Moving large household appliances - this is always stressful for the owner, especially when it comes to massive two-door refrigerator Side by Side format. Unlike standard models, such units have impressive dimensions and weight, often exceeding 100 kilograms, which makes the process of moving them a complex engineering task. Improper transportation can lead to irreversible damage to the compressor, failure of the tightness of the circuit or deformation of the case.
The main problem encountered during transportation is the risk of oil leaking from the compressor into the refrigerant circulation system. If the refrigerator is placed on its side or tilted more than required manufacturer's instructions, oil may enter the circuit, where it will solidify and create a plug. This will lead to the fact that after switching on the equipment will begin to work with overload or will completely fail after a short time.
In this article we will analyze in detail all the stages of preparation, choose the right transport and determine whether in your case it is possible to lay the unit horizontally. Compliance with transportation technology will allow you to deliver your equipment intact and maintain the warranty. Remember that saving on mover services or packaging often costs much more than repairs.
Preparing the refrigerator for transportation
You need to start preparing for the move long before the movers arrive. The first step is a full defrosting camera. Even if your model has a No Frost system, there may be ice build-ups on the evaporator inside, which, when shaken, will turn into water and flood the electronics. Unplug the device at least 24 hours before your planned departure.
After defrosting, thoroughly wipe all internal surfaces with a dry cloth. It is important to remove not only water, but also food residues, crumbs and odors. The refrigerator doors should remain open during the entire preparation period so that the insides can be properly ventilated. The humid environment inside a closed volume during transportation is an ideal place for the development of mold. dried out and got some air. The humid environment inside a closed volume during transportation is an ideal place for mold to grow.
⚠️ Attention: Do not use harsh chemicals or abrasive sponges to clean the internal shelves before packaging. Residues of detergents may react with plastic when heated in the car body.
The next stage is fixing the moving elements. All shelves, drawers, egg trays and bottle containers must be removed. Glass cracks easily when vibrating, and plastic guides can break. If it is impossible to remove the shelves (in some models they are not removable), they must be carefully laid with soft material and secured with masking tapeso that they do not dangle.
☑️ Checklist for preparation for transportation
Fixing the compressor and external elements
One of the most vulnerable parts of any refrigerator is the compressor. It is suspended on shock absorber springs that dampen vibrations during operation. When transported on an uneven road, these springs may not be able to withstand the shaking, and the heavy motor will simply break away from the mounts. Many modern models provide special transport bolts for transportation. If your unit is equipped with such bolts, you are in luck. Find them in the document set or in the niche at the back (sometimes they are already screwed in). Gently tighten them to secure the motor firmly. If the bolts are lost or not provided for by the design, the compressor must be covered on all sides with dense foam, cardboard or polyurethane foam (with caution), creating a buffer zone. transport bolts.
If your unit is equipped with these bolts, you are in luck. Find them in the document set or in the niche at the back (sometimes they are already screwed in). Gently tighten them to secure the motor firmly. If the bolts are lost or not provided for by the design, the compressor must be covered on all sides with dense foam, cardboard or polyurethane foam (with caution), creating a buffer zone.
What to do if the transport bolts are lost?
If it is impossible to find the original bolts, you can use soft upholstery. Stuff the space around the motor tightly with foam rubber or rags, and then wrap the entire rear lower part of the unit with stretch film in several layers. This will prevent the compressor from dangling, but will not provide such rigidity as metal bolts, so you need to transport such a refrigerator with extreme caution.
Do not forget about the external elements. Door handles, decorative panels, displays and protruding parts must be protected. Ideal bubble filmwound in 3-4 layers. The structure is wrapped with stretch film on top. This will protect the glossy surface from scratches and chips that will inevitably appear upon contact with the sides of the truck.
Vertical or horizontal transportation: what to choose?
This is the most common question that worries owners. vertical transportationhas always been considered the ideal option. In this position, the oil remains in the compressor crankcase, and the tubes do not experience critical fracture loads. However, the dimensions of Side by Side often make vertical transportation impossible due to the height of the doorways or the low ceiling in the van.
Many manufacturers strictly prohibit laying their models on their sides. However, practice shows that horizontal transportation is permissible if a number of strict rules are followed. The main thing is to determine which side the refrigerator can be placed on. Usually this is allowed to be done on the side opposite to the outlet of the tubes from the compressor, or on the side of the loops, but it is best to check the technical documentation of the specific model.
