Camper Furnaces: Safe Or Hazardous?

Camper furnaces are generally considered safe, but there are some risks involved in their operation. Most camper furnaces run on propane, which can be dangerous if not used properly. Carbon monoxide poisoning and fires are two of the main hazards associated with camper furnaces. To ensure safety, it is recommended to have working carbon monoxide and smoke detectors, as well as fire extinguishers. Regular maintenance and checks for propane leaks, exhaust blockages, and animal nests are also crucial. Electric heaters or heat pumps are alternative heating options for those who want to avoid using propane. Overall, with proper precautions and maintenance, camper furnaces can be used safely and effectively to extend the camping season into colder months.

Carbon monoxide dangers

Carbon monoxide is a highly dangerous gas that has been dubbed the "silent killer". It is colourless, odourless, and tasteless, making it difficult to detect. It is produced when fuel such as charcoal or gas does not burn properly due to a lack of oxygen. In enclosed spaces, such as tents, caravans, and boat cabins, carbon monoxide can quickly build up to lethal levels.

The dangers of carbon monoxide are heightened when camping, caravanning, or boating due to the confined nature of these spaces. Even in larger spaces, such as caravans and motorhomes, it is important to maintain proper ventilation to prevent carbon monoxide buildup. Cooking inside a tent, using a gas stove, or bringing a barbecue into a tent are all dangerous practices that can lead to carbon monoxide poisoning.

The symptoms of carbon monoxide poisoning are often mistaken for other illnesses, such as food poisoning or the flu. These symptoms include dizziness, drowsiness, headaches, nausea, tightness across the chest, and collapse or loss of consciousness. It is important to be aware of these signs, as carbon monoxide poisoning can be fatal.

To prevent carbon monoxide poisoning, it is crucial to follow safety precautions. Never cook or use gas stoves in enclosed, poorly ventilated spaces. Always use barbecues in well-ventilated areas and never bring them into a tent, even if they appear to be just smouldering embers. Install carbon monoxide detectors and regularly test them to ensure they are functioning properly. Additionally, keep a window open while cooking, and avoid burning gas stoves to heat enclosed spaces.

By following these safety measures and staying vigilant, campers can greatly reduce the risk of carbon monoxide poisoning and enjoy their outdoor experiences safely.

Propane and other gas leaks

Propane is naturally odourless, but gas companies add ethanethiol, which has a distinct smell of rotten eggs or cabbage, to help you identify leaks. However, this shouldn't be the only method of detection, as small leaks or those in enclosed compartments may not be noticeable by smell alone. Other signs of a gas leak include light-headedness or disorientation, a sudden drop in propane supply, yellow or orange flames (instead of blue) in propane appliances, hissing sounds coming from the propane tank, and vomiting or convulsions in extreme cases.

If you suspect a gas leak, stop what you're doing and leave the area immediately. Do not turn on any appliances or lights, and do not use your phone as even the smallest spark could cause an explosion. Open all windows and doors if it is safe to do so, to ventilate the area and help gas escape.

To check for a propane tank leak, apply soapy water or a leak detector solution to the cylinder valve and regulator outlet connections, then slowly open the cylinder valve. If there is a leak, bubbles will form. Tighten and close the cylinder valve, then check again. If bubbles still appear, evacuate the area and call emergency services.

To prevent propane leaks, it is important to perform regular maintenance and inspections of your propane system. Install a propane leak detector, and check for leaks, loose connections, or damaged components. Always store propane tanks outside the RV in a well-ventilated area, and turn off unused propane appliances.

Fire risks

Camper furnaces can cause fires, so it's important to be aware of the risks and take precautions.

Firstly, it's crucial to regularly inspect your RV propane system for any faults that could be unsafe. You can also get professionals to check your system to ensure it's as safe as possible. One of the dangers with RV furnaces is that animals can build nests in the components, and these nests can catch fire when exposed to heat. This can start a fire deep within your RV, and by the time you realise it's too late to do anything about it. Therefore, it's important to check internal and external vents for bugs, soot and dirt. Wind can blow in dirt and leaves, and animals can crawl inside. Birds may even try to build nests, especially when the camper is in storage.

Another potential fire risk is the sail switch. The sail switch is critical for the fan to run. If the fan doesn't run properly, the furnace could overheat and catch fire. Sail switches are a potential failure point in a furnace, and they are designed to fail off. If your furnace starts up but shuts down quickly, the sail switch might be to blame.

