Keeping car fridges level

Submitted: Wednesday, Jan 14, 2015 at 11:06
ThreadID: 110732 Views:2080 Replies:3 FollowUps:6
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I could have this wrong but was reading or rather flicking through a 4WD magazine at the doctors yesterday, these people had fitted a bubble spirit level to there bumper to allow them easier levelling of the vehicle to keep the car fridge level.Now the van we always level but the waeco in the car I have never worried about .
Question do people level the vehicle also if so does it make the fridge more efficient.
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Reply By: Member - John - Wednesday, Jan 14, 2015 at 11:16

Wednesday, Jan 14, 2015 at 11:16
new boy, the leveling is only relevant for gas fridges........
John and Jan

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Follow Up By: member - mazcan - Wednesday, Jan 14, 2015 at 12:12

Wednesday, Jan 14, 2015 at 12:12
hi new boy
Ive never owned a waeco
but my engels have operated at all angles I even purposely conducted my own tests with both a 29 and a 40ltr on it end/side and upside down just to prove to myself that an engel will operate at all times after some one tried to tell me that they had to be level
I endorse johns comments its gas fridges that have to be kept within a level state
waeco i don't know so ?????? until someone proves it same way as I did above
cheers
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Follow Up By: Batt's - Thursday, Jan 15, 2015 at 23:23

Thursday, Jan 15, 2015 at 23:23
Would have been easier to just look up the Engel site for info they operate up to 30deg without loosing their cooling ability.
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Reply By: Kris and Kev - Wednesday, Jan 14, 2015 at 12:44

Wednesday, Jan 14, 2015 at 12:44
Like the others have said, only important for 3 way fridges (gas) not applicable to compressor type fridges. Kevin
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Reply By: Batt's - Thursday, Jan 15, 2015 at 00:31

Thursday, Jan 15, 2015 at 00:31
As mentioned 3 way fridges run better when level so checking it with a spirit level is a good idea when parking overnight or camping for a while and they do not like hilly terrain when traveling. Whereas most compressor fridges will still operate up to 30 deg depending on what the manufacturer claims so levelling is not required unless you plan on camping on the side of a steep hill.
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Follow Up By: oldtrack123 - Friday, Jan 16, 2015 at 11:32

Friday, Jan 16, 2015 at 11:32
Hi
Actually, if 3way fridges are not run level ,permanent damage can occur in the refrigerent system!!!
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Follow Up By: Batt's - Saturday, Jan 17, 2015 at 22:54

Saturday, Jan 17, 2015 at 22:54
That may be true they do recommend running them on level ground but they have also designed the fridge so you can run it of 12v power while driving so it won't be level while you're moving they don't tell you to turn it off and let your food spoil while driving because damage may occur to the fridge so if it fails would be a case of a warranty claim due to neglect from the manufacturer or is it a catch 22 situation ? Any way I sold my 3 way years ago and will never muck around with another one due to the efficiency of a compressor fridges and the advances in solar power. chow.
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Follow Up By: garrycol - Saturday, Jan 17, 2015 at 23:08

Saturday, Jan 17, 2015 at 23:08
When the fridge is not level there are inefficiencies in the circulation system but when running when driving up hill and down dale this actually aids in the circulation as the amount of level is constantly changing.

One way to help get a 3 way back up running is to turn it up side down a few times to mix the chemicals in the system but where it is not practical to remove a 3 way driving over a bit of rough bumpy ground has the same effect.
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Follow Up By: oldtrack123 - Saturday, Jan 17, 2015 at 23:11

Saturday, Jan 17, 2015 at 23:11
Hi
Actually driving is not a problem ,unless you are driving up or down A steep hill for hours
Normal driving moves the mixture around & does not present any problems
That includes normal up & down hill driving

The problem occurs if the fridge is running out of level for some time 30mins or more
That is when a gas blockage can occur & stops the mixture circulating
When that happens turning it OFF & letting it cool right down ,usualy cures it


But if run out of level for long periods the anticorrosion mixture can form crystals that block the system
They cannot be redissolved & a whole new system is usually required

Some taking the fridge out & roling around & upside down displaces the crystals that form the blockage ,but it usually only a short term fix
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