For this reason, the overall size of the RV will determine the size and number of furnaces required, and consequently, the size and number of propane tanks necessary to provide adequate fuel. Normally these issues have to do with the RV propane tank dealer’s supplier. If the problem is worse, a technician might have to come over and take a look at it. But there will be times when the furnace will blow a freshly replaced fuse as well. Luckily, each motorhome comes equipped with a decent propane furnace which keeps everyone warm inside the vehicle. Luckily, the good people at Jayco offer customer support and have an open discussion forum. First, I must make sure everything related to the furnace is turned off since I don’t want to be shocked by electricity. It might only need to run for a total of 8 minutes each hour to keep you warm. Another common issue regarding blown fuses includes the blowers. A weak power source won’t trigger the sail switch, and it won’t regulate the air flow. But just how much propane will you need before venturing out? The reason I’ve mentioned the lack of forum presence of Suburban is that the issue from this subheading is a one a LOT of Suburban users complained about. They will be able to catch any problems and fix them to ensure your furnace is working in optimal condition and that it doesn’t have any problems that could make it stop working while you’re on the road. 71. However, there’s always the risk of a power outage, in which case most of the RV systems will shut down instantly. If you are worried about the power supply in your RV, the Camco Olympian will heat up your space without consuming a single volt of electricity. https://carindependent.com/propane-consumption-in-rv-furnace Mr. Heater MH9BX-Massachusetts/Canada approved portable Propane Heater 4.6 out of 5 stars 704. (Helpful Guide), RV Furnace Blower Comes on but Won’t Ignite, RV Furnace Will Not Stay Lit (It Works Intermittently), How to Check If RV Furnace Is Gas or Electric. Using the same logic, a smaller 20,000 BTU furnace will only use about ¼ of a gallon of propane per hour of continuous use, and the larger 40,000 BTU furnace, about half a gallon per hour. From top brands like Atwood / Dometic and Suburban. If this is the case, I replace them as quickly as possible. Not great news for an RVer like myself and so many others. Lots of excess propane gets wasted, for instance. Based on this estimate, a gallon of propane = 3 hours of continuous RV furnace use. It is important to know which appliances run on propane and which rely on electricity for energy. However, the air filter, the blades or even the motor can be an issue. In addition, it’s easier to access and perform repairs from its position. It really all depends on the amount and the color of the smoke. There is no way to exactly measure how much propane an RV furnace uses. 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. If a couple of the onboard batteries have run critically low or is corrupted, there might not be enough fuel for the device to ignite or the thermostat to function. The breakdown includes the blower wheel, sail switch, control board, circuit breaker, gas valve, electrode, burner head, motor, combustion wheel and limit switch. Several factors affect propane use such as the size of the RV, the size of the furnace, which appliances will use propane for energy, and the length of time you’ll be camping – to name a few. What Makes a Car Street Legal? $123.00 #2. The answer to this depends on what kind of RV Furnace you’re using. And without proper furnace care, an RVer’s very life can be in danger. Naturally, I could simply buy a new control board and replace the faulty one, which works just as effectively, if not better. (Answered), How Much Can A Jeep Wrangler Tow? Most of the issues that a Duo-Therm furnace can have involve air filters, valves, debris build-up and ignition. A standard propane furnace consists of a blower motor, a thermostat, a safety limit switch, a circuit board, and some vents for air intake and exhaust. Due to a couple of leaking water line fittings, I had to remove the furnace to gain access to that area to repair them. I ought to stress that not all of the solutions above apply to all RV furnace models out there. If either one of the two fails in some way, the fuses will keep blowing. Naturally, if none of these are the problem, the gas valve is most likely defective. My aim to help you make the best informed choices. That means we can run the front furnace 73 hours before our tank is empty. In addition to implementing the tips noted throughout this article, it’s important to perform proper routine maintenance on your RV furnace to ensure it runs at peak efficiency. Well, yes and no. In my opinion, there should always be a battery inside the RV furnace. If your furnace has a BTU rating of 30,000, a gallon of propane will run out after about 3 hours of continuous use (or a total of 184 minutes). How To Stop Your Jeep Wrangler Roof From Leaking? hasn’t been used for several days. That way you can be sure if there’s a leak or not. I would get rid of as much moisture as I can, then proceed to replace all the fuses. Normally, the amount of smoke will go down very soon, and it will work just fine. Having a functioning one inside the RV is extremely important, and sometimes even the smallest glitches can cause huge issues. 