Hi Folks,

I have a nubee question that's been rattling around in my head. I read a post on a different forum about someone complaining about people abusing the walmart lots for boondocking. They complained about the fact that the people had extended their leveling jacks, which sunk into the pavement becuse of the heat. That issue aside, it raised a question in my mind about rv refrigerators. Don't you need to level the unit for the fridge to run? Wouldn't that dictate extending the jacks? How does it function when you are in transit, when it's obviously going to be out of level for an extended period of time? T.I.A.

I've read that the fridge should be within 3-4 degrees of level for the best performance, and if far enough out, will not work at all. Thats quite a bit on a 30-35 foot trailer or RV and it shouldn't be difficult to attain that in any place you'd want to park. Your rig should be pretty level when traveling also, and if it's not, you should be getting it adjusted.

Thanks Fred. At the risk of showing the full extent of my ignorance...I can understand the concept of your rig being level to your tow vehicle. What happens when for instance, you are in the Rockies on an extended steep climb or descent? Does it stop functioning and then resume once you reach a more level plane? Thanks for bearing with the new guy!

I think the fridge level thing concerns the flow of fluid/gas coolant in the fridge. If you operate the fridge while moving (I don't but lots do) the constant movement negates being unlevel.  From what I understand the fridge works better while moving regardless of climbing or not.

-- Edited by igotjam on Saturday 24th of July 2010 12:26:55 PM

I think this site answers the question http://www.rv-coach.com/current_category.83/FAQ.25/faqs_detail.html It asks if the fridge needs to be level. Their answer was "Yes, you must level your refrigerator. When parked it should be level in all directions +/- 2 degrees, which is approximately a half bubble off. The absorption cooling process relies on heat and gravity to move the coolant around. When moving on the road the motion will help prevent the coolant from pooling in the boiler and overheating. It is this overheating of the coolant that contributes to cooling unit failure."

The refrigerator being level is a question that is often posed. Yes, it must be level for EXTENDED USE. Temporary (for several hours) will not harm the absorption system. Long term out of level conditions will cause an ammonium crystal to be formed, blocking the orifice. This results in no cooling, since the ammonia/hydrogen gas cannot flow through the orifice and be reduced in pressure to remove heat. A side note, you cannot make cold. All you can do is remove heat. Yeah, I know I will get pressure on this, but it is true.

From the Norcold 1210 manual:

Leveling:

CAUTION: The refrigerator is made to operate within 3° off level side-to-side and 6° off level front-to-back (as looking at the front of the refrigerator). Operating it at more than these limits can cause damage to the cooling system and create a risk of personal injury or property damage. Make sure the vehicle is level before you operate the refrigerator.

Operation during travel:
While the refrigerator should be level when the vehicle is stopped, performance during travel is not usually effected.

-- Edited by NorCal Dan on Saturday 24th of July 2010 05:45:12 PM