Help with My Pop Up Camper Furnace Troubles!

Camping
1

I’ve been having some issues with the furnace in my pop-up camper, and I’m hoping to get some advice from fellow campers who might have experience with this.

Key Issues I’m Facing:

  1. Furnace Won’t Stay Lit: I’ve tried to light the furnace a few times, but it just keeps going out. Is there a common cause for this?
  2. Uneven Heating: The heat seems to be coming from only one side of the camper. Has anyone dealt with uneven heating, and what steps did you take to fix it?
  3. General Maintenance Tips: Are there any best practices you all follow to maintain your furnaces, especially before heading out on a trip?

What I’ve Tried So Far:

  • Checked the propane levels and refilled them to ensure there’s fuel.
  • Cleaned the furnace’s exhaust and intake to see if that would help with airflow.
  • Read the owner’s manual, but some of the troubleshooting steps seem a bit intimidating!

Seeking Your Expertise:

I’m looking for practical advice on how to address these issues. If you’ve got tips on troubleshooting or know of any specific repairs that might be needed, I’d greatly appreciate it! Thanks in advance for your help - camping season is just around the corner, and I want to make sure we stay warm and comfortable on our trips.

Looking forward to hearing from you all!

2

Hey! First off, make sure to check the furnace for any blockages in the air intake and exhaust. Seasonal checks are key to avoiding bigger issues later on.

1 Like
3

Great tip! Also, don’t forget to clean the filter regularly. A dirty filter can greatly reduce efficiency.

4

Has anyone had issues with their furnace not igniting? I tried cleaning it, but it still won’t start. Might be something deeper!

5

I had that problem too! It turned out to be a faulty thermostat. Check yours to see if it’s functioning properly.

6

Thanks for the advice! I’m also curious about cleaning methods. What do you all recommend for deep cleaning the furnace?

7

I usually use a vacuum to remove dust and debris, and a damp cloth for the exterior parts. Just be gentle with the inner components!

8

Speaking of maintenance, do you all do a complete inspection before the camping season? It helps to prevent surprises later!

9

Absolutely! I make an annual checklist. It’s so much better to find issues at home than out in the wild.

10

Don’t forget to check your gas lines too! I had a leak once – talk about a scary experience! Always better to be safe than sorry!

11

Wow, that’s terrifying! I definitely need to be diligent about that. Safety first!

12

I faced issues with my pop-up camper’s furnace too! When I researched, I discovered that propane furnaces are the most common due to their efficiency and ease of use. They offer fantastic heat output without draining your battery. Just something to consider!

13

Great advice! Propane does seem to be the go-to option for most campers. What about the size of the furnace? Does anyone have recommendations on what size works best for small campers?

14

I think it really depends on the size of your camper. If it’s a smaller model, a compact furnace might be enough. I’ve seen some good models around 10,000 BTU which are perfect for pop-ups! Efficient and comfortably warm.

15

I agree with that! I’ve also found that diesel furnaces are great for efficiency, but can be costly upfront. Has anyone here switched from propane to diesel?

16

Never tried diesel, but I’ve heard they can be quieter. However, the price of diesel fuel fluctuates more than propane. Can lead to unexpected costs!

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17

Exactly! Plus, diesel systems can take up more space. If you’re looking for simplicity and cost-effectiveness, propane is still king for pop-ups. You get great heat without heavy maintenance.

7 Likes
18

I’ve seen some people rave about electric heaters too! They might not be as powerful, but great for mild conditions and don’t require a fuel tank. Anyone tried those?

19

I was skeptical at first about electric heaters, but they can be great for short trips where you have a power source. Just remember to check the output wattage!

20

Totally agree with you, bauerkurt! However, what are your thoughts on efficiency ratings? Some heaters claim to be 99% efficient but are they really worth it?