Learned something new- can't move a refrigerator transporting on its back

[GON]

Looking to move a refrigerator 750 miles. Plan was to place the refrigerator on its back for the transport. After arriving at the destination, stand the refrigerator upright and let the refrigerator stand up unplugged for 48 hours. The seller of the refrigerator told be to never lay down a refrigerator for transport. I did a hasty google search.

Here is what google search confirmed. Seller was absolutely correct; a refrigerator should never ever be transported on its back. A refrigerator can be transported on its side, but only one of the two sides. One has to know the design of the refrigerator to know what side to lay down. Further, if a refrigerator has French doors, a bottom freezer, etc--- side transport of the freezer should not be a course of action for moving the refrigerator.

Always learning.....

 

[walterjay]

If it gets transported on its back it needs to sit upright overnight for the oil to drain back before starting up,

 

[GON]

If it gets transported on its back it needs to sit upright overnight for the oil to drain back before starting up,

What you replied is what I believed to be as accurate. Hasty research returned what I thought was likely inaccurate.


Google searches reported the back transportation method of a refrigerator can have a high rate of failure even after letting the oil drain back overnight.

 

[Kira]

I bought a smaller, upright fridge and the sale included a serviceman coming by to charge it.
"Because these smaller ones can be tumbled over during shipment + handling".

 

[opus1]

Water heaters (tank heaters) also don't appreciate being transported on their side.

 

[Nukeman7]

Here is a video that explains technically why it is risky to transport a refrigerator on its back, even if you stand it up for 24 hours before turning it back on.

 

[dadto2]

Yup. MY pickup has a cap over the bed. When I bought a new freezer last fall, I borrowed my brother's pickup to transport it home so it would remain upright.

 

[GON]

Here is a video that explains technically why it is risky to transport a refrigerator on its back, even if you stand it up for 24 hours before turning it back on.

Very beneficial video, thanks for posting.

A supplemental video from the same person on how to transport a refrigerator on its side:

 

[dubber09]

I got a new portable AC unit at HD a few months back, it'd not fit in the trunk in upright position, when I asked about laying it down they told me to keep it upright for 2 hrs before plugging it in, they said they do it with fridges too....
Anyway, I drove it home 2 blocks away on its side. Let it stand overnight and it's been working fine since.

 

[eljefino]

I got a free fridge on the side of the road, myself and my just-teenager chucked it in the bed of my truck on its back, and it works fine.

I wouldn't make a habit of it, but I wouldn't write off a (free) fridge because of it, either.

 

[jhellwig]

I had an upright fridge that could be transported on its back. It all depends on how it was designed.

 

[mk378]

Modern fridges have a high rate of failure if you look at them sideways. Moving more than once from the dealer to the house is not recommended.

The oil distribution thing is an old wives' tale, but you can break the suspension springs in the compressor or other parts transporting in positions other than upright.

 

[captainbeandip]

Hold my beer and help me lift this stupid thing into my truck. I'll get it there for you!

 

[Carmudgeon]

Modern fridges have a high rate of failure if you look at them sideways. Moving more than once from the dealer to the house is not recommended.

The oil distribution thing is an old wives' tale, but you can break the suspension springs in the compressor or other parts transporting in positions other than upright.

I've lived in areas which are BYOF, where they are not considered fixtures and moved with the rest of the furniture from rental to rental. Not something that comes with the flat and stays there.

I'm curious as to what the breakdown is between the two customs, and which is more prevalent.

 

[GON]

750 one way to go get this fridge.

Wish I could have laid the fridge down. Reason to lay the fridge down is I would have but six inches of padding under the fridge. Very rough ride and 750 miles is a long way. Hope this dual compressor fridge made the road trip.

 

[Zee09]

I just watched a court case about this....