My first test outing was a Wal*Mart parking lot a few miles from my house. It's so liberating having your own, mobile space with the comforts of home.
The fridge should work even if it's not level, though operating it out-of-level too many times will render it toast. If it wasn't working at all during your test run I'd suspect that it wasn't on (assuming 12V) or lit (propane).
There are a lot of propane vs. electric heat threads out there. When you're boondocking you have little choice but to use the propane. I find that the hum of the furnaces help me sleep, but it's jarring to some. In your case, when docked I'd use a portable electric heater if it gets the job done. I've tried that in mine and it just doesn't cut it below freezing.
Welcome to the addiction.
