Troubleshooting your suburban rv furnace

suburban rv furnace

This guide is on Troubleshooting a Suburban RV Furnace. While it's a bit of a mouthful, this guide will help you troubleshoot any problems with your suburban RV furnace. An Rv furnace is designed to keep you warm and comfortable during those chilly nights spent under the stars in your favorite recreational vehicle. The following section will explain how an rv furnace works, as well as how to troubleshoot common issues that may arise when using one.

What is an rv furnace?

A furnace is a heating and cooling system that uses the combustion of fossil fuels to produce heat, which is then distributed through a network of pipes and ducts. This allows you to control the temperature in your RV by regulating the flow of heated or cooled air into your RV's living space.

Furnaces can be powered by propane gas or electricity, but most modern RVs have electrical furnaces installed because they are more efficient than gas-powered units.

Most modern RVs are equipped with furnaces that use 12-volt DC power from batteries, which means there is no need for an external plug source like you might see on other consumer appliances like microwaves or hair dryers.

Benefits of a suburban rv furnace

  • Has the latest in design from an industry leader
  • Has Low noise output
  • Very dependable performance
  • Superior heating
  1. Check Thermostat

  2. There are a few things you can check before you call the service tech:

    • Check the thermostat batteries. If they're low, it will automatically switch over to emergency heat.
    • Make sure the thermostat is set to heat and not cooling or fan only mode.
    • Make sure that fan is set to auto and not on high or off.
    • Make sure your heat pump is set for emergency heat only (if you have one).
  3. Check the Control Board

  4. If you're still having trouble, it's time to check the control board. The control board is the brains of a furnace and is responsible for controlling ignition, temperature, fuel supply and other functions.

    If there is no voltage across the thermostat connector (the white or blue wire going into the connector), your thermostat wiring may be at fault. If there is voltage present in this location but no other signs of life from your furnace's control system then it's likely that something has failed on the internal circuitry of your furnace's control board itself.

    Here is an example of a control board on amazon. Your specific control board might be different.

  5. Check Wiring for Damages

  6. You will need to check the wiring of your furnace. The first thing you want to do is make sure all of the wires are securely connected and not damaged in any way. If there are any exposed wires, they should be covered with electrical tape or other protective material. You should also check for any corrosion on the wires, as this can cause them to become loose if not cleaned off properly.

  7. Check the Ignition

  8. To check the ignition, inspect the spark plug for corrosion and dirt. If it's dirty, clean it with an approved cleaning solvent. If you can't find an approved cleaning solvent, try using a wire brush to clean off any corrosion or excess build-up on your spark plug.

    Replace a defective spark plug with one that matches the original size and type (regular or platinum). Make sure to readjust your gap setting before reinstalling it in its proper location near the top of your motor compartment.

    Checking the rod in your pilot light should only be done if you're having trouble getting a flame to appear when you try starting up your furnace system after turning on its power switch. If this happens, make sure there’s no debris or obstructions blocking access between where the pilot light sits inside its housing unit and where fuel comes into contact with an ignition source at its base.

  9. Check the Relay for damage

  10. So, let’s start with the relay. A relay is an electrical device which is used to control high power using low power signal. It is a device that can be controlled by another circuit and its function is activated through the second circuit. Relays are used to isolate both circuits electrically and magnetically. The main purpose of a relay is to transfer control signals from one circuit to another so that they can be controlled remotely or automatically without any human intervention.

    If you think your relay is the problem, here is a relay on amazon that fits the Suburban NT 20 SE furnace. Please check to see if this type of relay will fit your rv.

  11. Check the Blower Motor

  12. The blower motor is responsible for circulating air through the RV to keep it cool and comfortable. By turning on your furnace and checking to see if the blower is spinning, you can determine if this part needs replacing. If you do not have an operational blower, then you may need to purchase a replacement motor from an online store such as Amazon or eBay.

  13. Check the Gas Supply and Burner

  14. If your RV furnace is not working and gas is being supplied to the burner, the problem may be with the burner itself. You can check this by inspecting it for debris or broken parts. If there are any issues with your RV's furnace, cleaning or replacing your current burner should fix them up nicely.

  15. Check to make sure there is no dirt or debris blocking the intake

    • Visually inspect the intake for debris. If you see a lot of debris, or if you notice a significant amount of damage to your intake, consider replacing it. You can check this vent out on amazon
    • If there is only a small amount of dirt or debris in the path of your air filter, remove it and rinse it off with warm water before reinstalling it.


If all else fails and you decide to purchase a new funace, take a look at some of these choices on amazon.


Subscribe

Stay updated with our newsletter


Conclusion

It's important to understand that an RV furnace is a system that needs to be checked regularly. It can be easy to forget about these things when you're on the go, but it's best if you take the time to make sure everything is running smoothly. You can follow these steps (or do it yourself) if you have questions or need help with your furnace. If you find that your problem persists, contact a professional for additional assistance.

About Author:

image of Kevin Pommells

Hi, I'm Kevin Pommells, a lover of camping and the great outdoors as everyone says nowadays. I'm also a passionate soccer fan and the proud owner of CamperRules.com, a website dedicated to helping campers and outdoor enthusiasts make the most of their adventures. With years of experience exploring the wilderness and a deep love for the sport of soccer, I'm always looking for new ways to combine my two passions and share my knowledge with others. Follow me for tips, tricks, and insights on all things camping and outdoor recreation.

Follow Me @ Twitter | Facebook | KevinPommells.com

As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.

We are a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for us to earn fees by linking to Amazon.com and affiliated sites.