If you own an RV or recreational vehicle, you are probably well aware that these vehicles are equipped with a large amount of equipment when purchased. These have been fitted in order for you to be as comfortable as possible while on your travels.
Preventive maintenance can be extremely beneficial in ensuring that the furnace remains in good working order. A recently installed furnace can potentially develop problems, in which case it is simple to get it replaced within the terms of the guarantee.
The way a furnace operates will differ depending on its type and model. However, in the majority of circumstances, it is a standard function. Let’s have a look at the furnace issues and how to resolve them.
How an RV furnace can be reset

Hold the knob in place for thirty seconds just after pilot lights to allow the thermocouple to heat up. When it has reached the proper temperature, it will send a little charge to the gas valve, which will instruct it to keep the pilot tube open until the temperature has been reached again.
Activate the furnace by turning on the power. The main gas flow should now be turned on. Press and hold the reset button for thirty seconds, then move the room thermostat to the higher setting to ignite the heating system. Stopping the power and gas to the furnace and calling for service should be done if the furnace won’t start.
Reasons why a trailer furnace may not work
1. Problem with the changes in temperature

A typical reason why people have furnace issues is because they have forgotten to set their furnaces’ temperatures properly. Take note that there are primarily two types of furnace adjustment systems that you can choose from.
Depending on your preference, either manual dials or digital are used. These devices will not function until you provide a temperature reading, which you can do by entering a temperature value.
If the setting on the furnace is lower than the melting point in your room, you should take this into consideration. Afterwards, your device will cease to operate properly.
In order to resolve this issue, you must first raise the temperature to a specific level that is greater than your present setting. After that, your furnace will begin to heat the environment around it.
It’s important to note that if there are too many goods next to your furnace, it may cause a faulty operation. When this happens, the heat will be blocked from escaping. In order to complete the process, you will be told to eliminate all of the additional things from the area surrounding your furnace.
Typically, the things that create the most troubles are those that have the ability to absorb a great deal of thermal energy. It is recommended that garments, rugs, and carpets are removed to minimize the risk of flooding.
2. Wiring problems
Another possible cause of this difficulty is that there is a problem with the wiring of the gadget in which you are working. If the connections are loose or disconnected, this could indicate a problem with the wiring.
All of these things have the potential to prevent the furnace from operating properly. Keep in mind that these electrical lines are extremely dangerous before attempting to solve any problems with them.
Someone with prior knowledge of these topics should be approached if you have no prior knowledge of these matters. They should be able to thoroughly inspect your equipment and, if necessary, repair any issues that may have arisen.
If, on the other hand, you want to attempt inspecting your furnace on your own, you can. Then take a voltmeter and measure the current that is flowing through your connection to get a feel for things. Take a reading of data from all points on the connection to determine which one is causing the problem to occur.
Keep in mind that the source of the problem may be your electrical outlet in some instances. It’s important to notice whether any connections have gotten loose or disconnected and then firmly reconnect them.
However, if the outlet is damaged, you will either need to get it replaced or use an alternate outlet until the problem is resolved. Some outlets are equipped with a tiny fuse that blows if there is any fluctuation in the amount of electricity flowing through them. You can easily replace it with the new one in order to resolve your issue.
3. Check your parts and connections manually
If you are still experiencing issues with your gadget, it is possible that a component of it has been compromised. In spite of this, Suburban supplies their customers with a comprehensive manual that can be used to inspect and maintain their furnace.
Use it to check each component of your device individually to see whether or not any of them has been compromised. This will allow you to call the company directly if it has been established.
Hopefully, they will be able to supply you with a new part. It should also serve as a guide for you throughout the procedure of mounting the device on your furnace. Even if you are still having problems, you can look for installation instructions on the internet to assist you.
Lighting a suburban furnace

You can rely on your RV furnace to keep you warm and comfortable on those brisk autumn and winter nights. Always refer to your owner’s manual for specific instructions pertaining to your unit, if one can be obtained. It’s possible that additional steps will be necessary.
When using the RV furnace, make sure to provide adequate ventilation.
1. Set Your Tank to Autopilot Mode
Make sure that your furnace is not receiving any electric power. Turn on your propane tank, set your fan to “auto,” and set your thermostat to the highest heat setting you can tolerate. Allow for a few minutes of continuous operation of the fan.
2. Pilot Knob should be pressed
Locate the access panel for your furnace and remove the cover from behind it. Press and hold down the knob on your gas dial until the pilot light comes on.
3. Turn on the pilot’s compass
If you’ve a striker combustion device, click it several times to start the engine.. Alternatively, a lighter or a match can be used to light the pilot. Turn the knob to the “on” position after releasing it. If the pilot does not ignite the first time, try again, but this time keep the knob depressed for a longer period of time (at least 10 seconds this time). Set the thermostat to the heat that you want it to be at.
Replacing the sail switch on an RV furnace
Disconnect both the white connection and the high-voltage cable, then remove the nut on top of the connector and pull it out
Remove the four screws that hold the blower cover in place (you may wish to disconnect some wires for ease, but make sure you take a ‘before’ photo first) and lift the cover off. As soon as you begin this phase, I strongly advise you to utilize equipment with magnet heads or an extensible magnet to capture your screws.
After that, we’ll have to take the blower apart. The blower has a hole between the blades; don’t try to break those; instead, locate the hole. Take it off with care, and you’ll have access to the limit switch bracket. Be extremely careful when unscrewing (and then reinstalling) this screw; if it falls, it will be nearly difficult to retrieve. In my defence, I have done it twice, so it isn’t difficult.
When it is removed, it can be pulled out using a limit switch and a pair of cables that are attached to it. Since there is no polarity in the wires, they can be reconnected on either side of the switch. To test if the unit is functional, simply connect it to a multimeter and check that it is normally closed. Now, place it in the bracket, attach the cables, and attempt to reinstall the bracket. I understand there is a restricted amount of space, but you can do it! Please don’t put the screwdriver into the furnace.
Frequently Asked Questions
- What causes a Suburban furnace not to turn on?
If you are still experiencing issues with your device, it is possible that a component of it has been compromised. Suburban, on the other hand, gives their customers a comprehensive guidebook that assists them in monitoring the quality of their furnace. Using it, you may check each component of your device individually to determine if any of it has become broken.
Conclusion
Riving in the cold can be exciting and adventurous, but it can be made even worse by a failing furnace. Being stuck in the middle of a storm with a broken furnace is not something you want to be in! Keeping oneself warm is synonymous with keeping yourself comfy.
Make sure to set aside some time after the summer season to perform the bare minimum of preventive maintenance. If you have recently installed a new furnace, make sure to test it out on a variety of objects before setting out on a camping trip in the midst of heavy snow and bone-chilling cold.