Vacuum pump and altitude

[Barryengleman]

Why can't I just have a normal problem? My 2006 Dutch Star has a little vacuum pump up front by the generator that supposedly runs some of the heating/cooling stuff on the front dash area. When we got our new MH home for the first time, I couldn't get that pump to stop running with the ignition on. It is connected by a hose to a little tank and it is supposed to shut off via an internal vacuum switch when the vacuum becomes negative enough. I took the hose off and held my finger over the hose connection and it ran all the time so I know it is not a leaky hose or tank problem. I ordered a new vacuum pump and it did the same thing. Well, we live in Colorado at 9100 feet and I guess vacuum pump manufacturers don't understand that a person can live at 9100 feet and own an RV with their vacuum pump in it. If I go to Denver, the old and the new vacuum pump shut off after building a vacuum and work fine. I have to unplug this pump before I come home now. Anyone know of a high altitude vacuum pump manufacturer?

Barry

[GaryKD]

Hi Barryenglema,
Consider calling Newmar Service and telling them our story and asking the same question. I'm sure they need to know this and may be able to help you find a suitable manufacturer. Newmar's service contact # is 800-731-8300 .

[Barryengleman]

I did this thru my dealer and the word came back that the pump manufacturer knows his vacuum pump can stop working correctly above about 6000 feet. And, Newmar doesn't know of another vacuum pump manufacturer that will promise better results at altitude. I didn't call Newmar direct. Maybe I should.

Barry

[Norm4015]

This doesn't sound right. I have owned two Dutch Stars on Spartan chassis. And I have spent a lot of time in the Rockies and spent about five months moving from campground to campground at elevations of 6,000 to 12,000 feet. My little vacuum pump never failed.

But once it would shut off at an elevation of about 400 feet. After much searching I found a small leak in a vacuum hose. The leak was near the end of the hose so I cut it off and reattached it to fix the problem.