Running fridge when not level

The issue is not related to the power source but the dynamics of the cooling system so must be as level as possible. When on the road and running on 12v the bouncing around of the coolants in the fridge so not such an issue when moving but when stopped must be level.

Garry

A 3 way fridge ideally needs to be level to work efficiently no matter what the energy source however on 12 volts they will work sufficiently while driving due to it rocking back & forth allowing the heat to work up through the condenser.
Cheers Craig..........

You can run a 3 way fridge when it is not level on gas ,12v or 240v for short term parking it not like you'll be parking on a 20 deg angle or something . When your driving and running on 12v your van will be going up and down hill so it won't be level but it will still operate fine.

Thanks all
Looks like I will go and put a chock under it so I can run the fridge for a few days before we head off next week.

Fridges do not need to be dead level. The following is a copy and post from one of Dometic's manuals. Take a look at the last sentence in the first paragraph. The level they are referring to is the bullseye level that comes with each Dometic fridge (and often discarded by the seller.)When the bubble is at the limit of operation, the van is further from level than I am prepared to live in.

"LEVELING - One of three (3) requirements for proper operation with absorption refrigerators. The absorption design utilizes no mechanical pumps or compressors to circulate the refrigerant within the system, so proper leveling must be maintained to provide the correct refrigerant flow. Without proper leveling, refrigerant within the cooling unit will collect and stagnate at certain areas. Without proper refrigerant flow, the cooling process will stop. Cooling units that utilize an exposed siphon pump tube at the generator section (units with square boiler boxes) require a precise leveling check. To properly level these units a spirit (bubble) level is placed on the floor of the freezer compartment. To insure operation with the refrigerator when the coach is positioned in a stationary (standing) manner, the bubble must be at least 3/4 inside the central ring.

"Important: Permanent damage can result to the square boiler box units if proper leveling is not maintained. In recent years Dometic has engineered a new type of cooling unit that utilizes an enclosed pump tube surrounded by a weak ammonia solution to protect the assembly. These units are evidenced by a circular boiler box cover. To insure proper leveling in these units, the vehicle needs to be leveled only so it is comfortable to live in (no noticeable sloping of floor or walls).

"When the vehicle is moving leveling is not critical as the rolling and pitching movement of the vehicle will pass to either side of level, keeping the ammonia from accumulating in the piping."