When you’re traveling in your travel trailer, there may come a time when you need to turn on the furnace.
Maybe it’s cold outside, and you need to warm up, or maybe the air conditioning isn’t working correctly, and you need to use the furnace to create heat.
No matter the reason, here is a guide on turning on the furnace in your travel trailer! We’ll also give tips for ensuring it stays properly running all winter!
How To Turn On Furnace In Travel Trailer
Most travel trailers come with a furnace. To use it, you’ll need to know how to turn it on. Here are the steps:
- First, locate the thermostat for your furnace. It should be mounted on the wall near the furnace itself. If you can’t find it, check your owner’s manual.
- Next, set the thermostat to the desired temperature. Then, turn on the power switch for the furnace. This switch is usually located near the furnace itself.
- Once the power switch is turned on, your furnace should start running. You can tell it’s working because you’ll hear it running and feel warm air coming out of the vents.
If your furnace isn’t working, ensure that the power switch is turned on and that the thermostat is set to the correct temperature. If it still isn’t working, you may need to call a technician for assistance.
Does Your RV Need A Furnace?
For most of us, summertime is RV time. We pack up the camper and hit the open road, eager to explore all the country offers.
But as the days get shorter and the weather gets cooler, we often find ourselves heading back home, drawn by the comforts of indoor plumbing and central heating.
You need a furnace in your RV if you don’t like to let the cold weather damper your camping trips. Here’s why:
- A furnace will keep you warm. But it will also help to dry out the air inside your RV, which can help to prevent condensation buildup.
- A furnace can be used to heat water for cooking or washing dishes. And if you have a propane stove, you can use your furnace to keep your food from freezing.
- An RV furnace provides warmth in cold weather, which is essential for your and your family’s health and safety.
- An RV furnace can help prevent frozen pipes, leading to expensive repairs.
RV: Propane Or Electric Furnace?
RV furnaces can either run on a propane tank or electric. Most RVs have a furnace that runs on propane because it is more efficient and less expensive to operate than an electric furnace.
If your RV has an electric furnace, you will need to plug it into an electrical outlet to use it. How do you know if your RV has a propane or electric furnace?
Check the control panel inside your RV. It should have a switch that says “propane” or “electric.” You can check the owner’s manual for your RV if it does not.
RV Furnace: How Much Propane Does It Usually Use?
The furnace uses propane fuel in a recreational vehicle or RV. The RV’s size and the furnace’s model will affect how much propane the furnace uses. Generally, an RV furnace will use between one and two gallons of propane per operation hour.
The furnace will use more propane when it is first turned on, as the burner will need to heat the metal plates inside the furnace. Once the plates are heated, the burner will cycle on and off to maintain the desired temperature, using less propane. For this reason, keeping the furnace well-maintained and clean is essential to minimize propane usage.
Does Your RV Furnace Need Electricity?
Yes, your RV furnace does need electricity to run. The good news is that many RVs have a built-in generator that can power the furnace. If you don’t have a generator, you’ll need to plug your RV into an RV park or campground electrical outlet.
What Are The Parts Of RV Furnace?
Intake & Exhaust Vents
Most RVs have a forced-air furnace that uses a blower to circulate warmth throughout the vehicle. These furnaces typically have two vents: an intake vent and an exhaust vent.
The intake vent allows fresh air to enter the furnace, while the exhaust vent removes the fumes and carbon monoxide produced by the burning fuel.
To function correctly, the intake and exhaust vents must be clear of obstructions. If either of these vents becomes blocked, it can cause the furnace to overheat and potentially start a fire.
As a result, it is essential to regularly inspect both vents and remove any leaves, debris, or snow that may have built up around them. Keeping these vents clear can help ensure that your RV furnace will operate safely and efficiently.
Heat Duct
The heat duct carries hot air from the furnace to the various rooms in the RV, providing warmth throughout the entire space. Without a properly functioning heat duct, the furnace would be unable to do its job correctly. As a result, it is important to ensure that the heat duct is in good condition before using the furnace.
Burner
Most people are familiar with the part of an RV furnace that produces the heat. This is the burner. The burner is fueled by propane or natural gas and is responsible for igniting the fuel and creating a flame.
The flame is then passed through a heat exchanger, which transfers the heat to the surrounding air. The burner is typically located at the bottom of the furnace, where it can be easily accessed for maintenance.
Keeping the burner clean and debris-free is important, as this can prevent the furnace from operating correctly. In addition, it is essential to check the burner regularly for signs of wear or damage. If the burner is not functioning correctly, it can cause a dangerous gas build-up inside the RV.
Furnace Fan
The fan helps circulate air throughout the RV and provides ventilation for the furnace. Without a properly working fan, the furnace could overheat and cause damage to the unit.
The fan is usually located near the bottom of the furnace, and a small motor powers it. In some cases, the fan may also be controlled by a switch on the thermostat. If your RV furnace is not working correctly, one of the first things you should check is the fan’s condition.
RV Thermostat
The thermostat controls the flow of propane to the burner, and it also ignites the pilot light. To keep the RV warm, it is essential to adjust the thermostat to maintain a consistent temperature.
Another essential part of the furnace is the blower motor. The blower motor circulates air through the RV, and a switch on the thermostat can control it. By circulating air, the blower motor helps to distribute heat evenly throughout the RV.
How To Control Your RV Furnace
Learning to control your RV furnace is an important part of RV ownership. The furnace keeps you and your family warm during those cold winter nights. Operating your furnace correctly will help you stay comfortable and save money on fuel bills.
Here are a few tips on how to control your RV furnace:
- Make sure that the thermostat is set to the correct temperature. If the thermostat is set too low, the furnace will run longer and use more fuel. If the thermostat is set too high, the furnace will turn off and on frequently, using more fuel.
- Clean or replace the furnace filter regularly. A dirty filter will restrict airflow and cause the furnace to work harder, using more fuel.
- If you have an adjustable damper, open it entirely when the furnace is running. This will allow maximum airflow and help the furnace to run more efficiently.
Final Thoughts
After reading this article, you should understand how to turn on your furnace in a travel trailer. Following the steps outlined above should have no problem getting your furnace up and running.
However, if you have any further questions or encounter any problems, don’t hesitate to contact a qualified RV technician. With a bit of patience and effort, you’ll be able to enjoy all the benefits of having a furnace in your travel trailer. Stay warm out there!
