Starting fridge when on incline

byeuboy · 08-10-2018, 05:17 AM

Since I have no room for my TT at home, we store at private lot. When I bring home to ready for weekend trips I have to park in street in front of home. The incline may be about 5 or 6 degrees. Is it bad to start fridge to cool down when on incline when using elec power? Thanks,

**chuckster57** · 08-10-2018, 05:47 AM

Either on LP or AC the fridge should be no more than 3 degrees off level when parked. There are 2 different heat sources but they both heat the same mixture and if it’s too far off level it can puddle in the corners and quit cooling.

**JRTJH** · 08-10-2018, 05:56 AM

The absorption system has many "sloped evaporation coils" through which the coolant (ammonia with zinc chromate for corrosion control) flow as it evaporates and absorbs heat from the refrigerator interior. As the coolant flows down those sloped coils, any pooling will allow the coolant to stand in one place. When this happens, the zinc chromate will separate from the ammonia. Zinc chromate is a solid and will settle in the stagnate pool and cause a blockage at that location. The blockage prevents the coolant from flowing past that location and can affect cooling or in some cases, completely stop cooling. There is no repair for this and the cooling unit must be replaced.

Dometic states that "as long as the trailer is comfortable for living" that it is level enough to operate the refrigerator. If it were my refrigerator, I wouldn't operate it at 5-6 degrees out of level. You may find it works well for a few times (as the zinc chromate solidifies) but once it reaches a blockage level sufficient to stop the flow, you've destroyed your refrigerator. YMMV

travelin texans · 08-10-2018, 07:08 AM

Pull it up onto some wood blocks to get it closer to level while loading.

Bisjoe · 08-13-2018, 05:43 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by travelin texans

Pull it up onto some wood blocks to get it closer to level while loading.

We use leveling blocks even when parked at home. After this weekend we ordered another set, with an outstanding spot along a river but but sloped so that we had to use several layers to get level.

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