Recreational Vehicle (RV) furnaces always seem to malfunction just when you need them the most. If you are having problems with your RV furnace, you do not want to have to take the vehicle in to have it serviced. You want the problem fixed immediately. Some RV furnace troubleshooting tips can help you to better understand how your RV furnace works and can give you some ideas on how to repair it yourself.
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How an RV furnace operates
If the thermostat in your RV controls both the air conditioner and the furnace, be sure the switch is set on 'Heat.' If the thermostat in your RV controls only the furnace, then turn the setting to the 'On' position. When you raise the thermostat to a warmer temperature, the furnace blower will turn on after about 30 seconds. The furnace blower must run for 30 seconds after it comes on for the burner to fire up. It is perfectly normal for the burner to continue to cycle on and off while the furnace is running. When the RV reaches the desired temperature, the burner will shut off, but the blower will keep running for a little while longer.
The pilot light will not light
If the pilot light on your RV furnace will not light, check that the thermocouple is correctly positioned in the pilot flame. The problem could also be that the propane tank has a bad regulator. You can test for a bad regulator by lighting all the stove burners and examining the color of the flames. They should be a bluish color and contain little or no yellow. If the flames change colors, the regulator is most likely bad. The regulator will need to be repaired because a bad regulator will also affect the hot water heater.
The fan runs but there is heat
If the fan on your RV furnace runs but there is heat, the problem could be that the furnace has an insufficient air flow. The propane tank could also have a bad regulator or there might be a bad propane valve. Furnaces have internal switches that can detect air flow. If there is insufficient air flow, the switch will not let the furnace ignite, and the fan runs but there is no heat. There could also be a low battery, a bad wiring connection, or a restricted ventilation system. Examine the heat registers to see if they are blocked or closed. Some RV furnaces will not operate if the heat registers are even partially closed.
The fan does not run and there is no heat
If the fan on your RV furnace does not run and there is no heat, check the battery with a battery tester. If the battery is putting out at least 12 volts, then the battery is fine. You might have just tripped the circuit breaker, so try resetting the circuit. The problem could also be a blown fuse on the fan. Replacing the fuse should get the fan running again.
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Understanding how your gas furnace works will help you diagnose problems. The blower motor turns on after receiving a message from the thermostat. The motor runs for 15 to 30 seconds, then the pilot light or direct spark system ignites the burner to heat the air. The blower propels this warm air into your RV. After reaching the set temperature, the furnace turns off in the opposite order. To troubleshoot a problem with your travel trailer gas furnace, first rule out simpler problems.
Step 1
Check your thermostat setting. It must be set warmer than room temperature for the furnace to start. Many RVs also have an On/Off switch on the top or side of the thermostat. Check this switch to make sure that it is set to 'On.' The furnace should start 10 to 15 seconds after you have turned it on.
Step 2
Test the charge in your batteries if the fan doesn't start and there is no heat. A furnace can operate using the 12-volt batteries, but will not be able to turn on if the battery power is insufficient.
Step 3
Check the propane level in your tanks. 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. A tank with very little gas or an issue in the gas line can lead to low gas pressure. This will result in no heat from the furnace or lack of a constant pilot light. Do not allow your furnace to start until this problem has been resolved, or your blower motor will run unnecessarily on high and wear itself down.
Step 4
Look inside the furnace at the pilot light, if applicable, and make sure it's staying on. Many new RV furnaces have replaced the pilot light with a direct spark ignition system. If your furnace is struggling to keep the pilot light lit, check the thermocouple to make sure it's positioned correctly. A malfunctioning regulator on your propane tank could also result in an irregular pilot light.
Consult with an RV technician if none of these steps uncovers the problem. The issue is likely within the furnace assembly. Parts such as the sail switch, limit switch, blower motor, circuit board or burner assembly can all cause problems, but should be replaced only by a qualified technician.
Warning
- Always be cautious when working around the gas and electrical components of a travel trailer gas furnace.
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