Activating the furnace in your travel trailer ensures warmth and comfort, especially during chilly evenings or off-season adventures. Before flipping any switches, ensure adequate propane supply and proper ventilation, then proceed with the ignition sequence unique to your specific model.
Understanding Your Travel Trailer Furnace
Travel trailer furnaces are essential for maintaining a comfortable living environment when temperatures drop. These compact, propane-powered heating systems quickly warm the interior of your RV, allowing you to extend your camping season and enjoy adventures in colder climates. However, understanding their operation is crucial for safe and efficient use.
Furnace Components and Function
A typical travel trailer furnace consists of several key components:
- Thermostat: Controls the furnace’s operation, sensing the ambient temperature and signaling the unit to turn on or off to maintain the desired setting.
- Control Board: The “brain” of the furnace, managing the ignition sequence, monitoring safety sensors, and regulating the blower motor.
- Blower Motor: Circulates air through the furnace and into the RV’s ductwork.
- Burner Assembly: Where the propane is ignited and burns, generating heat.
- Heat Exchanger: A sealed chamber that transfers the heat from the burning propane to the circulating air.
- Gas Valve: Controls the flow of propane to the burner.
- Safety Sensors: Detect potential problems, such as overheating or a lack of propane, and shut down the furnace to prevent damage or hazards.
Preparing for Furnace Operation
Before attempting to turn on your furnace, several crucial steps are necessary to ensure safe and reliable operation. Neglecting these steps can lead to malfunctions, damage, or even dangerous situations.
- Propane Supply: Verify that your propane tank(s) are sufficiently full. A low propane supply can cause the furnace to operate erratically or fail to ignite. Open the propane tank valve slowly.
- Ventilation: Ensure that all vents and openings associated with the furnace are clear of obstructions. Proper ventilation is essential for the combustion process and to prevent the buildup of harmful gases.
- Battery Power: Check that your RV’s battery is adequately charged. The furnace relies on battery power to operate the blower motor, control board, and other electronic components. A weak battery can prevent the furnace from starting or cause it to shut down prematurely.
- Safety Checks: Inspect the area around the furnace for any signs of gas leaks. If you smell propane, immediately shut off the propane supply and ventilate the area. Do not attempt to ignite the furnace if you suspect a gas leak.
- Inspect the Vent: Ensure the furnace’s exterior vent is free from debris, such as leaves, dirt, or snow. A blocked vent can hinder exhaust flow and lead to furnace malfunctions.
The Step-by-Step Ignition Process
With proper preparation complete, you can now proceed with the furnace ignition process. While specific procedures may vary slightly depending on the furnace model, the general steps are as follows:
- Set the Thermostat: Turn the thermostat to the desired temperature setting. Ensure the thermostat is set higher than the current ambient temperature to trigger the furnace to turn on. Some thermostats have separate “heat” and “cool” settings; select the “heat” option.
- Listen for the Blower: The blower motor should start shortly after setting the thermostat. This indicates that the control board is initiating the ignition sequence.
- Ignition Attempt: After the blower has been running for a few seconds, you should hear a clicking or sparking sound. This is the igniter attempting to light the propane.
- Flame Detection: If the propane ignites successfully, the flame sensor will detect the flame and signal the control board to continue the furnace’s operation.
- Warm Air Circulation: After a brief period, you should begin to feel warm air flowing from the vents. This indicates that the furnace is functioning correctly and heating the RV.
Troubleshooting Common Issues
If the furnace fails to ignite or operate properly, several common issues may be the cause.
- No Propane: The most common reason for a furnace not starting is a lack of propane. Double-check that your propane tank(s) are full and that the valve is open.
- Blocked Vent: A blocked vent can prevent the furnace from igniting or cause it to shut down prematurely. Clear any obstructions from the vent.
- Faulty Igniter: The igniter may fail to spark, preventing the propane from igniting. This may require replacement of the igniter.
- Dirty Flame Sensor: A dirty flame sensor can prevent the furnace from detecting the flame, causing it to shut down. Clean the flame sensor with fine steel wool or sandpaper.
- Control Board Problems: Issues with the control board can cause a variety of problems, including failure to ignite, premature shutdown, or erratic operation. This often requires professional diagnosis and repair.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
FAQ 1: Why is my furnace blowing cold air?
If your furnace is blowing cold air, the most likely cause is a lack of propane. Check your propane tank levels and ensure the valve is open. Other potential causes include a blocked vent, a faulty igniter, or problems with the control board.
FAQ 2: How do I know if my propane tank is empty?
You can visually inspect the propane tank gauge, if equipped. Alternatively, pour warm water (not boiling) down the side of the tank. The level where condensation forms indicates the approximate propane level. Always follow safety precautions when handling propane.
FAQ 3: My furnace is making a loud banging noise. What could it be?
A loud banging noise, often referred to as “delayed ignition,” usually indicates a build-up of propane before ignition. This can be caused by a dirty burner, a faulty gas valve, or low propane pressure. It’s crucial to have this inspected and repaired by a qualified technician.
FAQ 4: Is it safe to leave the furnace running all night?
Yes, modern RV furnaces are designed with safety features to allow for continuous operation. However, it’s essential to have working carbon monoxide detectors and ensure proper ventilation to prevent the buildup of harmful gases.
FAQ 5: How often should I have my furnace serviced?
It’s recommended to have your furnace professionally serviced at least once a year, preferably before the heating season. Regular maintenance can help prevent problems, ensure efficient operation, and prolong the life of your furnace.
FAQ 6: What does it mean if my furnace cycles on and off frequently?
Frequent cycling can indicate several issues, including a dirty flame sensor, inadequate airflow, or a thermostat malfunction. It could also be a sign of a more serious problem with the furnace itself. Investigation by a qualified technician is recommended.
FAQ 7: Can I use my furnace while driving?
This is generally not recommended due to safety concerns. The movement and vibrations of the RV can dislodge connections or cause the furnace to malfunction. Furthermore, most RV propane systems are not designed for continuous operation while in motion.
FAQ 8: How do I clean the flame sensor?
Carefully remove the flame sensor from the furnace (consult your owner’s manual for location and removal instructions). Gently clean the sensor rod with fine steel wool or sandpaper to remove any corrosion or deposits. Reinstall the sensor securely.
FAQ 9: What is a sail switch, and what does it do?
The sail switch is a safety device that ensures the blower motor is functioning before the furnace attempts to ignite. It’s a small switch activated by the airflow from the blower. If the blower isn’t working correctly, the sail switch will prevent the furnace from igniting.
FAQ 10: Why does my furnace smell like burning dust when I first turn it on in the season?
This is normal. Dust accumulates on the heat exchanger during the off-season. When the furnace is first turned on, the heat burns off this dust, creating a temporary burning smell. This should dissipate after a short period.
FAQ 11: My furnace is making a clicking noise but won’t light. What could be the problem?
The clicking noise usually indicates that the igniter is attempting to spark. If it’s not lighting, it could be a faulty igniter, a blocked gas line, or a problem with the gas valve. Check the propane supply first, then inspect the igniter. If problems persist, consult a qualified technician.
FAQ 12: What type of maintenance can I do myself on my RV furnace?
You can regularly inspect and clean the furnace’s exterior vent, check for propane leaks (using a soapy water solution), and ensure proper ventilation. Cleaning the flame sensor and ensuring a charged battery are also manageable maintenance tasks. More complex repairs should be left to qualified technicians.