How high can I go?

Kr@cken

Not sure if this is the right category. Newbie question. I have read many posts about people using propane at high altitudes. Some having no problems and others needing some sort of accommodation. Is there an altitude I need to stay below so that the propane I use to cool my food and the heat I use to warm my 2020 T@B 320 Boondock will operate normally? I live at sea level but travel into the mountains.

RFraer

We camped in Colorado at over 11,000 feet and had no problems with propane. We could light the stove and the Aldi and refrigerator work properly. We Live at sea level and had a mild case of altitude sickness the first few days. FYI, popcorn doesn't fully pop at that altitude but if you like half pops it's great.  

AirBoss

Generally speaking above 5500' (+/-) elevation you may start to experience reduce performance in cooling the fridge. As for the heating, the Alde 3020 has a built-in high-elevation system that automatically adjusts to those higher elevations so you should be OK there. Same for the propane stove, it should operate normally. I've used the green Coleman 1lb tanks at over 8000' without any issues. 

If you're camping in the Cascades I doubt you'll be at an elevation that significantly impacts the performance of your gas operated systems. Unless of course you decide to drag your 320 up to Camp Muir on Mt. Rainier! 

BTW...how long before the new arena in Seattle where the Kracken will play is called the "KrackHouse?" 

johnfconway

Should you decide to invest in a portable generator, most (if not all) suggest switching out carburetor jets starting at anywhere from 2000 ft. to 4000 ft. In the case of Honda eu2200i, it's very easy to change it out. In the case of a larger home panel sized unit like Wen DF475T, there is a lot of taking things apart, realigning gaskets and even some swearing!

Kr@cken

Thanks so much. The Honda was the one I was going for. I think I got the generator posts and propane posts confused. So much to learn!

N7SHG_Ham

The Alde high altitude setting is something you need to select from the control panel, it doesn't automatically do that (no built in altimeter) but easy to do.

Kr@cken

Thanks. It looks like I need to make that change at about 3000’. Not something I knew I had to do.

johnfconway

Kr@cken said:

Thanks so much. The Honda was the one I was going for. I think I got the generator posts and propane posts confused. So much to learn!

Yes, the generator posts are many and they head down different paths. You can find a regular Honda portable gasoline powered generator just about anywhere. There are at least a couple of places that sell credible propane conversion kits. Once converted, it's a propane unit. Genconnex out of Massachussetts sells a propane converted unit that is ready-to-go (except for jet replacement if you're using it from 4500 - 9000 ft. elevation).

Kr@cken

Thank you for the advice. One last question just in case I start with gasoline, I see people packing their gasoline tanks on their Thule racks on the back of their 320’s. I see it quite often actually. Is this considered a safe practice? I would think if I got rear ended by a semi my gas can would be the first thing hit. Does anyone transport in their TV or on the rack in front? I guess that is why I would prefer propane, Just not sure how to safely haul gas around. Sorry if I shifted from the original thread.

Verna

@Kr@cken, there is a total weight limit on the rear rack that you need to take into account. And you need to watch your tongue weight, also. Being hit from the rear by a semi would be catastrophic no matter where your gas container is, in my honest opinion.  

Doing a search of the forum, depending on which source you pay attention to, the weight limit of the rear rack is between 70 to 100 lbs. Gasoline will weigh 8 lbs per gallon. Watch for denting the aluminum roof under the rear rack—that would tell you how much weight not to use. I understand it is expensive to replace the one piece aluminum roof. 

Denny16

MandyLee and her partner store their gas and water can on the front rack.
I think mounting on the rear racks on RVs is a throw back to military practice of mounting Jerry gas cans on the rear of their vehicles.
  I agree, this is not a safe practice, especially in rear end accident situations.  I carry gas in vapor proof metal gas containers in the back of my truck bed.  Lacking that space, the trailer front rack would be my next place to store extra gas.
cheers

Kr@cken

Once again the forum comes through!

pthomas745

I've been above 8000 feet several times in my 2017, which has no "high altitude" mods, and have never had an issue.  No Alde "freight train", no cooling issues on fridge. 

DougH

pthomas745 said:

I've been above 8000 feet several times in my 2017, which has no "high altitude" mods, and have never had an issue.  No Alde "freight train", no cooling issues on fridge. 

Same, but it does sound louder.  Luck of the draw I guess since some have issues above 5000ft.

bergger

I live at 10,200 ft elevation and you will have no issues.  The fridge will be freezing cold.  The cooler air temps help as well with that. And your alde heater will also work fine in the high altitude mode or if you use the heat pump on the cool cat.  You'll be toasty warm.  I have a 2021 400.  

Kr@cken

Thank you for your response.

2Doxies

I have noticed this summer, when boondocking in the mountains that the alde is rumbling a bit. So, if I switch the setting to high altitude, that will stop?

2Doxies

Rumbles when Ive used the heat

Sharon_is_SAM

@2Doxies - using the Alde high altitude mode should prevent the “Alde Freight Train”!