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

[@mr1880]

Great video! I just recently bought a fridge and I was told that I needed to let it rest before plugging it in. Your video gave great insight after the fact that reassured me that I didn't botch the transport, since the only vehicle I had available was a hatchback. I also found the filter dryer and gave it a few flicks to make sure I could hear the pellets shake and not worry about them being soaked in oil!

[@jpgiacalone]

Finally someone explained why you can destroy a fridge laying it on its side. Thank you that was extremely informative.

[@alphasiera1757]

Thank you for comprehensive explanation! Big help!

[@bensappliancesandjunk]

Awww thanks!

[@vernbolstad3956]

By far this is the best and most entertaining explanation I have seen on this subject!

[@drcoolit]

very helpful and informative. there are some sites saying NEVER LAY THE FRIDGE ON ITS SIDE but I've seen lots of other sites where they say, as you do, that it's OK as long as you do it RIGHT (i.e. RIGHT SIDE DOWN). when people who move fridges & freezers for a living can attest that doing it the right way is fine, I tend to believe them.

[@prattmattison4330]

I watched a bunch of videos to answer the same question. YOU sir, made it all make sense. Thank you.

[@josephmoore4598]

Thanks!

[@gillesmallette2548]

The comment about Nirvana was priceless. 😂😂. Otherwise, your video was well done and provide me with information AND some knowledge that is always a bonus for me. Thanks!!

[@mechael]

Best video, actually best resource, ever on this topic. So awesome. Thank you! Love the humour too!

[@1stinkydream]

I have watched and shared this video hundreds, if not thousands of times, and learn something new each time! Thanks for an awesomely instructional and multi-educational demonstration. Ben, you are the Man!

[@toysetravels]

Thanks Ben! You're great!

[@mylearnings910]

U have provided a valuable information. Thanks to you sir.

[@bensappliancesandjunk]

Glad it helped!

[@aspirativemusicproduction2135]

I transported refrigerator on it's side not even knowing any of this info. Fortunately it wasn't plugged for more than few seconds. Now I know I have to wait for a while before plugging. I hope for the best. Thanks!

[@luaventi]

Did it works?

[@aspirativemusicproduction2135]

@luaventi Fortunately yes but you have to check on which side is the filter. The filter has to be on top so the fluid doesn't go in it. If the filter is on the bottom you may have serious problems.

[@MEmyselfAndReed]

Just wanna say thank you for this. You gained a sub.

[@bensappliancesandjunk]

Glad it helped!

[@dporrasxtremeLS3]

BEN!!! Did I hear you SAY... Throw it on TOP of a HatchBack????? Wooo! What Da Haeell! Always Interesting! Thanks So Much!

[@amandagriffiths4250]

Thanks so much for the explanation. Very clear and easy to understand. Was very helpful for us.

[@rei_cirith]

So if you buy a fridge new and it's in a box, you'd have to unpackage it to see the orientation of these tubes, or is there any secret indication on the box we can look for?

[@nursekelly2834]

Thank you soo much 💞 ! You are awesome! Great explanation and detail!

[@peterandkodiak9762]

Thank you Ben. Excellent information. A+

[@kneecaps2000]

Got the peace of mind I wanted. Too much FUD on this topic out there. Thank you

[@jamiestuart5186]

Thank you kindly. Most helpful. The Nirvana references are priceless.

[@erik2141]

is the filter dryer on the same side on all refrigerators?

[@johncavar2914]

Great video ..good taste nirvana and foo fighters .. excellent 👌

[@Knsimbi]

Love the comedy and jokes. Well in. Now I gotta go toss my refrigerator coz I did everything wrong. Thanks!!

[@markbuhler7562]

Thank you for sharing your knowledge! You're great.

[@YerBrwnDogAteMyRabit]

I won't ever transport a fridge on it's side because I'm superstitious (not to do it is too ingrained) but I watched this entire vid because of curiosity, and more importantly, how well done it is. The voice, the flow, the hat, even your socks work so well together. Liked and subbed. Well done.

