Parking Off-Level With Propane and Fridge Shut Off

[RT1997]

For temp.parking (min.8 ,max 24 h) - any damage (even minimal) for propane system if the RV not leveled?
This is for the situation when leveling blocks helps very little ( steep drive way) or no time to fiddle with them.
I have Roadtrek 170 1997.

 

[Johnnyfry]

There would be no damage to the propane system, however, the refrigerator is a different story. Dometic and Norcold, the 2 major ammonia fridge manufacturers, specify that operation is excess of ±3° (side to side of the fridge) or 6° front to back (of the fridge) will cause cumulative and permanent damage to the cooling system. Studies have shown that overheating of the boiler begins within 5 minutes of the fridge being operated outside of these limits. This overheating causes the anti corrosion agent in the sealed system to begin to precipitate. This precipipate begins to build up in the small tubes and begin to clog them. As this happens, the fridge begins to lose efficiency, and ultimately stops working at all. At this point it becomes a fire hazard because without the anti corrosion agent circulating in the system corrosion can cause an ammonia leak which can result in a fire if the burner is operating. Look up RV fridge fires on YouTube for a graphic demonstration!

 

[RT1997]

I was concern about the propane system related to the fridge and of course the fridge itself.

I am aware of the damage of operating fridge in unleveled position of RV.

But if the fridge is shut off and propane is shut off also - are you saying that it does not matter and the damage still happens?

 

[youngnretired]

There won't be any damage to the fridge is its not running if the fridge/van isn't level.

 

[RT1997]

Thank you.

 

[peteco]

I have had an ARPRV Fridge Defend unit for 10 years. As far as I know it has worked as advertised to protect my fridge from off-level overheating. A bit expensive but has been worth it for me.

Buy RV Fridge Defend by ARP | Dometic | Norcold | Safety | Reliability

If you want RV safety & reliability for Dometic and Norcold refrigerators purchase the Fridge Defend by ARP Control.

www.arprv.com

 

[Johnnyfry]

I have had an ARPRV Fridge Defend unit for 10 years. As far as I know it has worked as advertised to protect my fridge from off-level overheating. A bit expensive but has been worth it for me.

Buy RV Fridge Defend by ARP | Dometic | Norcold | Safety | Reliability

If you want RV safety & reliability for Dometic and Norcold refrigerators purchase the Fridge Defend by ARP Control.

www.arprv.com

That is what I have and it has worked well for several years, Well worth the cost. It also controls fans.