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How long can you run refrigerator out of level before damage occurs?
Hello LDOG

Does anyone have any idea how much time you can keep your refrigerator running (out of Level - say 15% grade out of level?

Occasionally we need to move from a very level spot to an off-level condition when loading or unloading our coach. Never more than 30 minutes. 

In the past I turned off the unit completely - but it that really necessary if left running less than 1 hour.

Larry? Other tech savvy LD folks?

Cheers!

Tony R. (aka codefour)
Tony R
2010 LD RB - Sold to another happy LD Family
Re: How long can you run refrigerator out of level before damage occurs?
Reply #1 –
Not sure what 15% translates to in degrees, but in 17 camping seasons we have left ours running on gas for up to two hours with a moderate incline without any problem.


2003 MB
Re: How long can you run refrigerator out of level before damage occurs?
Reply #2 –
our 2007 has gone for days sitting out of some level no problem

Bob
2007 31 IB
Re: How long can you run refrigerator out of level before damage occurs?
Reply #3 –
Tony R-

The manual for your motorhome's refrigerator should provide the answer.

Here is typical verbiage from a Dometic manual:

Quote
For optimal cooling performance, an absorption refrigerator must be level. If the refrigerator operates in a noticeable out-of-level condition for several hours, loss of cooling performance will occur.

When RV is parked and absorption system is operating, the RV must be level enough to live in and feel comfortable.

The RV does NOT need to be PERFECTLY level, but there should be no noticeable sloping of RV floor or walls.

It is NOT critical for refrigerator to be level while RV is traveling. The rolling and pitching motion of travel helps keep the absorption system balanced.

In my opinion, fifteen degrees of slope is not "level enough to live in and feel comfortable." I would shut off the refrigerator under that condition.

I understand from those who know more than I that operation outside the "comfortable" range can overheat the ammonia absorption cooling system, causing irreversible cumulative damage. A company called ARPRV (link here) sells a "Fridge Defend" monitoring system that will temporarily shut off the heat source should cooling system temperature rise above a set temperature. This should prevent overheat damage. Once the cooling system temperature has dropped, the Fridge Defend turns the heat source back on. I installed a Fridge Defend on my Class A motorhome's Norcold refrigerator. It worked as advertised.

Former owner, 31-foot gas Class A
Former owner, 1997-8 mid-bath
Re: How long can you run refrigerator out of level before damage occurs?
Reply #4 –
Hi Tony;  The damage involves plugging up of the capillary lift tubes where the flame is at the bottom.  Fluid returning to the burner area, where the liquid is boiled to rise up again in those small tubules, depends on gravity to return down the back tubing. If you are out of level enough to prevent easy return, and the burner area doesn't get liquid to cover the bottom, the sodium chromate will precipitate and plug up lift tubes.  The damage is cumulative, reducing efficiency. The precipitate doesn't re-dissolve. And the heat transport system doesn't stop immediately when you turn it off.
   When I'm arriving home to park in my angled driveway, I turn it off a half hour or less away from home. (so I don't forget to turn it off in the rush when I actually get home). 
    In motion, the liquid sloshing around will make it's way back to the bottom. So driving at odd angles is ok.
    I don't run it at all if the bubble in the level isn't inside the outer circle of the level located inside the 'fridge.

     If I had my wishes I'd have a dual mode: compressor for on the road, and non level (LiF batteries & large solar), and propane for just sitting level. Both modes at once to cool down warm contents or in hot weather.   RonB

   edited: sodium chromate, not chromium sulfide.... unreliable memory!
RonB (Bostick) living in San Diego
Original owner of "Bluebelle" a '99 TKB
Re: How long can you run refrigerator out of level before damage occurs?
Reply #5 –
Quote from: RonB  - 
Hi Tony;  The damage involves plugging up of the capillary lift tubes where the flame is at the bottom.  Fluid returning to the burner area, where the liquid is boiled to rise up again in those small tubules, depends on gravity to return down the back tubing. If you are out of level enough to prevent easy return, and the burner area doesn't get liquid to cover the bottom, the sodium chromate will precipitate and plug up lift tubes.  The damage is cumulative, reducing efficiency. The precipitate doesn't re-dissolve. And the heat transport system doesn't stop immediately when you turn it off.
   When I'm arriving home to park in my angled driveway, I turn it off a half hour or less away from home. (so I don't forget to turn it off in the rush when I actually get home). 
    In motion, the liquid sloshing around will make it's way back to the bottom. So driving at odd angles is ok.
    I don't run it at all if the bubble in the level isn't inside the outer circle of the level located inside the 'fridge.