[@bensappliancesandjunk]

Awww, thanks!

[@jltaco85]

Ahh yes the hat. Joseph R. Biden is 45's president now. 🤣

[@SupNerdyNateHere]

Figrrhdhrhd

[@dporrasxtremeLS3]

@@bensappliancesandjunk Ben Your the Best! Live Long and continue to Prosper!

[@Bill-ws4ke]

Excellent video, thank you n

[@danielthalion]

I want to run a mini fridge on its side; can I just twist the compressor so its upright when I lay the mini fridge on its side and I shouldn't have any problems?

[@yulitsai]

Nice video. I’m trying to transport a freezer I plan on buying. But how do I know if the coil to the compressor is going left or right without opening up the freezer?

[@reenieg3019]

Love your hat! "Make Appliances Work Again"

[@floydlooney6837]

Good video. I also notice that added humor and the opening. Good stuff.

[@bensappliancesandjunk]

Thanks!

[@solomonbono1031]

Thanks, this was great information.

[@heroknaderi]

Thanks 🙏 I appreciate your time.

[@r.williams8349]

Love the nirvana and Dave grohl comments

[@cjboudreaux9543]

Thanks,that helped answer all the question I had.

[@Piscatore1]

A word of advice. Consider paying somebody to move your larger refrigerators. I am an excellent shape, worked in the appliance installation and delivery business for many years, and work out at a gym three times a week. While moving this refrigerator , I blew a hamstring muscle. One muscle is completely torn off, the other two are significantly damaged. I have a bruise that extends from my butt to blow my knee, and that bruise was created from the inside of my leg! I may need surgery, and this is a very difficult surgery. I am completely screwed. It cost me $100 to rent a truck and refuel it. It probably would’ve cost me two or $300 to have somebody else do it. Although I am a bit older, I am definitely more experienced in moving appliances and I was in better physical shape than most of the people probably out there attempting this. I’ve always done everything pretty much myself and of course with help when necessary as I had help with this project as well. Always pick your jobs carefully, and although some things jobs are quite expensive, they are worth it!

[@ampueri]

Thank you so much 🤗very helpful video.

[@igypop.]

great explanation, thank you.. 😃

[@250Lit]

Loved the nirvana Dave reference 😂

[@jeffdowiyogo4295]

Ben you have helped me twice!! Thank you

[@roysingh5975]

Very well explained Mr comedian.

[@viktorgyory3826]

Hi, how about new LG fridges with "inverter linear compressor" with bottom mounted freezers? is it the same process? thanks

[@akhileshnishad8506]

Very nice video

[@captlistswine9363]

Cool vid. Quick and easy to understand. It explained a lot. Funny too

[@bensappliancesandjunk]

Glad it helped!

[@NativeAmericanSwag]

Thank you for this, just earned yourself a new subscriber! Well done kind sir well done! 👏💪🔥🙏🙌♥️😌

[@kingrivers4371]

They rolled the credits mad early. - I’m not done yet 😂😂😂😂😂

[@djkamillionmoneyrainent931]

Thanks for that info man. And by the way, I love the hat 😂🔥🔥🔥

[@bensappliancesandjunk]

THanks!

[@weld4beer106]

Nirvana reference was spot on . Great job !!!!

[@bensappliancesandjunk]

Thanks!

[@buildfixbreak7947]

I love this video. So great. Nice work

[@evanmartin1210]

Hello! Thank you for this video. After a two hour transport of my refrigerator on its side, I watched this video. I opened up the back of the refrigerator and found out that I had placed the refrigerator on the incorrect side! I now have it upright again, and I’m planning to let it stay that way for about 24 hours before I turn it on again. Is irreversible damage done when transporting the refrigerator on the incorrect side? Or, does leaving it upright for a while fix the problem? Thank you!

[@dpilotnyc7621]

Did it work?

