High Altitude Kit for 2018 Boondock 3-way Refrigerator?

Rollingztone
Rollingztone Member Posts: 31
in Air Conditioning & Refrigeration
We just traded in our 2012 T@B and bought a new T@B 2018 Boondock from a dealer. It has a Norcold N180.3 model 3-way refrigerator. The manual says the refrigerator will not operate properly on propane above an altitude of 5,500 feet, and recommends plugging into shore power when above that elevation. We bought this to “boondock”, i.e., go off the grid. We often camp at elevations higher the 5,500 feet. Our 2012 T@B had a Norcold 3-way with a high altitude kit installed. The dealer and nüCamp say there is no high altitude kit available for the N180.3 model refrigerator. Does anyone know of a 3rd party high altitude kit available or a work-around to allow the fridge to work properly on propane above 5,500 feet?




2018 T@B Boondock Edition. 2008 GMC Sierra SLT Z71 4X4 5.3L V8. (2) BB 100Ah LiFePo4. Charlotte, NC

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Comments

  • klenger
    klenger Member Posts: 309
    Mine has worked fine at the Grand Canyon South Rim at 7000 feet.  Never camped higher than that yet.
    T@B 320 manuals and electrical drawings
    Considering a 2024 TaB 400 with all the option packages (full lithium), 
    2023 Jeep Gladiator Sport S, Max Tow Package.  
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  • Bayliss
    Bayliss Member Posts: 1,496
    @Rollingztone, we too had no problem using the Norcold N180.3 at the Grand Canyon (7460') in April.  It also worked well at 7650' in the California High Sierras in May. 
    2019 T@B 320 S Boondock Lite; 2025 Toyota Tundra CrewMax 4x4
    (Alde: 3020; Refrig: Isotherm Cruise 65 Eleg; Battery: BB 100Ah LiFePO4; Solar: Renogy 220W Portable Suitcase w/ Victron SmartSolar MPPT 75/15 Controller; Victron BMV-712 Battery Monitor w/ Shunt; Pwr Cntr: PD-4135KW2B; EMS: PI-HW30C)
    Greg & Marlene (Tucson, AZ)


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  • Rollingztone
    Rollingztone Member Posts: 31
    Thanks, it's comforting to hear that propane kept the N180.3 cold at those altitudes...can't wait to get to the mountains ourselves.
    2018 T@B Boondock Edition. 2008 GMC Sierra SLT Z71 4X4 5.3L V8. (2) BB 100Ah LiFePo4. Charlotte, NC

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  • R2DTab
    R2DTab Member Posts: 5
    I also have a 2018 boondock, I live at 9,000 ft and have taken the trailer up to 11,000 and many times between 9-11k.  The only problem I have with the fridge is that it doesn't have a vent fan - I'm trying to get one of those so it gets warm.

    The Alde however makes some interesting sounds at high elevation - even with the high elevation mode on.  
    2018 T@B Boondock 320S
    Brought to places by a 2018 Tacoma TRD Off Road

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  • DesertDweller
    DesertDweller Member Posts: 138
    I, too, have the 2019 T@B 320 S (Boondock Lite) and it has the Norcold N180.3x 3-way.  During the summers I dry camp in an area of slightly over 7000' and have had no problems running the refrigerator on propane. 
    2019 T@B 320 S Boondock Lite a/k/a "The D@wghouse"
    2025 Ford Ranger XLT 2.7L V6
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  • panfer
    panfer Member Posts: 3
    Ours will never start. Have seen lots of helpful ideas from folks, all of whom are very handy DIYers. Has anyone ever just had their fridge checked out by an RV place and had them find and fix fridge issues? I just don't want to get "taken" by an RV shop. Cutting out my stove top, adding fans...I wouldn't know how to begin. We all have our own strengths LOL
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  • gyamane
    gyamane Member Posts: 18
    Have a 2018 boondock with the n180 and camped at 10000' - it was a bugger to light but once lit worked fine on propane.
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  • Mirasol
    Mirasol Member Posts: 2
    Have a 2018 320 with n180 fridge - as mentioned by others, it gets flaky to light (and stay lit) above 8000'
    2018 T@B CS
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