What is "Out of Level" when it comes to an RV refrigerator?

[TucsonJim]

When I was performing the recent temperature analysis on my RV refrigerator, I found the following information in the owner's manual for the Norcold N811 refrigerator:

"CAUTION: The refrigerator is made to operate within 3°off level side-to-side and 6° off level front-to-back (aslooking at the front of the refrigerator). Operating it atmore than these limits can cause damage to the coolingsystem and create a risk of personal injury or propertydamage. Make sure the vehicle is level before youoperate the refrigerator."

So just how out of level is 3° side to side? And what about 6° front to back?

Front-to-back (trailer) = side-to-side (refrigerator). Not to exceed 3°:

My trailer is 34 feet long (408 inches).
Sine(3 degrees) x 408" = 21.4"

Side-to-side (trailer) = front-to-back (refrigerator). Not to exceed 6°:
The trailer is 8 feet wide (96 inches).
Sine(6 degrees) x 96" = 10.0"

So, the Norcold refrigerator in my Reflection 297RSTS should not operated off level by more than 21.4" front-to-back, or 10" side-to-side while in a stationary position. There are different brands of absorption refrigerators in different model units. I'd suggest you check your owner's manual to see what the level requirements are for your unit.

And one last note. The owner's manual also states:

"Operation during travel:While the refrigerator should be level when the vehicle isstopped, performance during travel is not usually effected."

Jim

[vonzoog]

^^ If I was parked (as in a WalMart overnight) at those angles, I think I would fall out of bed......

[Country Campers]

^^^ totally agree>>> If a TT was that far out of a level might not be that bad but some of the 5ers would be scary.
I can not believe that they say it will operate at those angles when some have had problems with just letting it set at a few inches off.

crazy I think

Brian

[el Rojo]

I'm uncomfortable at 1 degree off. Maybe I'm a bubble off to start with .

Red

[Cate&Rob]

An angle of 3º is a road slope of about 5%. There are lots of highways with extended grades of greater than 5% up/down. I wonder how long the fridge can tolerate this angle while travelling?

Rob

[TucsonJim]

An angle of 3º is a road slope of about 5%. There are lots of highways with extended grades of greater than 5% up/down. I wonder how long the fridge can tolerate this angle while travelling?

Rob

Rob - Look at the last part of my post. They say it shouldn't cause a problem when in motion. I guess the bouncing, swaying and occasional changes in slope prevent damage.


Jim

[Second Chance]

I'm uncomfortable at 1 degree off. Maybe I'm a bubble off to start with .

Red

I'm with you, Red. If it's off by more than 1/4" either way, it drives me bonkers... but that's a short trip for me.

Rob

[Cate&Rob]

I'm uncomfortable at 1 degree off. Maybe I'm a bubble off to start with .

Red

I'm with you, Red. If it's off by more than 1/4" either way, it drives me bonkers... but that's a short trip for me.

Rob

Good thing you guys aren't boaters

Rob

[Second Chance]

Good thing you guys aren't boaters

Rob

I was. Sailed for almost 40 years. The boats heeled when under sail but were level with a rocking motion at night at anchor in a cove (we were day sailors and night water campers). The only time I did any true blue water sailing was on a 300 ft. four-masted stays'l schooner. It was pretty stable except when we got into 15' seas.

Rob

[Cate&Rob]

I was. Sailed for almost 40 years. The boats heeled when under sail but were level with a rocking motion at night at anchor in a cove (we were day sailors and night water campers). The only time I did any true blue water sailing was on a 300 ft. four-masted stays'l schooner. It was pretty stable except when we got into 15' seas.

Rob

Then out of level "1/4" either way" would be whether you decided to sit on the port side or the starboard side . But I agree, the motion of the boat is a gentle constant that you just get used to. (Quite different than the RV). We are "water campers" too.

Rob