Re: [A/S] Re: Leveling

["Jim Dunmyer" <jdunmyer@xxxxxxxxxxx>]

Phil,
 Although I don't know what the differences are between "newer" and "older",
the newer fridges are much less critical as regards to off-level operation.
The "older" units did indeed have to be quite level, but the "newer" ones
are like yours. (If you're comfortable in the trailer, that's level enough)

As far as travelling with the fridge running on gas, it's never been a
problem for the fridge itself, "newer" or "older". The problem (if it is
indeed a problem) is in case of an accident, you run a larger risk of a
disasterous fire if the propane is not turned off at the tanks. Also, you
should shut down the fridge when you fuel so gasoline fumes don't get
ignited by the fridge's burner. Many people feel that such risks are minimal
and keep their fridges going when travelling, others feel more comfortable
with the propane shut down.

Also, everyone (especially those with "older" fridges) should be aware that
the fridge will not only stop cooling if operating too far off-level, but
that permanent damage will be done. It's cumulative, not catastropic, so
you'll loose only your ice cream the first time, but the fridge will be
ruined eventually. I have no idea how long you can operate off-level w/o
harm; it must be at least a little while or you wouldn't dare to stop at a
traffic light. Personally, I get very paranoid when I stop and the fridge is
operating.

Although I'm not positive, I suspect that front-back level is more important
than side-to-side. I base that suspicion on observation of the cooling coils
on the back of the fridge, they're much "longer" than they are "wide". As
your manual points out, the thing operates on gravity (with a good dose of
FM thrown in), but most of the back-and-forth of the coils is in the
front-to-back direction.


<<Jim>>