3 Concerns when RVing at High Altitudes

There are a few ways to beat the heat in the summertime and going to a high altitude location between 5,000 and 11,500 feet can be one of them. Not only can you enjoy cooler climates when RVing at high altitudes, but there is something therapeutic about the fresh air and beauty of an alpine forest. It’s not always pine trees and mountain air though. There are a few health and mechanical concerns that RVers run into when traveling to high altitude locations. Below are 3 concerns for RVing at high altitudes.

1. Heart and Circulatory Problems

High altitude can temporarily raise blood pressure even if a person is taking medications for it. This rise is generally temporary, but people with high blood pressure should ensure their condition is controlled and monitor their blood pressure for any changes.

For those with heart disease, high altitude will add stress to the heart. This stress is usually very small at rest, but it becomes considerable with any exertion. Someone with heart disease will want to make sure they can handle exercising at lower elevations before attempting it at higher ones. It is also a good idea to acclimate to a new elevation by resting for a couple days prior to taking on any physically straining activities.

Related Read: Campground and RV Fitness Guide

Some good news about altitude is that those people with allergy induced asthma may actually do better at high altitude as dust mites and pollution are both less at high altitudes. Unfortunately, those afflicted with COPD do not seem to do better when traveling up in the mountains. Some studies have shown that those who live in higher altitudes with COPD have a higher death rate than those in lower areas. There is less oxygen at high altitudes. Since sufferers of COPD already have trouble absorbing oxygen, the fact that there is less of it up there doesn't help much.

As with any medical condition, it is a good idea to consult your doctor before making any major altitude changes. You can find more information on pre-existing conditions and traveling to high altitude at altitudemedicine.org.

2. Engines

Many RVers have carbureted generators. These generators generally have an adjustment knob that needs to be set based on the altitude. Failing to adjust the carburetor may result in poor performance from the generator. Even a diesel generator is going to perform slightly worse. The problem is that the air has less oxygen at higher altitudes.

Diesel engines typically do better than gas at altitude, especially turbocharged engines. There have been a lot of good advances in the area of altitude and gas engines. Fuel injected engines compensate pretty well. Even with fuel injectors and oxygen sensors, one should assume that whether they are running a car or a generator, there will be some power loss at high altitudes.

If you are worried about your engine on your next alpine trip, you can learn more here.

3. Altitude Sickness

Altitude sickness can happen anytime a person travels above 8,000 feet. There are three types of altitude sickness.

Related Read: Heat, Altitude Sickness Signs & Treatment for You & Your Pet

Acute Mountain Sickness (AMS) is the most common and symptoms feel like a hangover. Headaches, muscle fatigue, dizziness and nausea are all symptoms of AMS. If you feel sick after traveling to high altitudes, assume it is AMS until you can prove otherwise.

High Altitude Pulmonary Edema (HAPE) is more serious than AMS. HAPE is a buildup of fluid in the lungs. Untreated, HAPE can be lethal. This more extreme version of altitude sickness generally doesn’t occur until the person has been at altitude for a few days.

People who suffer from HAPE will have the symptoms of acute mountain sickness with the addition of a cough that produces pink or white, frothy sputum. They will be more breathless at rest than other people.

There are some first aid treatments that professionals can give, but the best thing someone with HAPE can get is a rapid descent to lower altitudes. Medical care is advised.

High Altitude Cerebral Edema (HACE) is a buildup of fluid in the brain. This is the most severe and life threatening. Medical care is a must and needed within hours. Fortunately, it is also the rarest one that people get. Only 1% of those who go higher than 9,500 feet will get HACE.

The best prevention for altitude sickness is to ascend slowly. If possible, stay at RV parks or camp at lower altitudes for several days before moving to one that is a little higher in order to give your body time to acclimate. For example, let’s say your summer escape is taking you to 8,000 feet. It may be a good idea to find a campground at about 4,000 or 5,000 feet on the way up. Stay at that location for a few days in order to let your body make the necessary adjustments.

Keep in mind that your body needs time to adjust to higher altitudes. One way it does this is by creating more red blood cells to compensate for the lack of oxygen. It takes time for your body to make these. That is why slowly ascending and stopping for a few days at a lower elevation can ease the effects of traveling to high altitudes.

Follow these golden rules of accent featured at altitude.org:

1. If you feel unwell, you have altitude sickness until proven otherwise.
2. Do not ascend further if you have symptoms of altitude sickness.
3. If you are getting worse then descend immediately.

Conclusion

Before planning an extended stay in high altitude, be sure to check with your doctor if you have any medical concerns that could be affected by said altitudes. Be sure to read manuals to all of your vehicles and generators in order to make any needed adjustments. Let your body acclimate by slowly ascending and stopping at lower altitudes for a few days prior to reaching your intended elevation. Make sure you and your partner know the signs and symptoms of altitude sickness, especially if you will be staying above 8,000 feet.