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04-22-2013, 11:26 PM
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#1
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Member
Join Date: Jan 2013
Location: Seattle, Washington
Trailer: 2008 17B
Posts: 30
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"Derating" the hot water system?
Hi all. We are first-time trailer owners and are getting to know our "new" 2008 17B ... have many questions (hoping to gain much wisdom at the upcoming Escape rally) ... but in the meantime, will travel to areas of high elevation and the water heater manual says we need to “derate” the water heater when operating above 4000 feet...and then reverse the modification when we return to below 4000 ft. It says to have the manufacturer or an RV dealer do the mods. Any advice? Thanks!
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04-23-2013, 08:09 AM
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#2
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Senior Member
Join Date: Nov 2008
Location: Janesville, WI, Wisconsin
Trailer: Escape 19 (sold) Escape 21 2014
Posts: 1,882
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I have spent alot of time above 6,000 and been as high as 8,000 for extended periods and never made any changes. Water takes longer to boil at altitude so I would assume the hot water heater is less efficent and take more fuel or electricity. 95% of our hot water use is off propane.
I would think inspecting/replacing the anode and flushing the tank as a priority, done on an annual basis on my part.
__________________
Paul and Janet Braun
2003 Toyota 4Runner V8 now 2012 Toyota Sequoia V8
Escape 19' 2010 now 2014 Escape 21'
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04-23-2013, 09:27 AM
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#3
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Senior Member
Join Date: Feb 2010
Location: Oswego, New York
Trailer: 2017 Escape 21C, 2018 Ford F150
Posts: 5,372
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Mine worked fine with no modifications at 10,000' in Leadville, CO...
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04-23-2013, 11:49 AM
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#4
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Member
Join Date: Jan 2013
Location: Seattle, Washington
Trailer: 2008 17B
Posts: 30
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Thanks so much! Jan and Peter
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04-23-2013, 03:06 PM
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#5
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Senior Member
Join Date: Oct 2008
Location: North Vancouver, British Columbia
Trailer: 2009 Escape 17B 2020 Toyota Highlander XLE
Posts: 17,136
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The problem is, Fisherj, you read the manual...
__________________
What happens to the hole when the cheese is gone?
- Bertolt Brecht
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04-23-2013, 07:30 PM
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#6
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Senior Member
Join Date: Oct 2008
Location: Chilliwack, British Columbia
Trailer: 2008 17B Escape
Posts: 766
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Yeah, I guess I didn't read the manual either!!
We were in Yellowstone last year and this year going to Yosemite--hadn't even thought of that being an issue..(had no issues in Yellowstone)
__________________
Anna-Marie
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04-23-2013, 07:41 PM
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#7
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Senior Member
Join Date: Oct 2008
Location: North Vancouver, British Columbia
Trailer: 2009 Escape 17B 2020 Toyota Highlander XLE
Posts: 17,136
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The reference to "derating" is in the section on installation, so you'd be unlikely to look there. There is some information on maintenance that I read for the first time today.
__________________
What happens to the hole when the cheese is gone?
- Bertolt Brecht
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04-23-2013, 08:29 PM
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#8
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Senior Member
Join Date: Feb 2012
Location: Steveston B.C., British Columbia
Trailer: 2012- 17'B.... 2016 Tacoma SR5 TRD
Posts: 504
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I think it has to do with atmospheric pressure at the flame orifice.
I think less air pressure at altitude could cause a higher than usual flame and could cause soot build up or damage to the flu and such.
Same as adjusting carburetor fuel mixtures on older cars and trucks.
But then that would apply to the fridge as well when on gas...
__________________
I've almost been everywhere man.
Almost been everywhere.....
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04-23-2013, 11:55 PM
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#9
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Senior Member
Join Date: Dec 2012
Location: Edmonton, Alberta
Trailer: 1979 Boler B1700
Posts: 14,935
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Devil Dog
I think it has to do with atmospheric pressure at the flame orifice.
I think less air pressure at altitude could cause a higher than usual flame and could cause soot build up or damage to the flu and such.
Same as adjusting carburetor fuel mixtures on older cars and trucks.
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Good explanation!
Quote:
Originally Posted by Devil Dog
But then that would apply to the fridge as well when on gas...
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Yes, except that the water heater has as much burner as the appliance can handle, while a refrigerator burner puts out a flame that some cigar lighters could beat... I don't think the tuning is as critical.
There's the furnace, too.
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04-27-2013, 07:25 PM
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#10
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Member
Join Date: Jan 2013
Location: Seattle, Washington
Trailer: 2008 17B
Posts: 30
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Thanks to everyone for the help....next time, I'll think twice about reading the manual. :-)
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04-27-2013, 08:32 PM
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#11
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Senior Member
Join Date: Oct 2012
Location: Bellingham and Glacier, Washington
Trailer: 2013 Escape 15A
Posts: 2,052
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Fisherj
Thanks to everyone for the help....next time, I'll think twice about reading the manual. :-)
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That's the best laugh I've had all week...thank you!
__________________
Karen Hulford
2013 Escape 15A, "Egbert"
'93 Ford 150 XLT or
'22 GMC Acadia Denali
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