[@carptackula7536]

What was the outcome?

[@dpilotnyc7621]

@@carptackula7536 I did it last week and all good. Appliance place just told me to wait 24hrs before turning on and I did

[@luaventi]

Did it work!

[@dsb227]

Thanks Dude! That helps a lot!

[@tonyroma7599]

Thank you. Awesome job

[@HEADBANGRR]

Great info Thank you

[@TT-ik3kd]

We want more videos on buying and selling pallets!!!

[@musk-eteer9898]

thank you, just bought a small fridge for my son's dorm and i want to transport it correctly in my suv.

[@neepay9324]

Thanks for the video 😂😂😂😂

[@harbert9788]

Nice video! thanks you for this share. Going to transport a big size fridge in my suv on a 300km trip ;)

[@claudiabouck3220]

Great Video and Instructions - I have a Samsung rf24fsedbsr/aa that I need to lay on the side to transport. It is really confusing when we look at the back to see what side we put it on to transport it. Can you or any one help?? Thank You!

[@bensappliancesandjunk]

Generally, I'd reccomend laying it on the left side if your facing it, as thats where the condenser would be

[@kitusgonzi]

@@bensappliancesandjunk so if we are facing the back of the fridge, it should be laid onto the left side?

[@j_bubblez279]

So helpful. I was worried I might have ruined my new fridge for my dorm room. It was sitting on its back for a whole week. I have it upright now and I'm letting it sit that way until I transport it for school. Thank you so much for the advice👍🏽

[@bensappliancesandjunk]

Glad it helped!

[@CompetentSalesUSA]

Thank you

[@hhauffe]

Great How To video... clever, entertaining, AND informative! Great job!! Above, in reference to "which side?", you say: "Depends on where filter dryer is, opposite of that. " -- but how do I know? In this case I'm looking at a new Magic Chef 10.1 cu.ft. that I''m trying to get home from Home Depot. The 'user manual' just said don't put it on its side with no image or picture of the underside guts. Any suggestions?? -- thanks :)

[@bensappliancesandjunk]

The filter dryer is the big copper piece that should be labeled in the video. Its much larger than all the other copper tubing. You want to avoid putting the fridge on that side, because you don't want a ton of oils sitting in that dryer getting pushed into the insanely small capillary line that's the next piece after the dryer.

[@KimikoMaui]

What if the whole back of fridge Is neatly covered so can't see anything

[@complex_variation]

such a good video, thanks

[@ricomartinez1770]

This was such a thorough video I’m giving a sub, but mainly for the make appliances great again hat ha ha

[@bensappliancesandjunk]

Thanks for the sub!

[@bensappliancesandjunk]

Hat is now available! Link: bit.ly/3dtHHjE

[@bediaswild6337]

Super good info here! Thanks so much for sharing this.

[@tsirkucp]

great explanation, thanks. i have to transport a haier HRB15N3 on its side from OR to alaska in a van. is there anyway you would know which side or even if it can be done on this one. i really dont want to open the back up in the store. thanks in advance

[@TheHardwickHomestead]

OK, so I'm buying a used upright freezer tomorrow but from what I can tell it looks like the thing is completely sealed to where you can't see the compressor. How do I know what side the filter dryer is on and which side should I lay it on?

[@danielstewart5208]

Thank you very much for this! Keep it up Ben

[@lexiswinimer8027]

Two questions: 1) Do you need to let a fridge sit for a certain amount of time before transporting it and 2) Can you transport the fridge on its backside as opposed to the side opposite the filter dryer?

[@lexiswinimer8027]

And by sit I mean have it unplugged/not running before moving it.

[@bensappliancesandjunk]

You can move immediately after unplugging. I havent had an issue. You can transport on back if its level or slightly elevated so its not tilted with the top lower than the bottom. Id just give it extra time to settle once its placed upright again for plugging in

[@gimmyherbert8217]

hello I need to transport a refrigerator on its side for rew hours ....how low long ? is it safe to do it

[@CairnCreek]

Very interesting. I just came over from your brothers channel. I’ll catch up on other videos.

