Forum Discussion

soos's avatar
soos
Explorer II
Jul 17, 2015

Any solutions for high altitude refrigerator issues?

We have recently been using our Lance camper at some higher altitudes- 7500 ft and above (to escape summer heat) and many nights are woken up by the beeping of the fridge because it can't re-ignite on propane at the higher altitudes. Its a Norcold, and apparently their solution is to have electric hookup at elevations above 5000 feet, but that is not what we are interested in doing.

I checked the Lance forum but no one there seems to have come up with a solution.
Other than shutting it off and re-igniting it in the morning, has anyone found a solution?

thanks,
Sue

32 Replies

  • soos's avatar
    soos
    Explorer II
    We understand that it is being starved for air and running too rich. From what I have read, there are no other orifaces to get that would work in a Norcold and be a different size. Apparently Dometic has interchangeable orifaces but Norcold doesn't. We might be able to look at tank pressure. Not as concerned with other propane appliances overnight, if we can adjust pressure "-at will" .

    Thanks!
  • It is starving for AIR.....too fuel rich due to altitude

    You could check what size orifice you have and then buy couple of smaller size ones to change out with and test which one works best at altitude (higher number...smaller orifice)


    Some folks recommend lowering LP pressure (adjusting regulator down) to 10.5" WC but that may make other LP appliances not work

    Always best to maintain correct pressure and adjust size of orifice for air/fuel ratio match