
Heating systems in RVs are a complex topic. There are two main types of RV heating systems: forced air furnaces and hydronic heating systems. In this article, we will focus on forced air furnaces, as they are the most common type of RV heating system.
A forced air furnace in an RV works by heating air and then circulating it through the RV using a fan. This type of system requires regular maintenance and can be powered by either DC power or shore power. It is important to note that the furnace itself is not visible, but you will see a return air vent inside your RV and the air intake/exhaust vent on the exterior.
To operate the furnace, you will need to set the thermostat higher than the current inside air temperature of the RV, which will trigger the furnace to activate the blower motor. If the system functions correctly, the propane will ignite, creating hot air that is distributed throughout the RV through the ducts.
Some key components of an RV forced air furnace include a thermostat, a control board, a relay, a blower motor, a sail switch, a high-level switch, an ignitor, and ductwork. It is also important to ensure proper airflow and ventilation to prevent issues such as incomplete combustion, which can lead to dangerous carbon monoxide levels.
Overall, understanding how an RV heater works is crucial for maintaining and troubleshooting the system. By familiarizing yourself with the components and basic operations, you can ensure a comfortable and safe camping experience during cold weather.
What You'll Learn
How to turn on the heater in a Springdale camper trailer
To turn on the heater in a Springdale camper trailer, you will first need to check that you have a sufficient propane supply. Make sure your propane tank valve is open and that your onboard propane regulator is functioning properly. You can do this by checking your propane tank gauge or by following the steps outlined in this video.
Once you have confirmed a sufficient propane supply, locate your thermostat. This is usually wall-mounted and may be analogue or digital. Turn the thermostat to a temperature above the current ambient temperature inside your RV.
If your heater is functioning properly, you should hear the blower motor turn on and feel air blowing out of your interior vents. After 10-30 seconds, you should hear the pilot light ignite, and shortly after, hot air will begin to blow out of the vents.
If your heater is not turning on, there may be an electrical issue. Check your 12V power supply and confirm that you have adequate power to run the heater. You can also check the fuse and replace it if necessary. If the fuse is not the issue, the problem may lie with the thermostat, module board, motor, or relay fan.
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How to maintain the heater in a Springdale camper trailer
Maintaining the heater in your Springdale camper trailer is important to ensure it remains in good working condition. Here are some detailed instructions on how to do this:
Understand the Basics of Your Heater:
Familiarize yourself with the components of your heating system, such as the thermostat, flame, fan, circuit board, sail switch, safety limit switch, ductwork, and intake and exhaust vents.
Regular Cleaning and Maintenance:
- Clean and disinfect your camper trailer regularly, paying special attention to the heating system and vents.
- Use an RV vacuum to keep dust and pet hair to a minimum inside your trailer.
- Use a portable air compressor to remove dust, debris, and insect nests from the furnace's exhaust tube.
- Check and clean the air intake/exhaust vent on the exterior of your trailer regularly.
- Inspect and clean the return air vent inside your trailer, turning off the furnace before removing it for cleaning if necessary.
- Keep the area around the vents clear of any obstructions, such as rugs or other floor coverings, to ensure proper airflow.
Monitor Propane Levels and Connections:
- Ensure you have an adequate propane supply for your heater. Check your propane tank levels regularly.
- Verify that the propane tank valve is open and that the onboard propane regulator is functioning properly.
- If you have a permanent RV setup, check for any issues with the propane supply line, such as blockages or leaks.
Inspect and Maintain Safety Features:
- Invest in a carbon monoxide detector and a propane detector, and regularly check their batteries.
- Familiarize yourself with the safety switches in your heating system, such as the sail switch and the limit switch, and ensure they are functioning correctly.
- Check the limit switch to ensure it is mounted securely and is not blocked by debris or dust.
- Verify that the blower continues to run after the burner shuts off to lower the equipment temperature.
Troubleshooting and Repair:
- If your heater is not working properly, refer to the owner's manual for troubleshooting tips specific to your Springdale camper trailer model.
- Check for any diagnostic codes or signals that may indicate a problem. Newer furnaces may have a diagnostic light that flashes a particular code.
