The truth behind RV refrigerators

If you ever look at the back of your RV style refrigerator, you’re going to notice coils made of metal containing a product called sodium chromate which protects the linings of the metal. There’s also ammonia, water and hydrogen inside, and as we all know, water and metal equal rust. Since we don’t want these coils to rust, the sodium chromate is added for protection. The sodium chromate, which is a powder, mixes inside the coils so long as the RV is level. When we are not level, the sodium chromate stops moving, and as the coils are hot, the powder begins to crystallize, reducing our flow and eventually blocking them, causing coil failure. So, it’s very important to know what while using an RV style refrigerator, it must be level. 

Now, if you have a residential refrigerator, is leveling less important? Typically, yes. You don’t have the coils there that require the correct balance, but it’s a good rule of thumb to keep the compressor level. Granted, having the leveling off just a bit most likely won’t hurt the compressor, but a compressor works almost the same way as coils in an RV style. If we tilt the compressor over too much, we can damage it. So in all cases, let’s keep our rigs level so that your refrigerator will work properly. 

And there’s your Tech Tip!

If you would like to be able to fix the majority of the problems on your RV, or let’s say you want to open a business and become a certified technician or inspector? Head over to our website at www.nrvta.com, select the programs tab and get started today!