Water heater wont stay lit at high altitude

[Airstream25]

I searched the forums and did not find info on this problem.

1995 Excella propane water heater works OK at home elevation of 5,000' but will not stay lit when boondocking at 10,000' elevation. The boondocking was in July so the air temperature was moderate.

The electronic ignition lights OK and the heater burns with a normal roar for a minute or two then the roar gradually diminishes and it shuts off. Same thing happens when switching the water heater off and back on again.

I did have water in the hot water tank and I did have propane. The stove always worked OK.

When I return to the home 5,000' elevation, the hot water heater works OK again.

[Inland RV Center, In]

Originally Posted by Airstream25

I searched the forums and did not find info on this problem.

1995 Excella propane water heater works OK at home elevation of 5,000' but will not stay lit when boondocking at 10,000' elevation. The boondocking was in July so the air temperature was moderate.

The electronic ignition lights OK and the heater burns with a normal roar for a minute or two then the roar gradually diminishes and it shuts off. Same thing happens when switching the water heater off and back on again.

I did have water in the hot water tank and I did have propane. The stove always worked OK.

When I return to the home 5,000' elevation, the hot water heater works OK again.

The operation as you describe, is common to low LPG pressure.

Check the LPG pressure and let us know what it is. Please check the pressure when a heavy load is placed on the regulator.

The normal LPG pressure is set to 11-13 inches of water column pressure.

When operating at high altitudes the pressure should be set to the high side, namely the 13 inches, and it can stay that way.

You might also check the air adjustment on the burner.

Electronic ignition furnaces will also behave at high altitudes as you have described.

Andy

[Airstream25]

Ok Andy, I will check the pressures tomorrow. Thanks.
Jerry