- If you suspect electrical issues, such as inadequate power supply or a faulty relay, consult a professional or refer to your owner's manual for guidance.
- If you notice any signs of incomplete combustion, such as soot around the exhaust vent, have your heating system inspected by a qualified technician as soon as possible.
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How to reset the heater in a Springdale camper trailer
To reset the heater in a Springdale camper trailer, follow these steps:
- Turn off the power switch for the heater and wait for about 10 seconds. If your heater model does not have a power switch, turn off the main breaker to the heater instead.
- After 10 seconds have passed, turn the power switch or main breaker back on.
- If your heater still doesn't reset, and there is no breaker, remove and reinstall the fuse associated with the heater. Ensure your RV's circuit breaker panel is properly labelled to identify the correct fuse.
If you are experiencing issues with your heater, there are several potential causes and troubleshooting steps you can take.
No Power When Thermostat is Turned Up
If you turn up the thermostat and nothing happens, this could be due to an inadequate power supply or a bad relay for the blower motor.
Inadequate Power Supply
Check your 12V power supply to ensure it is strong enough to run the heater. Confirm that your RV's batteries are charged and check the connections along the wire running from the thermostat to the heater's circuit board.
Bad Relay for Blower Motor
Test the relay by bypassing it and seeing if the fan runs on direct power from the battery. If the fan runs on direct power, the problem is likely a bad relay. If the fan doesn't run on battery power, the fan itself may be problematic or seized from rust.
Fan Runs But No Heat
If the fan runs but there is no heat, there could be an issue with the fuel source, a failure of the sail switch to open, a faulty ignitor, or a faulty control board.
Fuel Source
Ensure you have adequate propane to run the heater and check that your propane tank valve is open. Check your onboard propane regulator for any signs of failure or clogging.
Sail Switch Failure
The sail switch is one of two safety switches in the heater. If it doesn't open, the heater won't produce heat. The sail switch may fail over time or become clogged with debris, and it may need to be replaced.
Failure of the Ignitor
Listen carefully to the heater when the thermostat is turned up. You should hear the fan turn on, followed by a click, then rapid ticking. If you smell propane at this stage but the heater doesn't ignite, the problem may be a faulty ignitor.
Faulty Control Board
If the heater runs but produces no heat, there could be an issue with the control board. Test the board to see if it is functioning correctly.
Heater Ignites But Shuts Off Prematurely
If the heater starts and produces heat but then shuts off before reaching the desired temperature, there may be an issue with the high-level switch, which is the second of two safety switches in the heater. Ensure the exhaust is not blocked and that there is proper airflow. Check the tubes in the combustion chamber for any damage, such as holes or cracks. If you find no issues, the high-level switch may need to be replaced.
Other Potential Issues
- Outside Exhaust Vent Blocked or Dirty: Check the furnace's exhaust port for any debris that may be preventing the heater from igniting and operating normally.
- Air Return Grill Blocked or Dirty: Inspect the air return grill for dust, pet hair, dirt, or obstructions before using the heater. Ensure nothing is blocking the fresh air return while the heater is in use.
- Incomplete Combustion: Check the exhaust vent for soot, which indicates incomplete combustion. Do not operate the heater if you find soot, as this can expose you to dangerous carbon monoxide gas.
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How to troubleshoot the heater in a Springdale camper trailer
Troubleshooting the heater in a Springdale camper trailer can be a complex task, but here is a step-by-step guide to help you identify and resolve common issues.
Step 1: Understand the Basics
Before troubleshooting, it's important to understand how the heating system in your Springdale camper trailer works. Most RVs use a forced-air furnace that runs on propane and 12V DC power from the coach battery. This system includes a thermostat, a control board, a relay, a blower motor, a sail switch, an ignitor, and ductwork. When you set the thermostat higher than the current temperature, it triggers the blower motor. If everything functions correctly, the propane ignites, creating hot air distributed through the ducts.
Step 2: Identify the Issue
There are several common issues you might encounter with your RV heater. Here are some troubleshooting steps for each problem:
Issue 1: Thermostat Not Responding
- Ensure the thermostat is set to "Heat" or "Furnace."
- Check the 12V coach battery and ensure it's fully charged.