[@bensappliancesandjunk]

Thanks!

[@Nanananananabatman]

Does this apply to a 4.5 mini fridge as well?

[@manavai9159]

Good info and thanks for the laughs 😊

[@WideEyesOH]

I recently had a fridge delivered and when they were getting it on the dolly it was tilted on its side for about 5 minutes. When they brought it in they plugged it in right away. Should I be concerned or would the fridge already be failing if there was an issue?

[@bensappliancesandjunk]

No. When they are delivered and ran for the very first time, they're usually set up for such a situation.

[@stevens6446]

good info

[@DavidReedWatson]

Very helpful video and hilarious!

[@travishall6348]

I have to transport a brand new frig for two hours in a truck bed. While looking at the front of the frig. which side of the frig. Left or right should be laying in the truck bed?

[@bensappliancesandjunk]

TYPICALLY right side. Main thing about transporting on its side for 2hrs is leaving it upright for quite some time before plugging in.

[@DoB321]

Thanks

[@WarrenBotes]

the oil came out of the thick pipe. point the thicker pipe upwards right?

[@ml9633]

Thank you Sir ! Clear and easy :) Maurice

[@tonybparalegal]

Thank you!

[@markjaysonmendoza]

Wow awesome! Now I know...!

[@richardzapata4411]

Thank you for the info!!

[@bensappliancesandjunk]

Any time!

[@Jroc_43]

very good video thanks

[@bensappliancesandjunk]

You are welcome

[@kimwegenke2405]

Since oil circulates with the freon, why does oil suddenly attack drier beads? And I always wondered how the oil can go uphill inside the evaporator to even get to the liquid side.

[@kamauwilliamk]

Informative

[@najah3579]

Hello..how about freezer chest? Can use the same way? Tq

[@Azraque]

I love refrigerators

[@bensappliancesandjunk]

Me too!

[@cosmoshfa88savant66]

Brilliant,,,

[@AutistCat]

My new chest freezer was on its back, as opposed to its side. For close to an hour during transport. Would it be enough to let it stand upright for an hour before turning on?

[@JWB671]

Hey Ben, so if a unit has been laying on the side facing towards the filter (opposite of what you recommend) would it make sense to lay it back on the side you recommend for a few hours before returning to upright to allow the lines that were filled to empty back into the compressor? Looks like going from the bad side right to upright wouldn’t allow much drainage to take place.

[@evanmartin1210]

Would love it if this was answered! I layed my unit on the wrong side for a 2 hour car ride. Will putting the unit upright fix this problem, or is putting it on the wrong side damaging to those filter beads no matter what?

[@carptackula7536]

Did you find the answer?

[@ezekiel3934]

Damn I did the same, will wait 24 hours and report my findings 😅

[@NoeGonzalez7]

@@ezekiel3934what happened?

[@nickpeterson6647]

I did this

[@fishaholic6276]

Awesome!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[@lhdez1027]

Hahahaha Courtney Love ruined Nirvana... 😂😂 great video! 👍🏼

[@jonmarcos8488]

What about if you put it down on the wrong side?

[@JamesZJi]

informative. but, when aR134a compressor is running, oil cycles together with the refrigerant through the whole circuit.

[@surftile]

6:07 Thank you Ben! I do NOT want Courtney Love to destroy my fridge!

[@bensappliancesandjunk]

She didn't destroy your fridge! The fridge somehow destroyed itself! Lol

[@sky-qq8xq]

Dear Ben thank you for such a beneficial video ✔︎ My question → if mistaken lay a Refrigerator on to filter dryer side for a short time (only when loading and unloading-just a few mnts or 50-60 seconds) waiting 24 or 48 hours before plug in can enough to be ''filter dryer'' totally purified from the oil? Because your video indicates that ''filter dryer'' contents getting rust after oil contact. Why I am asking that, 2 days ago my GE side by side refrigerator transported carefully, however I am not sure that is laid down 'filter dryer'' side when loading and unloading time for a short time.Your answer will be highly appreciated.

