Driving/Refrigerator

[jbrattain]

Originally Posted by Jontpr

I fouled up my refrigerator in my first trailer running it while not being level. I know people drive with them on but I will not. I am pretty strict about being level before running the refrigerator. It makes me wonder how driving affects the units. Better safe than sorry for me.

I understand your concern, especially after damaging your fridge because it wasn't level. However, that was from running it continuously in the same unlevel attitude. While driving, the attitude of the vehicle is constantly changing.

There is an RV refrigeration specialist's shop near me. The shop owner told me that operating the fridge while driving shouldn't damage the fridge. However, they said if you expect the RV to sit in the same position for more than an hour, you should level it or shut it off until you are in motion again.

[BobC]

If you have a genset, you can always drive with it on to power your refrigerator and even your air conditioner.

[Goodspike]

Originally Posted by Jontpr

I fouled up my refrigerator in my first trailer running it while not being level. I know people drive with them on but I will not. I am pretty strict about being level before running the refrigerator. It makes me wonder how driving affects the units. Better safe than sorry for me.

I wonder if that's why they say to start them up 24 hours beforehand? I could see the problems would be worse if the refrigerator were working hard trying to cool down from warm while moving.

[BobC]

My understanding is that driving in hills or mountains shouldn't be an issue. Furthermore, in terms of camping on an un-level site, if people are comfortable, your refrigerator will be OK. I've had Norcold 120V/LPG refrigerators for 13 years in three different rigs and never had a problem using LPG while driving (or any other time). Just be careful and shut it down while gassing up.