Enclosed trailer furnace problems

[cwbyup_22]

I recently installed an older Hydro Flame furnace in my enclosed trailer, when I am at home - 4500ft it seems to work fine. When I get to the parking lot where we unload 7500ft the furnace will run for a few minutes and then go out, if you sit perfectly still in the trailer it will run longer but as soon as you move around it goes out. The pilot light will stay lit all day long. The flame at home looks good but at the parking lot it is very small - does not extend much past the burners. I thought it needed smaller orifices but when I took it apart last night it already has 3 size smaller orfices in it. Any help would be greatly appreciated. Thanks

 

[pullhardr]

You might want to try www.ducktec.com and see if your model being an older standing pilot requires a high altitude conversion kit.

 

[pullhardr]

Did you try increasing the gas pressure? The more I thought about it that's were I would start. Try adjusting the pressure at the tank valve and work your way in to the furnace from there.

 

[rmk2112]

Did you try increasing the gas pressure? The more I thought about it that's were I would start. Try adjusting the pressure at the tank valve and work your way in to the furnace from there.

Pressure at your regulator should be constant, regardless of altitude. Your 1st post was more on point. A conversion kit to get more air to the flame will be whats needed. 1500' - 4500' is alot different than 4500' - 7500'. Air is very thin in propane standards at that elevation. You don't have the correct air/propane ratio. The kit will compensate for that.

 

[pullhardr]

Pressure at your regulator should be constant, regardless of altitude. Your 1st post was more on point. A conversion kit to get more air to the flame will be whats needed. 1500' - 4500' is alot different than 4500' - 7500'. Air is very thin in propane standards at that elevation. You don't have the correct air/propane ratio. The kit will compensate for that.

Agreed, but a smaller regulator and tank (being smaller than 500 plus gallons) is alot more picky at elevation. Checking on a high altitude kit is a must. I know that my regulators at 7000+ on my smaller stuff always act different during the winter. I have changed the bottle pressure (and warmed up the regulators) and have had success. Just my 2cents.

 

[rmk2112]

Cool, I just learned something.
I run 2 - 5 gal tanks on the front of my trailer for a small Olympic LowNox heater. Thats good to know if I tow it into higher elevations

 

[cwbyup_22]

Agreed, but a smaller regulator and tank (being smaller than 500 plus gallons) is alot more picky at elevation. Checking on a high altitude kit is a must. I know that my regulators at 7000+ on my smaller stuff always act different during the winter. I have changed the bottle pressure (and warmed up the regulators) and have had success. Just my 2cents.

How would you go about changing the bottle pressure and warming up the regulator?? Sorry for the questions but I know just enough about propane to be dangerous!!! lol

 

[robertyoke]

this is a forced air furnace correct? not a wall heater or something?

i would try just removing the plastic cap on the face of the regulator and turn the nut behind it out (counterclock wise) and see if it likes less pressure. if not turn it in and see how it does with more.

my camper was not liking Taylor park camping two years ago, it at 10000++ feet and the furnace was not staying lit and the stove flame was out of hand. changed the regulator setting and all was good.

 

[cwbyup_22]

Yes this is a forced air furnace, thanks for the info!!!

 

[canuck5]

How would you go about changing the bottle pressure and warming up the regulator?? Sorry for the questions but I know just enough about propane to be dangerous!!! lol

I love that line (just enough about propane to be dangerous!!! ) buddy of mine had a regulator screen plug on his when colder at elevation and this also caused similar conditions.