[@bensappliancesandjunk]

As long as it's upright for the 24h you should be good regardless... filter dryer side is optimal but not required. But if tilted only for a few moments, I usually wait an hour just to be safe.

[@sky-qq8xq]

@@bensappliancesandjunk Thank you for prompt and useful answer.You are really good 👏

[@alpaslanay7876]

Dear Ben, I have a question not related with your above post.I just got a GCE21YETAFSS ref, its old but in good condition.My question: when cleaning, I mistakely (ref was plugged) did a short circuit (blue and red cables) with a screwdriver on water line electric socket, (thats under freezer side, by the water pipe connection), there was corrosion on the socket and I used contact cleaner (not oily).After I caused a short circuit a short moment, right after compressor motor restarted and till now all functions are seans OK, I just wanted to hear your comment.Do you think such short circuit may cause trouble on mainboard or somethings wrong? Or the GE ref may have a protection for such events?Have a nice weekend.

[@bensappliancesandjunk]

@@alpaslanay7876 if everything seems OK YOU should be in good shape. Most circuits are over spec so they would be able to handle small surges

[@Peter_Yachymczyk]

OK while not exactly a refrigerator but it does use a refrigeration system, does this same thing apply to window rattlers? I found one (12K BTU a nice one) ass side up I let is sit for 3 days before testing it. five minutes of just fan then the maiden voyage of compressor! cold air in like 10 seconds 31-33°F coils and 34-39°F at the vents on the front and a little puddle under it in only 3 minutes of on time! room was about 75°F at the time! It would not power on at first it is an older one but still has the LCDI cord end well the LCDI was bad! 5 minutes with a wire cutter/stripper and a spare NEMA 5-15P it works fine! The cord is fine so it was just the LCDI that failed, anyway I bought a new 14/3 cord and I'm going to open it up and just replace the whole cord.

[@bensappliancesandjunk]

Same idea yes. Window units gotta be on their right side for at least an hour. Ive dealt with a ton due to home depot returns. Very few issues

[@Peter_Yachymczyk]

@@bensappliancesandjunk Thanks it is an older one it has about 18 OZ of the good old R-22 stuff R-410A is not as cold and operates under higher pressures.

[@PeacefulEndings]

Hi Ben's appliances and junk I have a question that's a little off topic but I have a Samsung refrigerator that's showing a code 88 and the freezer stopped working and refrigerator won't get colder than 55 any idea what the problem could be? Thanks

[@bensappliancesandjunk]

Thats a demo mode / power failure code. Unplug the fridge, wait 15min and plug back in. Then see if it resolves the code. If it doesn't, theres a combination of buttons to press to reset the code. Its different on each type of Samsung fridge. Diagnostic mode as shown early in this video would work if thr controls are there on door.

[@1stinkydream]

Again proving that you are the Man! Who would know this?

[@irene1234]

What if the fridge is transported to the store from the manufacturer on its wrong side? Then even if you drive it home the right way after you purchase it, it might still have a short lifespan because of the original improper transport of it, no?

[@sc7836]

Hi I have a fridge I am thinking of replacing which is why I came here. Its a minifridge with no freezer- hastemp dial 3-7. I am always setting it to 3 and always within a weektheres aninch or two thick wall of ice on the back. Its driving me crazy. I have a 4 dor sedan and was thinking of going to pick up another but remembered something about not moving them on their sides. Wondering if there might be any solution besides getting a new one..

[@bensappliancesandjunk]

Does it have a defrost system on the coils?

[@sc7836]

I don't know

[@pagliaccisghost269]

Wish I knew this when I was young, before I screwed up my back working for a moving company 🙃