- Inspect the 12V fuse panel and ensure the furnace fuse isn't blown.
- Check for loose wiring connections or circuit board problems, which may require an RV technician.
Issue 2: Furnace Blowing Cold Air
- Understand that cold air blowing initially or at the end of the cycle is normal, as the blower fan needs to reach a minimum CFM before igniting propane.
- Check if the high-temperature limit switch is activated to cool down the burn chamber.
Issue 3: Furnace Fan Runs But No Propane Flame
- Ensure the propane tanks are turned on and you have enough propane for operation.
- Reset the system by turning off the furnace at the thermostat and then turning it back on to restart the ignition process.
- Inspect the exterior exhaust vent for any blockages, such as spider webs or mud dauber nests, which may require an RV technician to remove.
- Check for other issues like a frozen regulator during cold weather, a faulty circuit board, or dirty ignitor probes.
Issue 4: Furnace Runs Intermittently
- Check the sail switch and high-temperature limit switch for potential failure or loose wiring connections.
- Ensure the battery cable connections are secure.
- Consider if the furnace is exceeding the LP rate of vaporization due to extremely cold temperatures and low fuel levels.
Step 3: Advanced Troubleshooting
If the basic troubleshooting steps don't resolve the issue, you may need to take more advanced measures:
Advanced Step 1: Accessing the Heater
Remove the heater faceplate or grate by unscrewing the screws holding it in place.
Advanced Step 2: Checking Power and Thermostat
- Inspect the red wire with a fuse holder inline and check the fuse.
- Ensure the thermostat slider is correctly positioned and the white triangular plastic is not preventing contact.
- Verify that the cycle adjustment arm is touching the wire; rotate it if necessary.
- Disconnect the two brown wires from the thermostat and connect them directly; if the furnace operates, the thermostat is the issue.
Advanced Step 3: Dealing with a Sail-Switch Issue
- Check for a low battery or high-altitude campsite, which can affect the sail switch's function.
- Remove the heater grate to increase airflow and potentially overcome high-altitude issues.
- Inspect the sail switch for proper engagement; if it appears engaged but the plastic housing prevents proper circuit closure, you may need to call an RV technician.
Advanced Step 4: Handling Ignition Issues
- Ensure you have propane by lighting the stove and checking for normal flame strength.
- If the camper hasn't been used recently, turn the furnace off and on again to bleed air from the gas line.
- If the issue persists, there may be a broken igniter, clogged burner, or faulty control board, requiring a bench test by an RV technician.
Step 4: Seek Professional Help
If you're uncomfortable working with propane or electricity, or if basic and advanced troubleshooting don't resolve the issue, don't hesitate to call a professional RV technician for assistance.
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How to light the heater in a Springdale camper trailer
To light the heater in a Springdale camper trailer, you'll need to make sure you have a power source (battery/shore power) and a propane supply. Ensure your propane tank is full and the valve is open. You can check the latter by using the stove to make sure gas is flowing.
Next, locate the thermostat. It will likely be a wall-mounted rectangle with three functions: heat, cool, and fan. Set the thermostat to heat and adjust it to a temperature above the current interior temperature. The fan should start running, and within 10 to 20 seconds, you should hear a "clunk" noise, which is the gas valve opening. Soon after, warm air should start blowing out of the vents.
If the heater doesn't turn on, turn it off at the thermostat and wait for the fan to stop before trying again. If it still doesn't work, something may need to be cleaned or repaired.
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Frequently asked questions
The Springdale camper trailer typically uses a propane heater.
The propane heater in the Springdale camper trailer is a forced-air heating system. It uses propane to fuel a flame and a blower fan to circulate hot air through the vents and ductwork in the trailer.
The heater in the Springdale camper trailer will run as long as there is propane and battery power available. On average, a 20-pound propane tank will provide around 13 hours of heating.
On average, the heater in the Springdale camper trailer will use around a third of a gallon of propane per hour of continuous use.
Yes, it is important to ensure proper ventilation and airflow when using the heater. Keep the intake and exhaust vents unobstructed and ensure there are no flammable materials nearby. Additionally, invest in a carbon monoxide detector and a propane detector for added safety.