Given the fact that you risk permanent damage to a VERY expensive part of your trailer, I find it shameful at best that Dometic completely omits ANY reference to refer damage in the manual.
In my research I have found the following tidbits:
1. When asked (and ONLY when asked... it is not in the manual), Dometic does state 3 degrees side to side and 6 degrees front to back as the max allowable tilt while running. However, they do not state how long beyond those limits is acceptable.
2. The damage is slow and cumulative, resulting in a slow decrease in cooling efficiency.
3. Supposedly the new round boiler enclosure Dometic models are more resistant to overheating and cooling unit damage. How much is anyone's guess. Dometic never mentioned this little gem when I was talking to them, and they knew I had a newer unit. My guess is that the 3 / 6 degree limits still apply and that damage occurs slower if beyond those limits.
4. Running while towing is supposedly OK because the motion sloshes the coolant around and it does not stop circulating. But since we have no idea how quickly damage occurs when stopped off level I do not plan on running with the refer on unless absolutely necessary.
5. You can purchase and install an https://www.arprv.com/ - aftermarket boiler overtemp shutdown device which should eliminate the risk. It will re-start after an overtemp so no risk of the refer getting warm if you did not realize it had shut down re-started. The lack of this vital safety feature on any refer I have seen is..... puzzling.... at best. In fact, the ARP site includes http://%20maliasmiles.com/norcold-refrigerator-recalls/ - some interesting reading about recalls and lawsuits .
6. There is a very healthy remanufacturing industry out there for cooling units. Fed primarily by the fact that this crucial information is not in the Dometic OR the Forest River manuals.
7. The fact that you can permanently damage your refer to the tune of $1000 or more by running off level is common knowledge on the internet. But ONLY if you know to look for it. It is beyond me how new owners are supposed to get this crucial information.
8. Since the cooling unit includes hydrogen, there is a serious risk of fire if the boiler develops a leak while the propane flame is lit.
9. "Amish built" cooling units are apparently not a gimmick. They are built with heavier tubing. My guess is that the Amish are heavy users of gas powered refrigerators and build them to a higher quality standard.
10. This is a LOT to digest for an appliance that until now I had always considered to be "plug in and forget about it".
Paul
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