If your blower motor is running and you hear the clicking of the igniter and the clunk of the gas valve, you’re looking at an entirely different set of potential problems. A sail switch has also been known to stick occasionally. If there’s bad return airflow or not enough venting, the furnace won’t light due to this switch. The sail switch can malfunction, or just go bad. The fan will run, but there will be no heat. What if the fan is running, but there is no heat? The furnace has an internal flow switch, otherwise known as a “sail switch.” The sail switch is an on/off switch, which when there’s not enough airflow, will stop the furnace from igniting. You can check for this problem by testing the voltage on the lead board from the high-temperature relay. In other cases, the switch will need to be replaced entirely.Īnother issue that could cause a running motor with no other noises after is a bad high-temperature relay. In some cases, the switch is simply stuck, and working with it a bit will fix the problem. If you’re hearing the motor start up but there are no other noises, and nothing else happens after that point, you likely have a failed sail switch. When the motor runs, but nothing else happens: If the fuse isn’t the issue, you’re looking at a problem with the thermostat, module board, the motor itself, or-if you have an older RV-the small relay fan that some older models have. If it’s blown out, a simple fuse replacement should solve your problem and get you up and running again. The first thing you’ll want to do is check the furnace fuse. If you don’t, you have some sort of electrical issue. If the heater is turned on and the temperature in the rig is below where the thermostat is set, you should at least still hear the blower motor kick on. Knowing how a propane furnace works Is helpful when troubleshooting! When the motor won’t run: 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. However, we can tell you that the average propane camper furnace uses around a third of a gallon of propane when running continuously for an hour. Unfortunately, there’s no way to tell exactly how much RV furnace propane your unit will consume, as there are several variables to consider.

Camco Olympian Wave 8 Gas Catalytic Heater.

Lasko CD09250 Ceramic Portable Space Heater.

Some of the best space heaters for RVs include the following: Condensation and moisture are two important drawbacks of propane heaters in a small space, so you shouldn’t be using these as main sources of heat. However, space heaters will not keep the pipes and tanks in your RV warm, meaning those are more likely to freeze in super cold weather. Propane space heaters are better for boondockers and use less fuel than a big RV furnace.Electric heaters are great for saving money if you’ll be camping somewhere with electric hookups included in the camping fee.Both electric and propane space heaters are less expensive. Prefer to skip that huge price tag entirely? There’s the option of using space heaters instead. That said, they are pricey, and most RV owners will also have to pay to have one installed. These are well-known, durable, and well-made units that last for years. Those looking for a ducted propane RV heater option should look into the Suburban or Atwood models. What is the Best Propane Heater for an RV? That’s it! The simplicity of this system means it works well and remains solid during trips down the road while remaining relatively easy to repair. This keeps your RV nice and toasty, and because the hot air is moving through ductwork under the floor, it also helps keep the pipes and tanks from freezing.īesides the thermostat, flame, and fan, the system is also comprised of a circuit board, sail switch, safety limit switch, ductwork, and intake and exhaust vents. That hot air is created using a flame fed by propane and forced out of the vents in your rig by a blower fan.

This means when the air in your RV falls below the temperature on the thermostat, hot air is forced through the vents and into the living space. Let’s begin with the basics by asking, “How does an RV furnace work?” Actually, the answer is simpler than you might imagine.Īn RV heater is a forced air heater. Let’s dive in! How Do RV Propane Heaters Work? Looking to replace or repair your RV propane furnace? Just want to know more about your camper heater? In this article, we will discuss everything you need to know about RV propane heaters. Not only that, but with an RV propane heater, you can stay nice and warm in your motorhome or travel trailer, no matter where you roam. Winter camping is completely possible in an RV.

Best heater for rv boondocking