There will be times when the gas levels are really low. Next, I disconnect the gas line, the vents and any wiring connecting it to the thermostat and other gadgets. In addition, they heat up the entire RV, which can be both good and bad. Enjoy all year round, economic thermostatic heating in your truck camper. My aim to help you make the best informed choices. How much propane does an RV furnace actually use? In case this happens, several things might be the problem. Most of the times, this happens just after ignition. Comes with exhaust flange and thermostat. The easiest one is having an empty propane tank. Lots of excess propane gets wasted, for instance. Propane RV Camper Trailer - $60 (Nunica) Hydro Flame propane RV furnace. Or maybe there’s too much butane within the propane tank. In fact, there might be a far more dangerous problem. In case it doesn’t work, I retrace my steps or just get a different igniter. I would get rid of as much moisture as I can, then proceed to replace all the fuses. However, I shouldn’t have to point out to only do that when the furnace is cold, i.e. Car Independent is your source for independent views on cars and car accessories. Maybe it’s the moisture in the valve, the regulator or even the hoses freezing at low temperatures. After all, a thermostat can be easily replaced with any RV model. A lot of RVs require a battery in their converters, as it acts as a buffer. A bad propane tank regulator can also result in this issue. The best thing to do is to just let the furnace work normally. The first is known as a DOT (Dept. The flame would start up, but if it isn’t steady, the safety valve closes up and extinguishes it. In case there’s a gas leak, I don’t think twice at all. Suburban NT-30SP 2453A Propane RV Furnace - 30,000 BTU Our Price: $729.99 . Space Heaters: Electric space heaters are compact and lightweight, making them a viable option for heating small, specific areas of an RV. Most campers come stock with an Atwood furnace or even a Surburban furnace, so if yours just so happens to fail, check us out for all the newest and latest replacement RV furnace models that we have so we can get you back on the road and keep you warm during those cold camping days. In fact, each specific brand has its own unique issues. Recognizing one such furnace is simple. If that’s the case, the only solution is to visit the closest RV repairman and have them look into it. Programmable heating systems are commonplace in most of the RVs and campers on the market today, the majority of which are fueled by propane. The thermostat itself can … Save $439.00 (36% Off) Add to Cart NEW. These small efforts, when combined, could help keep propane costs more manageable. If I plan on using my RV at home and hooking it up to shore power (i.e. The most common ones with Keystone models appear to be intermittent heating, lack of air flow and lots of clicking noises. Sometimes, the fan itself will not be aligned properly and will rub against the “birdcage.” If that’s the case, I merely align it to where it should be. Most companies that build furnaces will use a variety of oils to lubricate the metal. Chilly weather outside? Best prices, Free shipping orders over $99. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. However, I thoroughly clean them first, just to be on the safe side. If that’s the case, I either refill it at a proper facility or outright buy a new one. But just how much propane will you need before venturing out? What Are The Smallest RVs With A Shower And Toilets? Hanging thermally insulated window coverings and using draft guards on the bottoms of doors can help as well. Most people will keep one in the living area during the day and move it to the sleeping quarters at night. In my experience, it usually comes down to faulty or loose wiring. And just like Keystone, they maintain a lively online presence at www.forestriverforums.com. Since all of these factors contribute to the amount of propane used, familiarizing yourself with your rig will allow you to estimate your propane needs more accurately. Propane furnaces have burners, igniters, thermostats and numerous ducts running throughout the whole RV. However, there are solutions to it. In some campers the furnace is located at the rear of the camper and the gas line almost always requires a second on/off cycle to light the propane (unless the stove or fridge was lit prior to trying the furnace). Seals around windows and doors are the most common places on an RV for there to be air leaks, but most can be easily repaired or plugged using spray foam or a rubber-based sealant. What IS possible, however, is for the propane smell to come from a new furnace or even a functioning furnace that hasn’t been ignited in a while. If you notice that your machine is still giving off heat yet the fan is not running, there are several sources you can check. Luckily, each motorhome comes equipped with a decent propane furnace which keeps everyone warm inside the vehicle. In general, it’s good practice to learn about your RV and its specific features. Each RV comes with furnaces of different sizes, types, and capabilities. All of these prevent air flow and allow for gas build-up. A 20-pound propane tank is what we typically think of for grills, space heaters, and generators. Besides the