dann said:
Hi. Just got my first motorhome. I read that letting the fridge? more than 6 degrees off-levelling ( horizont.) can damage it . How many degrees are allowed without damage ? I mean for a long period. Thanks
Hello dann . . .
As most have posted, I too go for "feeling" level -- tho I keep one of those bubble in the center levels in my frig -- and check it each time I level. I don't have auto leveling so putting the 2X8's in the right spots can be a chore at times.
About a year ago, I had to have my frig replaced. The former owner didn't pay as much attention to keeping level as I have since. Just replacing the coils cost me around $900. My point is a word of caution. Make sure that what feels good "is" actually within the 3 and 6 degree limits.
An RV frig is a chemically operated device with few moving parts. Chemicals are heated at the bottom, rise as they go from liquid to vapor to the top where they are condensed, then drop back down to the bottom via gravity to start the process all over again. The key word here is, gravity. The more off level, the less effect gravity has on the movement from the top back down to the bottom. If off level too far, movement is slowed causing less effectiveness of the heat transfer process, and more importantly, clogging will happen. One of the chemicals is a rust inhibitor that must stay properly mixed. If flow is retarded, it separates and rusts begins. This causes little holes to form -- and the inhibitor begins to seep through. From there it is all down hill to the repair shop.
