Cruisers Forum
Main Forum => General Discussion => Topic started by: SILVERLINER on September 30, 2020, 05:57:50 pm
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I know the heat strip in the AC works with shore power, but I turned on the furnace at the thermostat the fan started then stoped.Changed temp settings and fan/ furnace does not come on . Does the furnace have a heating element or is it just propane.?
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Furnace does not have electric heating element. A portable 1200 - 1500 watt electric heater for when you have access to shore power will go a long way in reducing or eliminating the need to run the propane furnace. The portable electric heaters are typically quieter than the furnace.
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The furnace uses propane. Make sure the shutoff valve on the tank is open and, of course, that you have propane.
There are a few things that have to happen before the furnace will start. There's a switch in it that senses air flow, called a sails switch. Then once the switch closes, the furnace waits about 20 seconds then opens the propane line via an electric switch and starts the spark generator. The spark lights the propane and another sensor will sense the flame.
If any of those switches fail... The furnace will not run and will shutdown.
The point being, if you have propane and the valve on the propane tank is open... And it won't run, you need to take it to an RV shop to have them fix it. It's not a job you should take on yourself.
Don
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And check the furnace fuse.
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Furnace does not have electric heating element. A portable 1200 - 1500 watt electric heater for when you have access to shore power will go a long way in reducing or eliminating the need to run the propane furnace. The portable electric heaters are typically quieter than the furnace.
Very true. We're currently in Duluth at a campground right on the ship harbor. Temperatures overnight are low 40's. Highs in mid 50's. We use a Pelonis Disc Furnace space heater. 1500 watts with a thermostat and it alone, keeps the whole RV (2551) warm.
We've used it in temps down to the high 20's before. Obviously, yes, you must be on shore power. Saves a lot of propane and is a lot quieter than the furnace.
Don
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2o2 Thanks for all your input .the system is working fine . I guess I got a little ahead of myself didn't give the system time to cycle and the thermostat temp. Was not set properly. Rarely use the furnace, Yes on shore power better to use a portable heater, saves propane and less noise. Thanks again.
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Since we rarely have shore power, I was glad the prior owner had added a quick connect propane connection under the fridge for a small RV approved catalytic heater. In cold situations without shore power the furnace fan will use battery power and be noisy on and off all night. The catalytic heater is noiseless and keeps the chill off quite well. I leave the cab dash vents open for combustion air.
Also we use a heavy fleece blanket to separate the cab from the coach, makes a huge difference regardless of heat source. Works to keep it cooler in the summer too, as do foil bubble window inserts. I made those for all of the windows and skylight, they stash behind the couch when not in use.