propane furnace, many RVs come equipped with a refrigerator, stove, oven, air conditioner and water heater. One or two connectors might have come loose, so I reattach them. The furnace blower may be able to start, but there will be no heat coming out because there is no gas to ignite the burner. my house or an outside generator), I technically don’t need a battery as a power source. When that happens, I replace it. Low BTU ratings can also be the culprit behind low gas pressure. You’ve found yourself in need of a new RV furnace and this is a must read before you go down to your local camper supply store or … For example, most RV sites will charge the use of electricity to power the heaters. In other words, it’s not a problem if the smell comes out once and then disappears with gradual use. However, propane furnaces have their setbacks as well. This particular issue might actually not be an issue at all. The typical furnace will draw about 8 amps of power. Considering how frequently animals tend to “invade” RVs, it’s possible that a mouse or a rat might have chewed off some wiring, leaving it exposed. RV propane furnaces are often thought of as being inherently inefficient because large amounts of heat have a tendency to escape during the process of pulling in the necessary oxygen from the outside air. Never take your RV anywhere without a full furnace propane tank. However, a different problem might be insufficient ventilation. There are some RVers who’ve mentioned the smell of burning rubber not going away. While most people consider camping a warm-weather activity, those with an RV know they can venture out whenever their hearts desire without having to sacrifice the comforts home. Aside from the igniter breaking down, other possible problems could include a faulty thermocouple, a bad pilot light or a shut gas valve. There are lots of compact options on the market if your RV does not come with one pre-installed. If I were to have an ignition problem with a Suburban RV furnace, all I’d have to do is clean up the burner and check the wiring. Sometimes, the thermocouple needs to be replaced, which I do as quickly as possible after the check. The furnace not igniting can happen because of several reasons, so whenever I have an issue like this, I follow a few steps. of Transportation) cylinder, which is most commonly found on 5th wheels, travel trailers, and even some small motorhomes. Never, under any circumstances, go anywhere with just one furnace battery. Luckily, I’ve compiled a list of tips dealing with this particular subject. Consider using heavier bedding at night and layering your clothes so that you can adjust the thermostat to a lower temperature setting while you sleep. We have a great online selection at the lowest prices with Fast & Free shipping on many items! Well, yes and no. Installing a ceiling fan can help lower the warm air by running it in reverse. So, you will have the fan running but thee wont be any heat or less heat. However, when there’s a lot of smoke with older, used furnaces, there’s most likely a problem there. Safe and reliable propane fired truck camper furnaces and hot water heaters. If you do not have propane, though, your camper furnace will not run on the battery power alone. How To Stop Your Jeep Wrangler Roof From Leaking? For maximum effect, a few strategic drops of oil will suffice. Proper RV furnace troubleshooting comes down to how you maintain it–do you take care of it regularly or do you take shortcuts to fix serious problems? These wires might even have to be cut and reconnected later. Of course, a faulty blower must be replaced as soon as possible. With modern RVs, removing the furnace is easy. Dometic/Atwood small furnaces contain many features that make them an ideal choice when replacing or adding an RV furnace: Tubular design residential-style heat exchanger maximizes air distribution. If the thermocouple isn’t generating enough voltage, replacement should follow. We’ll also talk about the minimum amount of battery power needed to keep your RV furnace running. Nobody likes a loud RV furnace, especially the one that rumbles into the night like a motorcycle. However, their furnaces tend to suffer from numerous issues listed in this text. However, there are ways for me to replace the igniter myself if for some reason I can’t get a repairman to do it for me. Just like Jayco, Keystone is a subsidiary of Thor Industries, though it’s younger than Jayco by about three decades. As such, it’s a common topic among online communities, considering how often RVers use their products. I don't know what BTU it is. Since a 20-gallon propane tank only holds about 4.5 gallons of actual propane, it’s safe to estimate a tank of that size will last you approximately 4 and a half days if the furnace is the only thing relying on propane for energy. $101.59 #5. This is actually an issue, considering they specialize in products related to motorhomes, especially furnaces. RV propane furnace troubleshooting is but one of many topics RVers like myself tend to talk about often. Indoor heaters use different means to provide heat. To calculate how much propane your RV furnace will require, you’ll first need to know its BTU rating. And without proper furnace care, an RVer’s very life can be in danger. However, in case of faulty bearings, I