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. This is pretty standard and it only requires putting in a new fuse. After all, a thermostat can be easily replaced with any RV model. Required fields are marked *. Airflow is very important, and a thick filter can do more harm than good. And just like Keystone, they maintain a lively online presence at www.forestriverforums.com. 4.7 out of 5 stars 567. However, even with persistent smells, the answer is most likely the oil residue. Atwood is probably the oldest of the manufacturers listed here, having been founded in 1909. of Transportation) cylinder, which is most commonly found on 5th wheels, travel trailers, and even some small motorhomes. If none of these steps work, the igniter is definitely broken, and I proceed to replace it. RV Furnace Smells like Propane (a Gas Leak) I’ve talked about leaks earlier, and if anything is a telltale sign of a leak, it’s the smell of propane. However, when there’s a lot of smoke with older, used furnaces, there’s most likely a problem there. After all, a furnace shouldn’t be blowing cold air, right? my house or an outside generator), I technically don’t need a battery as a power source. A 20-pound tank houses about 4.5 gallons of propane, while a 30-pound tank (which is the most common size used on RVs) holds 7 gallons of propane. The reason why people still like using them is because of how reliable they can be. Well, not exactly. Nobody likes a loud RV furnace, especially the one that rumbles into the night like a motorcycle. But it’s not all doom and gloom. That’s also assuming we run no other gas appliances too! If, for example, the smoke comes excessively from a new furnace, that’s perfectly fine. 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. Then, after buying a new igniter, I insert it into the furnace with its tip facing the inside and screw it into place. If that’s the case, I either refill it at a proper facility or outright buy a new one. In fact, most of the solutions I myself found for these issues came from the Keystone forums. Sometimes an RV furnace will blow a fuse while working. What Are The Smallest RVs With A Shower And Toilets? Of course, there could be any number of other issues when it comes to loud noises. In addition, the box-heaters can tip over, and that can be a potential fire hazard. The vast majority of RVs come with built-in propane gas furnaces. Jayco have been on the market since the late sixties and are normally a mark of quality. Whenever people ask me how to replace igniters, I always tell them to call a repairman, as igniters are very delicate. If I plan on using my RV at home and hooking it up to shore power (i.e. How much propane does an RV furnace actually use? This can warm … Most people make the mistake of pouring too much oil on, “drowning” the bearings in it. Reduced air turbulence for noticeably quieter operation. Once the furnace starts, it should shut off when the desired temperature has been reached. I recently had to change out a bad propane regulator on my travel trailer. The first is not that dangerous — it’s merely the igniter trying and failing to start the furnace. 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. The most common ones with Keystone models appear to be intermittent heating, lack of air flow and lots of clicking noises. The following are some of the risks of running out of propane… There will be times when the gas levels are really low. However, some campers want to avoid it because of the possible health hazards of unburnt propane gas, using excessive battery power, and the low-efficiency rate of the furnaces. If it happens to be low power, I merely replace the battery with a one that has the right voltage. On the majority of the RV propane furnaces, the igniter typically requires a minimum of 10.5 Volts for firing properly. Hi, I am Brad. However, sometimes it’s the wiring of the furnace that’s the problem. Both types of tanks are available in 20, 30 and 40-pound varieties, which are the most popular sizes found on RVs. Maybe it’s the moisture in the valve, the regulator or even the hoses freezing at low temperatures. However, I shouldn’t have to point out to only do that when the furnace is cold, i.e. The DFMD25 is a forced-air furnace that uses a heat exchanger to force the heater air into your living quarters, similar to a household furnace. RVGUARD RV Flying Insect Screen, RV Furnace Vent Cover Bug Screen 2 Pack 2.8 x 1.3 Inch Stainless Steel Mesh with Installation Tool and Silicone Rubber 4.5 out of 5 stars 734. 