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Topic: Yes, Refrigerators Running On Gas May Go Out At High Altitude (Read 1204 times) previous topic - next topic
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Re: Yes, Refrigerators Running On Gas May Go Out At High Altitude
Reply #50 –
I think the flame on my new refrigerator sounds louder than the old one.  Sometimes it seams louder than others.  Perhaps louder at higher altitudes.
The flame looked good, blue when I looked yesterday and a couple weeks ago around 7,000'.
I wouldn't think there is anything wrong other than it could be designed to work better at high altitude unless I have problems closer to sea level, which I haven't so far.
If I could find warranty service at 9,000'  they might have some ideas!
Jay Carlson
2003  LD RB
2005 Bigfoot 40MH35LX
rvingjaygwynne.wordpress.com
Re: Yes, Refrigerators Running On Gas May Go Out At High Altitude
Reply #51 –
Our 8CF 2006 model Dometic has worked without a problem up to 10,000 feet.

Jim
 
Re: Yes, Refrigerators Running On Gas May Go Out At High Altitude
Reply #54 –
Quote from: Larry Wade  - 
We spent time last summer, camped at 10,000', in Colorado.
The refrigerator worked fine, but cutting out, at altitude, is a common problem for many.
Make sure the flu is clean, the propane pressure is set correctly and the jet in the refrigerator clean.

Raising the propane operation pressure slightly, from 11"-H2O to 13"-H2O, may be of help.  I check the propane pressure with an appliance operating, finding that you can get a false, low reading, if the regulator is set with nothing operating.
If you are not 100% confident about how to service the propane system, leave it to the pros.

The refrigerator's Jet slowly builds up a coating, from residual oils in the propane, which reduces flow and produces a smaller flame.  To clean, soak the jet in solvent, alcohol works OK, acetone or lacquer thinner work better.
Do not poke the jet with anything metallic, this can damage the jet. A tooth brush is fine.
If available, blow the jet out with compressed air.

Accept the fact that there is less air, at high altitudes, and the refrigerator's cooling ability is lessened greatly.
An alternative is cover the roof with solar and switch to a marine-type 12-volt compressor refrigerator.

Larry

We struggled for years with driving our RV's with fridge on....decided to go with this....Engel MT45F-U1 Dual Voltage AC/DC Portable Fridge/Freezer 43 Qt. Amazon.com: Engel MT45F-U1 Dual Voltage AC/DC Portable Fridge/Freezer 43....
Added bonus is an incredibly low amp draw and operates at any elevation.
Really don't need our coach refrigerator in its' intended function
As an Amazon Associate Lazy Daze Owners' Group earns from qualifying purchases.
Freedom is not free
Re: Yes, Refrigerators Running On Gas May Go Out At High Altitude
Reply #55 –
Quote from: Prplehearts  - 
We struggled for years with driving our RV's with fridge on....decided to go with this....Engel MT45F-U1 Dual Voltage AC/DC Portable Fridge/Freezer 43 Qt. Amazon.com: Engel MT45F-U1 Dual Voltage AC/DC Portable Fridge/Freezer 43....
Added bonus is an incredibly low amp draw and operates at any elevation.
Really don't need our coach refrigerator in its' intended function
Many full timers use a portable, compressor refrigerator, for extra storage or for shopping, when town is a long ways away.
This has been discussed here many times.
The major problem with compressor refrigerators is supplying the needed power, 24/7, rain or shine.
Propane is the simplest, most dependable way of providing the energy for refrigeration, in all conditions.

On the other hand, most find a properly maintained refrigerator does an adequate job in most conditions.
Its performance can be enhanced with interior and chimney fans and better insulation, as well as periodic maintenance.
A dirty jet or a flue can seriously decrease efficiency.
Few ever clean the jet or pull the flue baffle and clean the flue with a stiff brush.

As mentioned before, we and others have operated our refrigerators at 9-10,000', many times over the last 20+ years, without issues.

Larry


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Larry
2003 23.5' Front Lounge, since new.  Previously 1983 22' Front Lounge.
Tow vehicles  2020 Jeep Wrangler Rubicon, 2001 Jeep Cherokee
Photo Collection: Lazy Daze
Re: Yes, Refrigerators Running On Gas May Go Out At High Altitude
Reply #56 –
"Many full timers use a portable, compressor refrigerator, for extra storage or for shopping, when town is a long ways away. "

While really, really wonderful, the portable refrigerators are monstrously expensive, and require not an insignificant amount of constant power; thus probably not cost effective for the non-full timer.  Even an insulated, foldable cooler could be pressed into usable service at grocery shopping time by adding a bag of ice from the supply that seems to be ubiquitous at just about any grocery store.  Even a huge bag is only about $2., and if you hustle on home, you could probably utilize many of those ice cubes for cooling down the refrigerator when you put the new food into it.

If you time it right, perhaps your rig freezer could already be holding the Blue Ice-type of coolant packets, which could then be moved to the refrigerator and placed around in strategic places, and the bag of ice cubes inserted into the freezer for refreezing and use later. TIP:  When you buy the bag of ice at the grocery store, put it into another sturdy plastic bag to preclude getting your items in the cooler wet. 

When you get back to the rig, drain the resultant water out of the plastic bag, and dislodge the cubes from each other before placing the bag into the freezer.  Or leave it in the cooler to cool any drinks you have purchased - instead of warming the refrigerator by putting room temperature drinks in there.

If all else fails, use the ice cubes in beverages!  ;->

   Virtual hugs,

   Judie
Re: Yes, Refrigerators Running On Gas May Go Out At High Altitude
Reply #57 –

The Engel portables have an excellent reputation, but as Judie mentioned, are fairly pricey for their capacity. I've been using a  40-quart Dometic CF-040 12V/120V compressor fridge in my car for several years and it has been a joy to own. The price, while still not cheap, is several hundred dollars less than a similarly sized 43-quart Engel. My Dometic uses the well-known and very reliable Danfoss BD-35 compressor. It's powered by a surplus 100 W solar panel and a group 27 battery, and runs 24/7 at about 34° F. (I turn it down to 10° when I go shopping.)

There's no question that there are much cheaper solutions to high-altitude cooling, as Judie pointed out. But if you have the money and the inclination, a portable compressor fridge is one of the nicest luxuries I can think of.

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Andy Baird
2021 Ford Ranger towing 2019 Airstream 19CB
Previously: 1985 LD Twin/King "Gertie"; 2003 LD Midbath "Skylark"