We have a small gibson chest freezer that we want to move on its side in the back of a SUV for a 10 hour trip. Will it be OK?

Hi, to be honest if you lay it on its side, more than likely you will burn out the compressor on start-up. I have seen this happen so many times, as the refrigerant mixes with the compressor oil, and even though the 3 windings are coated/insulated, just the slightest deterioration of a winding and the mixture of oil and freon clinging to the start, run, or common winding will cause a burn out. In my early years of installing compressor in a/c units on top of shopping centers, I would have to rope the new compressor up 2 stories. Get it 1/2 way up but have to lower it down just to heavy and have them fall over on there side just long enough for me to climb down and upright it. Anyway, I would install it and start it up and they would burn out in less then 2 minutes!! But, I have done this and been Ok, if you lay it down, a refrigerator or freezer to move it and it would be fine if you do this before you plug it in. When you get where you are going, do not plug it in for a minimum of 72 hours!! This will give the unit plenty of time for the oil and freon to seperate and you will be fine. Yes, it is always recommended not to lay a refrigerated unit on its back or side for good reason. But like I say, I have moved many and if you don't get temped to plug it in sooner, you will be good to go. I hope I didn't scare you its just not good practice to do this, but 72 hours or even longer if you can wait would be better. The longer the better chances you will have, and it will run fine. Keep me posted.
Sincerely,
Shastalaker7