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Old 09-20-2022, 05:38 PM   #1
rames14
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Furnace/Refrigerator Issue

Right now, in Indiana, the fridge and furnace are working fine. At home (7500 feet) they still work fine, except the fridge makes a loud burping sound when burner starts on propane. Now, at 9000 feet, the furnace burps loudly when it starts and the furnace tries to start an infinite number of times but won’t keep running. Sail switch is fine, burner is fine, board is fine. Altitude related. At rally the techs checked the gas pressure with a manometer and it was perfect (11.5” of water). Anyone adjust their gas pressure at altitude? Which way do you adjust the regulator?
 
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Old 09-20-2022, 06:29 PM   #2
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I don't think it's a gas pressure issue. It's more likely a gas/oxygen mix issue. Looking online you might need a small orifice in your furnace at higher altitude. Is there any info in the furnace manual?
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Old 09-20-2022, 08:47 PM   #3
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None of the manuals have any mention about high altitude operation. The only other orifice available is for a couple models that can be converted and operated on natural gas which would not solve the issue of thin air at high altitude.
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Old 09-21-2022, 04:41 AM   #4
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Bob, all of my research points to adjusting the pressure. I have an email in to Dometic but searching other sites I’m not too hopeful. The manual calls for 11” wc and mine is 11.5”. RVEngineer says in a search lowering water column to 8” at high altitude is suggested. I bought a digital manometer and may try adjusting to get it to work. It would be nice to get a setting that works at all altitudes. As you mentioned, there isn’t a Dometic orifice for high altitude, only LP or Natural Gas.
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Old 09-21-2022, 08:29 AM   #5
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Ron, I hope you get it working and let us know what worked. I saw many articles that state that the furnace simply won't work at those altitudes...seems a little short sighted by the manufacturer but that's what I've seen. I've also been under the impression that the furnace also won't run at less than 11" column inches so I'm curious what your results will be.
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Old 09-21-2022, 08:50 AM   #6
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Quote:
Originally Posted by rames14 View Post
Right now, in Indiana, the fridge and furnace are working fine. At home (7500 feet) they still work fine, except the fridge makes a loud burping sound when burner starts on propane. Now, at 9000 feet, the furnace burps loudly when it starts and the furnace tries to start an infinite number of times but won’t keep running. Sail switch is fine, burner is fine, board is fine. Altitude related. At rally the techs checked the gas pressure with a manometer and it was perfect (11.5” of water). Anyone adjust their gas pressure at altitude? Which way do you adjust the regulator?

You're most likely at the altitude threshold. At 9K feet the air is pretty thin and I bet the manometer would have a different reading.

From Google. Be careful and good luck



Does altitude affect propane?


Problems arise because at higher altitudes, air contains less oxygen. For a flame to keep burning, it requires the right mixture of fuel (propane) and air (oxygen). Too much or too little of either and the flame will go out or burn inefficiently. Without a sufficient flame, your appliance won't work properly.





How do you adjust a propane regulator on a camper?


If you need to adjust your RV propane regulator, remove the cap and notice the adjustment screw underneath. Turning this screw clockwise will increase the outlet pressure, in most cases, but the proper direction of the adjustment will also be marked on the regulator itself.Jan 9, 2020
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Old 09-21-2022, 12:11 PM   #7
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Jeff, it worked last year. Might just take a little tweak. Manual says 11” wc, so 10 might work everywhere.
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Old 09-21-2022, 12:58 PM   #8
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I have stayed in the Big Horns (WY) several times. The CG is at 8600, I think and had no problems with frig or furnace.
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Old 09-26-2022, 05:42 AM   #9
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Furnace - reply from customer service

We had that issue at Grand Lake, CO at around 9,000 feet elevation. I wrote the manufacturer. Their reply is attached.
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