What is the best way to transport a refrigerator?

A refrigerator should really only be transported in an upright position. If you are deciding how to transport a refrigerator in a pickup truck, trailer or moving truck, remember that it's best to keep the refrigerator upright, and rent or borrow a vehicle that will allow for that positioning.

What happens when you lay a refrigerator on its side?

No, you should not move or store a refrigerator on its side. When a refrigerator is laid on its side, the oil in the compressor will flow from the compressor tube into the coolant lines. This doesn't automatically mean that it will break, but it can be risky depending on the type of refrigerator you have.

Is it okay to transport a refrigerator laying down?

If you do lay your fridge down to move it, you can lay it on its front or side, but it's not recommended that you lay it on its back – the weight of the fridge's body on its working parts could damage them, even if they're not exposed.

Which side do you lay a fridge down?

"If you're lying a fridge on its side, put it with the hinge side at the top, as gravity will make it spring open the other way. "If your unit's got an external heat exchanger on the back, then on its side might be best. But provided the back is flat and clear, then lying it on its back is probably safest."

Does a refrigerator have to be transported upright?

Transporting Your Refrigerator

When loading the refrigerator in a moving van, truck, etc., it is best to keep it standing upright to minimize possible damage to the sealed system or prevent damage to loose items.

Can You Lay a Refrigerator on Its Side? How to Transport a Refrigerator on Its Side

How long can you transport a refrigerator on its side?

If it was on its side for two hours, leave it upright and unplugged for two hours. If it was delivered on its side, or was sideways for more than a day, then give it a full 24 hours before plugging it in.

Can you lay a refrigerator on its back?

The answer is no. A refrigerator should never be transported on its back; the weight of the fridge can damage internal parts, and the internal fluids such as the oil inside the motor; or the refrigerant may shift and settle in undesirable places in the machine's system.

How long can a refrigerator lay on its back?

If it's necessary to put the refrigerator on its side after transporting. It should stand upright for an equal amount of time as it was on its side. Leave standing for 24 hours if it was on its side for more than one day.

Can you transport a fridge freezer on its side?

It is always best to keep a fridge or freezer upright when moving, but you can transport a fridge on its side too. Just remember that before it is plugged in and switched on, it should be left upright for a minimum of 3 hours.

How do you fix a refrigerator that was laying down?

If your refrigerator was on its side for more than 24 hours, let it stand upright for 24 hours before plugging it in. Allowing the fridge to stand in its normal position before plugging it in will give the oil time to flow back into the compressor where it belongs.

How do you put a refrigerator in the back of a truck?

Load the Refrigerator onto the Dolly

But a dolly is designed specifically for moving large items, while a hand truck isn't. If you don't own a dolly, then borrow or rent one. You'll need someone to tip the refrigerator while you slide the dolly underneath. Grab the dolly strap and secure it around the refrigerator.

How long can a freezer lay on its side?

Be careful to secure the door to prevent it from opening. Set it upright in its final location and allow the freezer to sit for the same amount of time that it was on its side (24 hours maximum). Do not plug the unit into the electrical receptacle without allowing this settling time.

How long must a fridge stand after moving?

Once your fridge has been safely moved into the kitchen of your new home, it needs some time to settle before you can start using it. You should let it stand unplugged, in an upright position, for at least 4 hours to allow its compressor oil to settle.

How far can you tilt a refrigerator?

Slowly tilt the fridge back, making sure that both the top and bottom of the fridge are evenly positioned on the dolly. Remember, a fridge should not be tipped back more than 45 degrees.

Which side is the compressor side of a freezer?

Depending on the design of the freezer, the compressor generally is located in the back of the unit near or on the floor. When the compressor is activated, an audible humming noise usually can be heard coming from the refrigerator, while there usually is silence when the compressor is not active.

Can I haul a freezer laying down?

Refrigerators have to be transported upright

You should never lay your fridge freezer down. When on its back or side, oil will flow into the cooling tubes, and it may not drain from them when the fridge moves back to an upright position. As a consequence, your fridge may stop cooling properly or break down completely.

Can you transport a stand up freezer laying down?

Transport the freezer in an upright position. If it has been necessary to transport the freezer on its side, it should be stood upright for an equal amount of time as it was on its side before plugging it in. If on its side for more than a day, leave standing for 24 hours before running.

How do you transport a freezer in a car?

Secure the door shut using either tape or rope. You might want to wrap the appliance in bubble wrap, a blanket, or anything to absorb shocks it may suffer during the move. Secure the appliance to the trolley or truck it's going travel in with heavy-duty ropes. Refrigerators travel best standing up.

Can you tilt a fridge when moving it?

Regardless of how “natural” it feels, though, you must avoid the temptation of tilting your refrigerator, because even small shifts may damage it.