Would it be detrimental to transport a refrigerator horizontally for any length of time? Say, from La Union to Cavite. I'm planning to help my bro transport a small ref, however I can't fit in standing as my ride doesn't have enough vertical cabin space. Thus, I'd have to transport it horizontally, most likely on its side (I can't remember whether there are tubes at the back) or should we just bite the bullet and hire a vehicle to accomodate the ref for transportation? Uh, buying a new one "on site" is the very last option as he is "borrowing" my 6yo unused and extra ref so he can save the money. tia.
Safety first - always wear face/eye/ear/hand protection as a minimum.
Re: Transporting Refrigerators
B2B,
It has been the norm to transport refs in the vertical position because of the way refs are designed and made. Components like compressors, condensers (black pipes) are quite fragile when transported other than upright. Compressor mountings are rubber vibration isolators that are really designed to handle vertical rather than side loads. Condensers on the other hand are prone to leak if it abrades against something hard. Think about it. If not vertical the unit will be lying on its side? Which side. If door down then door and gasket seals will be damaged including the hinges. If rear side down the condensers will get smashed. May be if there is no choice either right or left side down will give least damage.
Aside from the physical damage that might happen, there is still the question of the refrigerant oil getting all over the system. The oil does go around the system from the compressor to the condenser to the expanson valve and back to the compressor. The oil at least some of it circulates with the freon. But I don't really think transporting a ref on its side will rid the compressor with oil and start dry (no oil) ruining it. If you do transport it on its side better to let stand for a while before switching it on.
I guess a compromise can be had. Transport it in a slant. Keep the top a little higher than the bottom. Keep it high as high as the vehicle will allow. Block or tie the compressor to its mounting to keep it from moving around. You don't want to break any copper tubes connected to the compressor. Check the condenser is not supporting any load. I believe the best transport position is the condenser and compressor should be facing the floor of the vehicle. Keep everything tied down and drive smoothly.
I hope this helps. To the other DIYers: What are your thoughts on this. Kindly comment. Thanks
Tatoski
Re: Transporting Refrigerators
if i may add...if the situation permits, don't turn on the ref for at least 24 hours. as bro. tatoski has mentioned, this would let the oil settle down. it's a long from la union to cavite, do protect the compressor from too much vibration...some tubes connected to it are prone to micro-cracks.
good luck!
Re: Transporting Refrigerators
ang alam ko pag nagpadeliver ka ng new ref, bawal i turn on agad. parang pa lipas mo muna 1-3 days ata.
di ko lang alam talaga ang reason.
Re: Transporting Refrigerators
Ang alam ko pag napadeliver ng bagong ref, pwede ito patakbuhin agad pero hindi pwede lagyan ng laman agad. Dapat patakbuhin ito ng buong araw o kaya ay overnight para lumamig yung "box". Kasi kung di pa lamig yung box at lagyan agad ng laman, doble hirap ng compressor para palamigin lahat. Walang bwelo ika nga.
Re: Transporting Refrigerators
just an update. I ended up transporting the ref upright using a friend's van... ended up transporting more stuff too... 😛
Safety first - always wear face/eye/ear/hand protection as a minimum.
