Fridge must sit upright during transport?

Spyderweb

Daughter and son-in-law just bought fridge (120 ac/12 volt Isotherm) from West Marine to replace Norcold that never worked on DC in their Bertram 33.  Directions on box state must be transported upright.  Why would that be?  Box would not fit in car so had to be laid down for 30 minute drive to boat.  Can that do damage?

TonyG13

I believe it has to do with the refrigerant and compressor. When we would bring the kids back and forth from college we would sometimes transport them on their sides, but the instructions always said to make sure it was upright for at least three hours after transport and before plugging in so that the refrigerant can resettle properly before use.

Ian

For short distances it’s okay but let it it upright for at least an hours after before firing up. Being as it’s going in the boat and nothing goes right first time, it will take you 3 hours to get it in right anyway

YYZRC

It’s because of the oil in the compressor. As mentioned, let it sit upright for a few hours before firing it up. 

aero3113

Agree, you should be fine as long as you let it sit upright for a while before it’s plugged in.

Spyderweb

Oh dear.  Well, they picked it up yesterday, drove to boat, and at some point installed it.  Doubt they purposely let it sit upright for a period, but at some point installed it and turned it on.  The report we got back last night was it works and they are thrilled.  Hopefully dodged one there.

aero3113

As long as it’s working, they shouldn’t have an issue.