Is it safe to move a fridge laying down on it's back?

Question

We have to drive 2 hours down a mountain with windy roads and a very steep decline.

Thanks very much for all the answers! It's really kind of you all to take the time, and I appreciate it.

Answer 1

You can do that but before you plug it in again let it sit upright for several hours to get the freon liquid to drain back down to where it needs to be in the refrigerant system. Overnight is even better.

Answer 2

No its not safe. But if you have no choice and you do lay it down DO NOT lay it on its coils. When you get to the other end stand fridge upright. Open doors and let stand for about 4hrs. After that plug in and close doors. Set to desired temp. Maybe you'll be a lucky one. Reason for letting fridge set in upright position is to let the freon settle back in where it belongs before turning on. Leaving the doors open will stop fridge from getting a mildew smell. Good Luck! Have a Happy Move.

Answer 3

When we bought out new fridge the loading guy said he loaded lots laying on their sides, which leads me to believe this is just another old wives tale. I have laid them down many times with no problem. I have heard to wait 24 hrs. before you plug it in but the "expert" didn't mention this but i still think it would be a good idea. Still there is no reason you couldn't strap it in well and go anywhere you wanted which is what i would do if i knew the roads would be rough.

Answer 4

You should not have any problems as long as you do not hit any hard bumps that could damage the springs that suspend the pump and motor inside the compressor. You should also allow the oil to run back into the compressor by waiting at least 1 hour before you turn it on.

When moving the refrigerator be careful that you do not bend or kink any of the tubing especially the end of the proscess stub on the compressor or on the dryer/filter. This is where the tubing is pinched closed and sealed. These places can be broken off easily and them you gan lose some refrigerant.

Answer 5

It may be safe to move a fridge on its back, but not very good for the fridge! Laying the unit down causes the freon to move. Our moving men laid our fridge down (against our wishes), and the fridge never got close to cold ever again. It was totally ruined.

Answer 6

hell yes just give it 24 hours to be safe. It's gravity, not a problem. If you wait 24 hours for all the oils to settle.
Do not let the worry warts tell you, you can not. Give it enough time. There is no proof that it harms anything if you wait at least 24 hours.

Answer 7

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Answer 8

no...don't do it....rent a u-haul with an enclosed cargo area and securely lash the fridge to the bulkhead with sturdy rope

otherwise, you may experience the same results as noted by prior respondents

(p.s. to the respondent who specifically asked the movers NOT to lay the fridge down, file a claim with the moving company and a report with the Better Business Bureau in your town (or whereever the moving co is headquartered))

Answer 9

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Answer 10

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You should not have any problems as long as you do not hit any hard bumps that could damage the springs that suspend the pump and motor inside the compressor and you allow at least one hour before turning it on so the oil can run back into the compressor.