If you choose a horizontal position, the angle of inclination should not exceed 40 degrees, and when lying down, the unit should lie on a special soft base. It is strictly forbidden to place the equipment on its back (back wall down) or on the front panel. In the first case, you can damage the capacitor array, in the second, you can break the glass or display.
Comparison of transportation methods
To make it easier for you to make a decision, we have compiled a comparative table of risks and requirements for different transportation methods. Choose the option that is technically available to you, but remember the precautions.
| Option | Vertical | Horizontal (on the side) | At an angle of 45° |
|---|---|---|---|
| Risk for compressor | Minimum | High (without fixation) | Medium |
| Required transport | High van | Gazelle or passenger car | Minivan |
| The need for sediment | 2-4 hours | 12-24 hours | 8-12 hours |
| Risk of case deformation | Low | Medium | Low |
The table shows that vertical position is the safest from a technical point of view. However, if you are forced to transport the refrigerator lying down, it is critical to provide it with a soft “cushion” and no vibrations. Use old blankets, mattresses or special air pillows.
⚠️ Attention: When transporting horizontally on the roof of a car (for example, on a trunk), the risk of damage is extremely high. Wind, dust, stones from wheels and vibration can destroy the appearance and damage the thermal insulation. Use this method only as a last resort and with maximum protection.
Packaging and protection during movement
High-quality packaging is not just paper, but a complex protection system. Start with the corners: they are the ones that take the first blows during loading. Use special foam corners or thick cardboard. If there are none, roll up thick cardboard rollers and tape them with tape.
The entire body must be wrapped with stretch film. It not only secures packaging materials, but also protects against moisture and dust. If transportation is planned during the cold season, a layer of film will prevent condensation from entering the body during a sharp temperature change. It is advisable to put a thick fabric cover on top of the film or wrap it in a blanket.
Pay special attention to the bottom. During horizontal transportation, it is the lower part of the hull that experiences maximum pressure. Place a hard sheet of plywood or thick cardboard under the refrigerator, and a soft layer of foam rubber underneath. This will distribute the weight and prevent the metal from being pressed in.
Adaptation after delivery: standing time
After the refrigerator has been delivered to its destination, the question arises: when can it be turned on? If you transported the unit vertically and without strong shaking, it is enough to let it stand for 2-4 hours. This time is necessary to equalize the temperature regime and calm the refrigerant.
The situation changes dramatically if used horizontal transportation. The oil may have spread throughout the system and needs time to return by gravity to the compressor crankcase. The minimum standing time in a warm room is 12 hours, but it is better to wait a full day. Turning on earlier than this period threatens water hammer and compressor failure.
After the standstill period, carefully inspect the unit for external damage. Make sure all fasteners are removed and the doors open freely. Only after this can you connect the device to the network. During the first few hours of work, monitor the noise: if uncharacteristic sounds, knocking or buzzing appear, immediately turn off the equipment and call a technician.
Common mistakes when transporting Side by Side
Even experienced movers sometimes make mistakes that can cost you dearly. One of the most common is an attempt to carry a refrigerator into an apartment through a narrow opening, holding on to doors or plastic handles. The handles of Side by Side models are often decorative and cannot withstand a weight of 100+ kg. You can only carry it by the bottom or special technological holes in the body.
Another mistake is ignoring weather conditions. Transportation in severe frost without packaging is dangerous for plastic parts, which become brittle. In addition, a sharp temperature change when brought from frost to heat causes the formation of condensation inside electronic boards. You can turn on such a refrigerator no earlier than 24 hours after bringing it into the heat.
⚠️ Attention: Do not try to roll the refrigerator on wheels on uneven asphalt or tiles yourself. Vibration is transmitted directly to the compressor and pipes. Use a cart with pneumatic wheels or carry it in your hands.
They also often forget to secure the load itself in the back of the car. Even if the refrigerator is packed, it must be firmly secured with straps or stops to prevent the center of gravity from shifting when braking. A fall of a heavy unit from a height of even 30-40 cm can lead to rupture of the welded seams of the tubes.
Is it possible to transport a Side by Side refrigerator in a passenger car?
Technically, this is possible if you remove the back seat and place the unit on