Outline · [ Standard ] · Linear+ Parking on an angle, How level is level?

[tructa arundo]

I'm using a 9.5 Bigfoot with a fridge on my Ford 250. Sometimes, due to terrain, etc. it's very difficult to get the whole rig level when camping. Normally, I don't worry about it too much, but some friends claim that not having the rig level can cause problems with the fridge, especially when it's being run on propane? Is this true, or just an old wive's tale? Thanks for the info.....

[garbinator]

I'm using a 9.5 Bigfoot with a fridge on my Ford 250.  Sometimes, due to terrain, etc. it's very difficult to get the whole rig level when camping.  Normally, I don't worry about it too much, but some friends claim that not having the rig level can cause problems with the fridge, especially when it's being run on propane?  Is this true, or just an old wive's tale?  Thanks for the info.....

True... as it is purely for safety reasons. If you wish remove your outer screen and panel cover and take a good look at the pilot light/flame element and its relationship to the flue leading up to the roof? Anytime your camper angle exceeds a certain amount a safety valve will cut off gas completely. This will result in a check light indicator on your reefer.

[LindaH]

Newer refrigerators tolerate being *a little* unlevel...usually defined as no more than 3%. If you're comfortable walking around inside and don't notice any significant slant one way or another, your refrigerator should be OK.

[garbinator]

Newer refrigerators tolerate being *a little* unlevel...usually defined as no more than 3%.  If you're comfortable walking around inside and don't notice any significant slant one way or another, your refrigerator should be OK.

This is good to hear as I find it irritating often times. But then actually what do I have to whine about, I enjoy what I have.

[Desert Rat]

I'm using a 9.5 Bigfoot with a fridge on my Ford 250.  Sometimes, due to terrain, etc. it's very difficult to get the whole rig level when camping.  Normally, I don't worry about it too much, but some friends claim that not having the rig level can cause problems with the fridge, especially when it's being run on propane?  Is this true, or just an old wive's tale?  Thanks for the info.....

Run with your refrigerator "off level" and you run a significant risk of shortening the life of the cooling unit, a very expensive part of the 'fridge.' While it is true that some of the newer units have a bit more tolerance for being run out of level, the safest thing to do for your fridge and your pocketbook:

Put a level on the freeze plate of the fridge--the part that gets cold the fastest inside the freezer. You should be no more than a third of a bubble outside of the rings indicating level.

Why is this important? Because as the cooling liquid comes out of the areas where cold should be in the refrigerator, it travels through a network of curved pipes. If the refir is off level, the coolant will tend to "hang up" in the pipes, and begin to condense, leaving solids behind in the curves. Eventually those solids will build up and prevent any further movement of the coolant--and Hey Presto!--no coolant movement, no cooling. No fix, either, other than replacing the cooling unit or the entire refrigerator. Had it happen. NOT a happy experiene.

[larryjj]

I carry short lenghts of 3/4 inch plywood to put under the various tires of my truck to make certain the camper is level. About 8 inch by 16 inches. I also carry a shovel.

Hope this helps.

larry