I think I've got the answer
I've seen the question asked, how long will the refer run on propane? No difinitive answer but just, "a pretty long time" seems to be the general concensus. Well, being lazy. I found the answer, ...
Forum Discussion
Absorption fridges are completely dependent on gravity to function, and the rate of the fluids flow is determined by the size and angle of the tubes decent… optimum performance happens when the fridge is level, and there is only one level… operating out of level slows the cycling of the fluid… slowing the cycle allows the fluid in the boiler to become hotter because the heat source is constant and consistent…
The fluid consist of ammonia, water and rust inhibitors… when the solution is over heated because of slower cycling fluids the rust inhibitors chemically break down and crystallize… this condition is cumulative and permanent… when crystallization becomes to high it can plug the tubes and stop the solution from flowing and/or it renders the rust inhibitor less and less effective and it shortens the useful life of the fridge… this can happen on either heat source…
Newer units are built the same way the older ones are but they are more tolerant to out of level conditions… more tolerant wouldn’t mean the risk is eliminated and non-existent it only means the damage caused is slowed… that was done by isolating the siphon pump tube from the heat source by placing it inside the boiler…
Mfg’s say it can be operated with the RV comfortably level… that will in all likelihood get it beyond the warranty period… but in their warranty listed as non-covered is,
“WARRANTY DOES NOT COVER”
“Non operation of the refrigerator/freezer or resultant damage to the unit where the refrigerator/ freezer has been operated in an out of level situation. “
there is no way to measure the damage caused by out of level operation or how quickly that damage will adversely effect its operation until it finally fails… As expensive as they are, I choose not to risk causing any damage that is avoidable by something I have control over like leveling…
The fluid consist of ammonia, water and rust inhibitors… when the solution is over heated because of slower cycling fluids the rust inhibitors chemically break down and crystallize… this condition is cumulative and permanent… when crystallization becomes to high it can plug the tubes and stop the solution from flowing and/or it renders the rust inhibitor less and less effective and it shortens the useful life of the fridge… this can happen on either heat source…
Newer units are built the same way the older ones are but they are more tolerant to out of level conditions… more tolerant wouldn’t mean the risk is eliminated and non-existent it only means the damage caused is slowed… that was done by isolating the siphon pump tube from the heat source by placing it inside the boiler…
Mfg’s say it can be operated with the RV comfortably level… that will in all likelihood get it beyond the warranty period… but in their warranty listed as non-covered is,
“WARRANTY DOES NOT COVER”
“Non operation of the refrigerator/freezer or resultant damage to the unit where the refrigerator/ freezer has been operated in an out of level situation. “
there is no way to measure the damage caused by out of level operation or how quickly that damage will adversely effect its operation until it finally fails… As expensive as they are, I choose not to risk causing any damage that is avoidable by something I have control over like leveling…
