Truck camper heater use at high altitudes

[David Casterson]

Does anyone have experience with high altitude winter camping? Last November I cancelled a trip to the Eastern Sierra due to 11F temps at 10,000 elevation as I had heard that traditional Suburban propane heaters didn’t do well at that elevation. I am considering adding an Olympus Wave 3 or Wave 6 to my camper for the same trip this October. If you have any experience under these conditions and/or the Olympus Wave heaters, I would love to here from you.

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[Mello Mike]

We installed a Wave 6 in an old Airstream several years ago. We loved it. They put out some serious heat and require no battery power to run a fan. You will need to crack a vent or window because the unit requires fresh air but it still results in big plus when it comes to heat.

[Coly Hope]

I have the Olympian Wave 6 Catalytic Heater in my truck camper. I have had my truck camper at 11000 feet and had trouble starting my heater but it does a good job putting out heat.

[David Casterson]

Good to hear your positive comments. I am planning on using the built in Suburban heater to initially warm up the camper and then turn it off and run the Olympus to keep the camper warm over night. I am thinking that I can attach the propane lines of both heaters to the the propane tank (with separate regulators?) and a 6-8 foot hose going to the Olympus. The Olympus would be stored in a kitchen cabinet and set up on the counter in line with the dinette and cab over bed when in use. At high altitude I would probably just be using the Olympus. With this in mind, would you recommend a Wave 3 or 6 for an Alaskan 10?

[Mello Mike]

David,
I always recommend going with the Wave 6. You never know when you may need the extra heat.

[ardvark]

One thing I believe that does not get said often enough is when there is a question about something, call customer service for the manufacturer. I have done that often both working professionally and as an end user and have often found the manufacturer knows their equipment far better than anyone else.

Just a thought,

Ardvark

Steve and Andra
2012 F350 6.2 gasser SRW LB
Fab Fours front and rear in case we run into a rhino
2019 Northstar Laredo SC

[Anonymous]

We’ve boondocked in single digits for 2 1/2 – 3 days at a time in our old Arctic Fox 990 and our current 1150 without any issues. Well, no issues except running out of propane. Before we upgraded our batteries we’d run them down about the same time that we’d run out of propane. The heater takes a lot of 12v power to run the blower.

[John Perz]

I believe the issue is a safety feature called the low oxygen sensor. Above a certain altitude, the lower air pressure fools the sensor into thinking there is too little oxygen, and the heater won’t run.

Regards
John
I don't like to make plans. They cause the word "PREMEDITATED" to get used in court!
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[Kyle Banerjee]

I’m late to the party and haven’t camped at 10K, but I’ve done 6500′ a number of times.

My Wave 6 worked flawlessly and is a beast. Even with temps around the 10F I’ve never used it at any other than the lowest setting with the roof vent open and a window cracked to prevent moisture

[David Casterson]

I really value the forum members and their knowledge base. Thanks to all for the great input on Olympus Wave heaters!

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