Fridge in level, How sensitive?

I have a Dometic, in my 1974 Westfalia Campmobile. Orignal unit I think, the badge inside says model 45CEW, it can run on both 12 and external power. Since the car it quite new for me, I tested it on external inside my garage last week, was so happy that it got cold. Tomorrow I'am bringing the family for camping, I'm ready and prepared on my driveway, Packed to leave early... jacked in external, thought it would be good if the fridge is cold tomorrow. Nothing happend, after one hour when I got back with stuff, it was still Warm and I smeeled little "hot unit" when I opened the Sliding Door. My drive way is leaning a bit. I just read online that to prevent overheating and permanent damage to the heating element, these kind of fridges must always be kept somewhat level, I paniced and put a jack under a corner, sort of ok level and now it seems to get colder again. But have I Done something bad now or is it fine since it seems to respond?..,

 

Doubt if you've damaged anything, but I carry a small spirit level when camping.

 

I don’t think that’s a compressor fridge so it won’t cool at all unless the gases in the fridge are level. They rely on a heat exchanger in the back of them to remove heat rather than a compressor pumping refrigerant around, that may have been the burny smell you got - the heat exchanger ‘working overtime’.

if it’s only a slight angle on your drive, could you chock up one corner whenever you park up? Or if it’s always in the same spot, permanently fix a little raised bit on the driveway and reverse/drive on to that when you park?

 

I’m in the middle of building a fireproof housing for around the back of the fridge, as they do get mighty hot and want protecting from flammable debris. Spent a lot of time reading up on my Dometic 123. Probably similar to yours but 3-way.
Definitely they want it level, as best as can be considering how hard that is - even a deflated tyre will offset that.
I have spirit levels mounted in my dash and one in the skirting securing the fridge itself. All theoretical at the moment because I can’t even start the van and it has no roof
As for damaging it, i’m afraid I wouldn’t know, but at least now you do know that whatever level it was on it didn’t like


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+1 for a spirit level on the dash, the driver knows the vehicle is level. Get a pair of plastic ramps, I have rarely needed both and anyway it's nice not to sleep on a slope.

 

I'd add that when run on mains hook up, there's a thermostat which trips in and out so the elephant doesn't overheat, so you should be protected there. The level of coldness in the fridge is determined by how hot the element is, though it's also limited by getting the fridge level. However some models can be run directly off battery power where there's no thermostatic control. Mine will only run off the battery when the engine is running.

 

I can't take credit for this... previous owner fitted it, but it's a great idea.

 

It would drive me nuts trying to get the bubble in the middle, I'd rather not know!!
As long as my bed head end is higher than the feet end all is good. Carrying chocks around? Meh.

 

Never had an issue with ours, if It was level enough to sleep the fridge was fine!

 

Makes you wonder how they work, still, whilst driving up and down hill and cornering the Nuremberg Ring.
Maybe i’ll just suspend mine from a rope.
Actually, don’t yacht galleys pivot.
Think i’d prefer to get my camper as level as possible each stop just so I don’t spill my tea & coffee.
I haven’t tried the spirit levelling yet but yes, can imagine i’d pull my imaginary hair out over it.


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The spirit level is a great idea - so long as the level is matched to the level of the fridge and not the van ..

I`ve had a couple of old Elecrolux RM 122s which never quite worked efficiently on gas probably due to me `just` getting it level or thereabouts . Last fridge was a used Dometic RM122 which was MUCH better , `just` level being good enough to make ice after a couple of hours .
Sold on to @CollyP in a vain bid to fit it and stop pestering me for cold beer - yet to happen

 

The old absorption fridges do need to be fairly level to work properly but they can be made to work better by turning them upside down for a couple of days. It's best to remove it from the vehicle first
They can get (ammonia?) crystals form inside the pipework and flipping them over usually disperses them, I've done it a couple of times to our Westy fridge

 

That’s one to state on an Accident Report Form!
“I was merely inverting my fridge to remove the ammonia crystals!”


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Probably not the stupidest thing ever put on a claim form

 

There’s a great standup comedy section by Jasper Carrot on precisely that topic.


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I don't have a fridge in my camper and if I had to faff about getting it that level for it to work I wouldn't bother...
Just my thought..I'm off.

 

You can always use a smartphone app for levelling your bus to save money (once you have paid the effectively £300-£1000 for a phone through the contract).
On a Galaxy S10 its also one of the quick side bar widgets.

And those plastic ramps are also great on a lowered bus for getting underneath.

 

3• tolerance. It isn’t very much really.
Think i’ll need a spirit level with audio cues for parking - like a reversing sensor.
Can you knock one of those up Mike?


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