Additionally, the igniter is another common failure point in furnaces. If you find your furnace starts up but won't ignite (and you may smell a little propane), check the igniter.

Finally, always keep your batteries charged. Although most RV furnaces run on combustible fuel, they still have components that use electricity. For example, the motor fans won't function if hooked to a dead or low-powered battery, and if the fan does not run properly, the whole RV furnace will not operate.

Electric heaters as an alternative

Electric heaters are a great alternative to camper furnaces. They are a safe, clean-burning option that is usually cheaper to run than propane heaters. Electric heaters are also more specialised in the area they heat, so you can choose to only heat specific areas of your camper, rather than the whole vehicle. This means you can save energy by only heating the areas you are using.

There are a few different types of electric heaters, including ceramic heaters, radiant heaters, and electric wall heaters. Ceramic heaters use electricity to heat a heating element and then use a fan to blow air over the element to warm it. Radiant heaters work by using electricity to create heat within the heater and then radiating that heat outwards. Electric wall heaters are installed in-wall and can have multiple vents throughout your camper, similar to a ducted propane system.

Electric heaters do have some drawbacks, however. They can be difficult to use while boondocking unless you have a large battery bank and solar setup, or plan to run a generator. They also won't heat the underbelly of your camper in the same way that a built-in propane furnace will, so you will need to find other ways to keep pipes and tanks from freezing in very cold temperatures.

Overall, electric heaters are a great alternative to camper furnaces, especially if you are looking for a cheaper, clean-burning, and more specialised heating option.

Maintenance and safety checks

To ensure your camper furnace is safe to use, it's important to perform regular maintenance and safety checks. Here are some detailed instructions to help keep your furnace in good condition:

• Check Internal and External Vents: Locate the internal and external vents on the exterior of your camper. Clean out any dirt, leaves, or debris that may have accumulated. Also, check for signs of animal intrusion, such as nests built by birds or rodents. It is recommended to inspect these vents periodically and at least once a year.
• Maintain RV Batteries: Keep your RV batteries charged to ensure the proper functioning of the motor fans, which are essential for the furnace's operation.
• Test Carbon Monoxide Detector: Carbon monoxide (CO) is a dangerous by-product of the combustion process in your furnace. Test your CO detector regularly to ensure it is in good working order. This is crucial for your safety, as CO is odourless and can be deadly.
• Run the Furnace Annually: Even if you don't plan to use the furnace frequently, it's important to run it at least once a year. Choose a cool day, open the windows, and turn on the heater to let it run full blast throughout the camper. This will help you identify any unusual smells or issues.
• Inspect the Exhaust Pipe: Check the exhaust pipe regularly for any restrictions, blockages, or damage, such as rust holes and cracks. This is important to prevent dangerous gases from building up inside the camper.
• Check for Propane Leaks: Inspect the propane system for any leaks or issues with the propane lines. This should be done by a qualified RV technician to ensure the safety of your propane-powered furnace.
• Install a Carbon Monoxide Detector: In addition to testing the CO detector, consider installing additional detectors in each room of your camper. This will provide an extra layer of safety and help alert you to any potential issues.
• Maintain Fire Extinguishers: Keep up-to-date fire extinguishers in your camper and ensure everyone knows how to use them. Fire extinguishers are crucial in the event of a fire, especially one caused by a furnace malfunction.
• Use Smoke Detectors: Install smoke detectors in your camper, especially near the highest points, to alert you to any signs of smoke or fire.
• Install an LPG Alarm: An LPG (liquefied petroleum gas) alarm detects common gases such as propane, butane, and natural gas. Mount it just above floor level in the kitchen area to avoid poisoning from these gases. Regularly test the alarm to ensure it's functioning properly.
• Keep the Furnace Clean: Regularly clean the furnace and its components, including the burner, heat exchanger, and fans, to prevent the buildup of dirt, soot, or debris.
• Inspect the Sail Switch: The sail switch is a critical component that indicates to the furnace that the fan is operating properly. If your furnace starts but shuts down quickly, the sail switch may need attention.
• Check the Igniter: If your furnace starts but doesn't ignite, check the igniter for any issues. Older models may use a pilot light that needs to remain lit at all times.
• Monitor the Thermostat: Use the thermostat to control the desired temperature and ensure it signals the furnace to turn on and off as needed. Adjust the temperature as needed for comfort.

Frequently asked questions