always recommend proper replacement. Naturally, the thermostat might not be the issue altogether. Get the best deals for propane camper furnace at eBay.com. Electric furnaces are far more portable. From United States. However, sometimes it’s the wiring of the furnace that’s the problem. It shouldn’t take long for the smell to dissipate. It’s just the new furnace “getting used to” the heat. In that case, I recommend a thorough cleaning. However, the combustion impeller could also have some damage, resulting in less air flow. Using the figures, calculations, and tips provided in this article, you can reasonably estimate how much propane you’ll need to be able to run your furnace for your entire trip without running out of fuel. There will be times when the furnace backfires severely. Furnaces Refine Your Results By: My Store Select a Store. Of course, the amount of time your furnace runs in a day will vary based on the outside temperature, the temperature your thermostat is set to, and how well your rig is insulated. Normally, I check the sail switch thoroughly every week just to make sure it functions properly. Usually, this noise comes either from the fan or the motor. In 90% of cases, that’s the issue at hand. This handy tool will show if there’s any difference in pressure within the lines. However, if that’s not the problem, I take a look at the thermocouple. Heat is actually produced from propane, but the blower fan runs on battery. Using my propane furnace for heat. Each of these problems has a suitable solution, some of which even the owner can apply without the aid of an expert. Normally these smells only come from time to time. It just takes longer to go away with some RV furnaces. Usually, I have at least two batteries for the furnace in my RV. If either one of the two fails in some way, the fuses will keep blowing. Thermostat Setting: Keeping your thermostat at a reasonable temperature is another way to lower heat costs. While not the most serious of problems, it’s absolutely one of the most annoying ones. Naturally, if none of these are the problem, the gas valve is most likely defective. Perhaps a fuse is blown, or a terrible smell is spreading. In addition, if the furnace “slides” about, it might be a good idea to harness it with something, like screws. And then, there are the propane tank problems. Both types of tanks are available in 20, 30 and 40-pound varieties, which are the most popular sizes found on RVs. These issues have already been covered and include no ignition, no heat production when on, clogged venting areas and filter problems. Your Guide to Furnaces for RVs, Trailers, and Campers Providing a steady flow of warm air for chilly nights on the road, furnaces are crucial components of an RV, camper, or trailer. Once the furnace starts, it should shut off when the desired temperature has been reached. However, the furnace can continue working even after the thermostat has been pulled out. The internal furnace switch wont let the furnace ignite resulting in less heat. I can usually tell what the furnace looks like and where it is based on the outside vents. If it happens to be low power, I merely replace the battery with a one that has the right voltage. Save propane camper furnace to get e-mail alerts and updates on your eBay Feed. Proper RV furnace maintenance can provide people with warm nights, safe winter days and an overall enjoyable motorhome experience. When choosing an electric space heater, focus on ones that meet your needs and can be used safely. The solutions to these are closing the relay switch and the sail switch, as well as replacing a faulty blower motor. Well, not exactly. Naturally, you won’t always be able to locate a leak. There wasn’t a lot of it, but just enough to begin eating at the fuses and the wiring. Suburban NT-34SP 34,000 BTU Propane RV Furnace $770.00 $1,209.00. Some people prefer to have a “cooler” section of their motorhome, and the propane furnace always spreads heat evenly. Check the propane level in your tanks. In addition, they heat up the entire RV, which can be both good and bad. Lots of excess propane gets wasted, for instance. Expert RV Armor Reviews: How Much Does RV Armor Cost, Does Irish Spring Keep Mice Out of Campers? Normally, the amount of smoke will go down very soon, and it will work just fine. There are a few ways to do that in your pop up camper. A tank with very little gas or an issue in the gas line can lead to low gas pressure. Once again, the low battery voltage can be the issue here, so the best thing to do is to replace the battery. For this, I merely need a screwdriver and some screws and wing nuts. However, this isn’t without reason. [Payload / Towing Capacity], Clear all vents of dust, dirt, and any other debris that may block airflow, Keep other objects away from vents and returns, Visually inspect the entire system for areas that need attention or repair. Pilot lights and gas lines can also be the cause of this, and they will require checking as well. It’s important to keep in mind that electrical tape is just a temporary solution. Duo-Therm is a company that specializes in RV furnaces. More even airflow through the heat exchanger reduces hot and cold spots. There will be times when the furnace fan clearly works but no heat comes from it. Hi, I am Brad. If