moving refrigerator

[kpg712]

Dumb question. I've bought a new fridge, & am giving the old one to a friend. Is it ok to lay it on it's side when transporting it on my pickup? Short drive, 3 or so miles. I don't want to damage it, as it still works good. thanx. :confused:

[majakdragon]

:alarm: Laying a refrigerator on its side for any length is not a good idea :alarm: . The oils seperate and can cause damage to the compressor. If the unit MUST be layed on its side for any length of time it MUST be allowed to sit unplugged for at least 24 hours, however even this does not guarantee damage has not occured.

Good luck

[fish_taste_good]

Hello,

I just moved a fridge from Orlando to Tampa (about 2 hours with traffic) in a Nissan Pickup truck. Quite a task. After many hours reading on the proper ways to do this, i came to this conclusion. I did this to a Whirlpool Gold side by side fridge.

If you must lay it down, prop the top end of the fridge up so that it is elevated higher than the front. I had the fridge proped up at least 12 inches. This will help aide in keeping all oils in their respective areas. I had the doors of the fridge facing the sky, and this method worked best because i could then use the fridge to store all the drawers and shelves that had been removed.

On a side note, if you can see the back of the fridge and know where the compressor has the pipes coming out of it, look for the side that has two pipes coming out of it. If you have to lay the fridge completly flat, make sure that the side with the two pipes comning out of it are facing upwards. From what i have read, these are the important ones.

Lastly, once you have moved it, let it sit upright for as long as possible before plugging it in. Most places I read stated at least twice as long as the time the fridge spent on its side. I let mine stay upright for almost a week before i plugged it in. Better to be safe than sorry.

Hope this helps.

Alan