     If I had my wishes I'd have a dual mode: compressor for on the road, and non level (LiF batteries & large solar), and propane for just sitting level. Both modes at once to cool down warm contents or in hot weather.   RonB
That may make the frig too large with the added compressor.  But if I am thinking what you meant I love that idea because I hate propone frigs because of the leveling and heat dissipation needed.
Ron S
Ron and Linda
Ada Michigan
Re: How long can you run refrigerator out of level before damage occurs?
Reply #6 –
"...causing irreversible cumulative damage..."

The key word in this case is cumulative, the damage does not happen instantaneously. But over time with repeated incidences those tubes will become clogged leading to failure. You are in Reno, playing the odds!   :(
Steve S.
Lazy Bones & Cedar
2004 30'IB (Island Bed)
Yesterday is History, Tomorrow is a Mystery
Live for the day!
Re: How long can you run refrigerator out of level before damage occurs?
Reply #7 –
Depends .... ah that word again.   Depends on the year the refrigerator was made.   Below is a quote from Dometic themselves.

Keep Refrigerator Level
(ABSORPTION COOLING SYSTEM ONLY)
For optimal cooling performance, an absorption refrigerator must be level. If the refrigerator operates in a noticeable out-of-level condition for several hours, loss of cooling performance will occur. When RV is parked and absorption system is operating, the RV must be level enough to live in and feel comfortable.

The RV does NOT need to be PERFECTLY level, but there should be no noticeable sloping of RV floor or walls. It is NOT critical for refrigerator to be level while RV is traveling. The rolling and pitching motion of travel helps keep the absorption system balanced.

Me again -- Domteic at best warrants the refrigerator for 5 years.  I don't spend a lot of time making sure I'm level.  If I'm within one to one and a half bubbles off level I'm good.   If I'm not pointing up to the sky or seeing ground out my front window I'm fine.   I do use levels when I have to.    I have a 2014 and have not had any issues. 

glen

personal fine art photo stuff
TF Mack | Flickr
It's all good .......
2014 Twin King
Re: How long can you run refrigerator out of level before damage occurs?
Reply #8 –
My LD is older, 1997, but I mostly boondock for weeks, or even months at a time, for more than ten years so far.  For me being half a bubble off level everything seems to work okay.  I don't attempt to set up camp when I can't manage that, but most often I don't need to use my jacks at all and it's fine.  Someday I'll have to get a new fridge but so far, so good, and mine is still the original.  Love it.
Kristin
1997 MB
Re: How long can you run refrigerator out of level before damage occurs?
Reply #9 –
Quote from: colddog  - 
Keep Refrigerator Level
(ABSORPTION COOLING SYSTEM ONLY)
For optimal cooling performance, an absorption refrigerator must be level. If the refrigerator operates in a noticeable out-of-level condition for several hours, loss of cooling performance will occur. When RV is parked and absorption system is operating, the RV must be level enough to live in and feel comfortable.

The RV does NOT need to be PERFECTLY level, but there should be no noticeable sloping of RV floor or walls. It is NOT critical for refrigerator to be level while RV is traveling. The rolling and pitching motion of travel helps keep the absorption system balanced.

