I think we could've had it almost laying on her side and we wouldn't have had a problem. Anyway, I was just curious. Thanks.

[Ray,IN]

An RV refrigerator is cooled this way.(that website contains everything about RV refrigerators) Dometic refrigerator division says that their units will operate satisfactorily within 6* front to back(looking at the unit) and 3* side to side. A rule of thumb is; if you are comfortable living/sleeping in your RV it is level enough for proper refrigerator operation.
Operating a RV refrigerator outside those limits slowly shortens its lifespan.

[68dodgeramman]

Thanks Ray. That gives me a good understanding of the reason to level the fridge. And also that I don't need to be overly "leveled".

[Jeff_in_The_Dalles]

That was a good link.

I think I read in the manual for mine somewhere that within 3 degrees front to back, and 6 degrees side to side is OK.

Basically, if the rig is level enough for you to be comfortable, the fridge is probably comfortable, too.

[Ray,IN]

Jeff, did you type that backwards? I think it is 6 deg.front to back, 3 deg. side to side(lookint at the frig door). If you look at the cooling system diagram you see why. The "refrigerant" must always have an upward slope through the loop since it rises strictly by being heated.

[68dodgeramman]

Now it only needs to be level when it's being used right? Not when it's laid up for the winter?

[450Donn]

Yes, only when it is running. As a general rule, when I first purchase an RV one of the first things I do is install a couple of bubbles outside to aid me in setting up the trailer. I first level the refer and stove to a bubble making sure that I am as close as possible with both. Then I go outside and place my bubble levels to match. That way there is little to guess about.
When checking level, place the bubble in the center of the freezer compartment. On the stove, place a pan on one of the burners and place a bobble in the center of the pan.

[Jeff_in_The_Dalles]

Oops, yeah I think I did get those turned around...

Sometimes on the way back from an ATV ride or whatever, we will stop for something to eat, and it often requires parking on a pretty good slope.

I just shut the fridge down while parked there.

[wittmeba]

Ray, that was a great link and picture.

I think we have all learned over time, 'Nothing flows uphill'.

[BookIIRoadtrash]

Ray, very good link!!! thanks for sharing...Book2