there’s a propane tank, it’s probably gas-powered. Normally, RVs have two separate blowers — for air regulation and gas removal. There is no way to exactly measure how much propane an RV furnace uses. To calculate how much propane your RV furnace will require, you’ll first need to know its BTU rating. First, I must make sure everything related to the furnace is turned off since I don’t want to be shocked by electricity. Buy It Now +C $45.04 shipping. Insulation: One obvious way to increase your RV’s efficiency is to ensure that it is well insulated. Next, I disconnect every wiring harness of the furnace and unscrew the igniter from its position. In fact, most of the solutions I myself found for these issues came from the Keystone forums. Maintaining the furnace must be a priority since it provides heat for everyone within the motorhome. It really all depends on the amount and the color of the smoke. etc. Instead of storing the RV for the winter, bundle up and outfit your camper for the season with RV heaters and furnaces from Camping World! C $22.51. Sure enough, the clicking would stop. Just like the name suggests, these make use of propane for power/fuel source. If it touches a different wire, it can cause a blown fuse, just like with any piece of electronic equipment. If you have any experience or advice for camping in colder climates, drop a comment below! Then there are various noise-related problems, such as clicking, humming or squealing. Some larger RVs (typically 35 feet and longer) may even have more than one propane furnace to allow for separation between the heating system and other propane-powered appliances, like the stove and water heater. However, I strongly advise seeking out professional help for this step. But like most things, furnaces can malfunction. Nevertheless, they remain popular, which is why so many people want to know how to fix their Atwood RV furnaces. Maybe they won’t ignite, or the igniter is busted. Simply hooking them up to a shore power source won’t do any good then. The most common issues involve igniters, lack of heat, or even furnaces not starting. I then unscrew any section of the furnace that’s screwed to the base and I can slide it out with no issues. Pop-up campers are trailers with soft-sided tops that extend up from a rigid "base box," with sleeping areas at both ends. Suburban NT-34SP 2454A Propane RV Furnace - 34,000 BTU Our Price: $799.99 . If not, they can cause lots of problems in the future. Sometimes, it’s the heater or even the control board. However, not everyone knows how to do this, so I suggest asking a professional or an RV owner with similar problems. I would also suggest buying a propane cylinder that also has a leak detector and a gas gauge. Gas regulation is key to proper heat distribution. Propane has a fixed capacity for providing heat. In addition, they run exclusively on electricity, so there’s no wasted energy or harmful emissions. Worked well when removed years ago. Size of the Propane Tank: Once you know your furnace size, the next variable that you’ll need to be aware of is the size of the propane tank that will supply the furnace. Sometimes, only the valve coil might need replacement, not the whole valve itself. Not great news for an RVer like myself and so many others. In that case, the best thing to do is to either replace the wire (or the whole mechanism) or just use electrical tape. As mentioned in the example above, a 30,000 BTU furnace will consume a gallon of propane in about 3 hours. However, they do offer support services throughout the United States, and the locations of these service centers can be found at this link www.airxcel.com/suburban/service-support/service-locator. Of course, I always ignite the burner to give the new igniter a test run. But there will be times when the furnace will blow a freshly replaced fuse as well. Propane furnaces are typically integrated into a system of ducts and heating vents designed to heat the entire RV, rather than provide heat to specific, localized areas. Continuous odors, however, are a problem. 10. Better insulation means better heat retention. But it’s not all doom and gloom. Furnace Hydro Flame 12v. Some come with safety harnesses, but even with one, there’s the danger of the furnace toppling and causing a big mess. It's cheap.. $60. It might be a simple tool, as it only opens and closes, but it’s extremely important to the furnace. Three batteries might be the golden standard, though, but not more than that. To help you better understand how to effectively repair a furnace during RV furnace troubleshooting, Dave Solberg demonstrates a few expert RV furnace troubleshooting tips and techniques he’s learned over the years. 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Take a look at the fuses the smallest glitches can cause huge issues heaters, and I... ( no HP ) Brand new extend up from a rigid `` base box, '' with areas... Solar or generator power to supplement the charging of your furnace for next. A gallon of propane tanks found on RVs desired position case the valve will work just fine, any... If other elements are working fine ( such as the fan making noise. Remove my furnace doesn ’ t expensive, and it works, and can! ( American Society of Engineers ) tank provide people with warm nights, safe winter days an!