Exactly, I’m content if I can get it within 2% right/left or front/back, which is more than the manufacturer calls for.
Still try to dial it in closer just because cooking is easier, but tonight it’s 1.5% and it’s good enough.
Dave

2017 TK
Re: How long can you run refrigerator out of level before damage occurs?
Reply #10 –
I'm with Kristin;  My original 1999 refrigerator is still working pretty well.  The bubble level is inside the refrigerator between the two bins. If I can get most of the bubble in the center circle, then I can get the freezer down to zero.  Sometimes 2 or 3 below zero. If it is hot outside, maybe just 4-5 degrees above zero. So the ice cream is a little soft!
    I'm not sure how different a 2023 refrigerator is from my 1999.  Still haven't done that recall about the boiler springing a leak and the hydrogen catching fire.   (I think my serial number wasn't involved in that recall).   RonB
RonB (Bostick) living in San Diego
Original owner of "Bluebelle" a '99 TKB
Re: How long can you run refrigerator out of level before damage occurs?
Reply #11 –
We have the original refrigerator in our 98~MB.  Last year we need to set it to 4 out of 5 in the settings to keep it cool at 38 degrees in the main compartment.  Before that we use to set to 3 of 5 in the settings.  For now it has been working good even with 90s outside in Lesley Gulch Oregon in May.  One day when it does not cool sufficiently in the future when 5 of 5 does not do it, it will be time to change it out but first I will remove it and flip it over a few times out side to see if that works to get more time out of it.  Most likely we will be replacing it and then the debate for compressor type refer begins.

                         Karen~Liam
                           98 ~ MB
                              NinA 
1998 ~ MB  WanderDaze
previously a 1984 Winnebago itaska- The Road Warrior, before that several VW Buses and before that a 1965 Chrysler Convertible Newport or our 1969 Chrysler La Barron with an ice box and a couple sleeping bags
Re: How long can you run refrigerator out of level before damage occurs?
Reply #12 –
"I'm with Kristin;  My original 1999 refrigerator is still working pretty well."

My 2004 LD is on it's 2nd fridge! Don't rightly remember how long I got out of the original but it was quite a bit for a unit that runs 24/7. Then one day at a Morro Bay GTG I got a whiff of the ammonia smell.

Got a fortuitous appointment at the Mothership and Vince, plus one helper, had me on the way in half a day. The box measures 24" square and easily slides through one of our windows (screen removed).  ;D
Steve S.
Lazy Bones & Cedar
2004 30'IB (Island Bed)
Yesterday is History, Tomorrow is a Mystery
Live for the day!
Re: How long can you run refrigerator out of level before damage occurs?
Reply #13 –
When off level if it is cooling it is not being damaged, if it is not cooling it is being damaged.
Harry 2006RB
Re: How long can you run refrigerator out of level before damage occurs?
Reply #14 –
Quote
If I'm within one to one and a half bubbles off level I'm good.

Same here. I do have an ARP though.
jor
09 27' MB
10  Suby Forester
 
Re: How long can you run refrigerator out of level before damage occurs?
Reply #15 –
I have a friend whose dometic refrigerator gradually and then fully stopped working. He called a mobile RV tech who removed the refrigerator inverted it and then turned it back right side up, repeated inversion and reinstalled. The fridge has been working ever since. I’ve always wondered how this method works….

-W
Warren
2019 MB “Dream Catcher”
Jeep Wrangler JL
Re: How long can you run refrigerator out of level before damage occurs?
Reply #16 –
Quote from: WhiteElk  - 
I have a friend whose Dometic refrigerator gradually and then fully stopped working. He called a mobile RV tech who removed the refrigerator inverted it and then turned it back right side up, repeated inversion and reinstalled. The fridge has been working ever since. I’ve always wondered how this method works….

I used this method on our 1983 LD 28 years ago when the refrigerator died on Ordas Island, in Washington's San Juan Islands.
Rolling the refrigerator over a few times revived it and allowed it to run for another 8 years. The other campers must have thought I was crazy rolling a refrigerator around the campsite...crazy but it worked and saved our vacation.

Flipping the refrigerator several times dislodged the chunk of crud that blocked one of the refrigerator's smaller tubes. This is a major source of absorption refrigerator failure, along with the tubing rusting out...we have had both types of failure. Sigh.