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. If that happens, something else might be the problem. In other words, it’s not a problem if the smell … The Jeep Wrangler is the ultimate adventure vehicle and a popular choice for those who like to explore and engage... Propane Tank Recertification for RV Owners - In 3 (EASY) Steps. In fact, the Keystone forums are well known for their openness in helping their customers and fellow RV enthusiasts. However, in case of faulty bearings, I always recommend proper replacement. Suburban New SF-35FQ 2400A LP Gas Furnace for RV Camper Motorhome Trailer Furnace 35,000 BTU. A 20-pound propane tank is what we typically think of for grills, space heaters, and generators. Air Leaks and Drafts: The less cold air that is allowed to creep in, the warmer the RV will stay, so plugging up any spots that might be open is another way to increase efficiency. If necessary, I clean up the burner ports or the pilot orifice and adjust the burner’s air shutter, just in case. There are options ranging from those that are environment-friendly to those that are oil-filled. Even a small blockage can obstruct the air flow, so doing this properly is important. Just like with igniters, I always advise consulting a professional when replacing the gas valve. As such, it’s a common topic among online communities, considering how often RVers use their products. Linglong Crosswind Tires Review: Who Makes Crosswind Tires? Some people prefer to have a “cooler” section of their motorhome, and the propane furnace always spreads heat evenly. 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. Usually, this noise comes either from the fan or the motor. The only solution I can think of when it comes to this is to replace the dealer. In fact, my own furnace had that same “issue” four months ago. It’s just the new furnace “getting used to” the heat. In my experience, it usually comes down to faulty or loose wiring. roadside assistance for your RV and Good Sam and AAA can both be good options. However, a different problem might be insufficient ventilation. This can be a problem, as there will be no flame, or it won’t stay on for long. I’ve talked about leaks earlier, and if anything is a telltale sign of a leak, it’s the smell of propane. Car Independent is your source for independent views on cars and car accessories. Burnt fuses or tripped breakers can also cause problems with the igniter. But, your furnace doesn’t need to run for three hours straight to keep you warm. There wasn’t a lot of it, but just enough to begin eating at the fuses and the wiring. Once again, the low battery voltage can be the issue here, so the best thing to do is to replace the battery. The RV furnace will fire up,but for some reason won’t stay turned on. If your RV does not have a furnace or space for a furnace, RVupgrades has portable heaters that will heat up your RV just the same. If, for example, the furnace runs four times per hour for two minutes each time (8 minutes total per hour), you can estimate that one gallon of propane will last for about a 23 hour period (184 minutes / 8 minutes per hour), or approximately one day. Whether you looking to buy a new car or some things cool for your car, you have many options. In fact, there might be a far more dangerous problem. Risks of Running out of Propane . Then turn the propane tank valve on extremely slowly to allow the lines to become appropriately pressurized. 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. I’ve already outlined how to replace an igniter earlier in the text. In case it isn’t working, the problem is most likely with the thermocouple, which I check immediately after. With grills & barbecues, you would follow the same logic as with RV furnaces when calculating propane expenditure. Insulation: One obvious way to increase your RV’s efficiency is to ensure that it is well insulated. There are 20, 30, and 40-pound options available depending on the size of the RV and furnace. All of these prevent air flow and allow for gas build-up. In that case, I recommend a thorough cleaning. Home stoves usually have a BTU of 7,000 per burner. Hoses of propane tanks will occasionally get damaged, and when they do, they must be replaced. How Much Propane Is Needed In An RV. People get confused, and sometimes even scared when this happens. Other times, the furnace won’t switch off. In case this happens, paper towels and hair dryers are the way to go. Larger grills may burn through a propane tank in a mere 10 hours. 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. The first one is easy to solve, as it only includes resetting the selector to the desired position. $19.99 $ 19. Most companies that build furnaces will use a variety of oils to lubricate the metal. I’ve once had to deal with water in my electrical compartments. A gallon of propane has an approximate burn rate of 90,000-100,000 BTUs per hour. One of the issues that will pop up in this text deals with noise, specifically squealing. And then, there are the propane tank problems. However, the single most common reason has to be the leaks. Usually, I first check the pilot light. These issues have already been covered and include no ignition, no heat production when on, clogged venting areas and filter problems. It shuts down and won’t maintain any heat. Most of the times, this happens just after ignition. If you are not confident in working with either, allow a professional technician to take care of the repairs. In addition, they run exclusively on electricity, so there’s no wasted energy or harmful emissions. If you smell propane and suspect there is a leak, remove all heat and fire sources and exit the RV immediately. Three batteries might be the golden standard, though, but not more than that. $27.08 $ 27. Bad wiring is a common issue and usually requires professional assistance. They can be removed for refilling and can easily be replaced if necessary. Other issues can include an out-of-place temperature selector, broken or disconnected wiring or continuity issues with the thermostat. 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