Larry
Larry
2003 23.5' Front Lounge, since new.  Previously 1983 22' Front Lounge.
Tow vehicles  2020 Jeep Wrangler Rubicon, 2001 Jeep Cherokee
Photo Collection: Lazy Daze
Re: How long can you run refrigerator out of level before damage occurs?
Reply #17 –
Maybe you need more of those terrible 4WD off-road trails I seem to drive along, even towing a car! 
Everything gets shook up pretty much every trip!  No moss grows on anything!
Kristin
.... yes, I probably need some mental help!
1997 MB
Re: How long can you run refrigerator out of level before damage occurs?
Reply #18 –
Does using the fridge on electricity out of level cause the that same issue with plugging the small tubes? 
I would think the electric heater has less hot spots / overall uniform heating of the tubing compared to a gas flame.
2016 Mid Bath
Re: How long can you run refrigerator out of level before damage occurs?
Reply #19 –
Hi, Well it is still an absorption refrigerator, but like you say the heat is not as centralized as from a flame.  Manufactures of these refrigerators don't really want to discuss the workings of the innards, or draw attention to shortcomings of the design.  Even on electric I would still want to keep it as level as possible. RonB
RonB (Bostick) living in San Diego
Original owner of "Bluebelle" a '99 TKB
Re: How long can you run refrigerator out of level before damage occurs?
Reply #20 –
Quote from: Larry W  - 
I used this method on our 1983 LD 28 years ago when the refrigerator died on Ordas Island, in Washington's San Juan Islands.
Rolling the refrigerator over a few times revived it and allowed it to run for another 8 years. The other campers must have thought I was crazy rolling a refrigerator around the campsite...crazy but it worked and saved our vacation.

Flipping the refrigerator several times dislodged the chunk of crud that blocked one of the refrigerator's smaller tubes. This is a major source of absorption refrigerator failure, along with the tubing rusting out...we have had both types of failure. Sigh.

Larry
HaHa people probably thought you either were trying to open a safe or desperate for a drink!  That is out of box thinking.  Today people would just throw it out and buy another on AMAZON!!!  Great story Larry!

Ron S
Ron and Linda
Ada Michigan
Re: How long can you run refrigerator out of level before damage occurs?
Reply #21 –
Quote from: Sarz272000  - 
Today people would just throw it out and buy another on AMAZON!!!  Great story Larry!
That's not always a bad idea. Years ago, the refrigerator in our pickup camper stopped working. The Rock'n'Roll treatment didn't revive it, so we had a new one installed. It was So Much Better, we were glad to old one died. The new one stayed cold in hotter temperatures, it had more space inside (same size outside), and automatic ignition (no more pilot light that often blew out in gusty winds). Totally worth the money to replace it!
2005 Jayco 24SS
Re: How long can you run refrigerator out of level before damage occurs?
Reply #22 –
Quote from: Sarz272000  - 
HaHa people probably thought you either were trying to open a safe or desperate for a drink!  That is out of box thinking.  Today people would just throw it out and buy another on AMAZON!!!  Great story Larry!

It was an act of desperation, we were camped on an island for five days.
My boss at the time had told me about retrieving old Servel propane refrigerators from the dump and turning them upside down to free the blockages and restoring their cooling capability. I had little to lose trying this method and it worked.

Two years ago, our frigerator stopped working at an LD Caravan Club GTG. Tapping on the piping with a small hammer caused it to start running again for few days, long enough to get home before it died for good.
New replacement refrigerators were in short supply, due to the Covid supply chain issues, so the refrigerator was pulled out and the cooling mechanism was replaced with the help of Steve. We did not removed the refrigerator from the coach, instead doing the replacement inside the Lounge.
 
Larry
Larry
2003 23.5' Front Lounge, since new.  Previously 1983 22' Front Lounge.
Tow vehicles  2020 Jeep Wrangler Rubicon, 2001 Jeep Cherokee
Photo Collection: Lazy Daze