RV Furnace Stopped Working?

by Jess W.
(Alaska)

OK, so we just bought our first used RV. Everything was supposed to work - but alas it has been one thing after the next.

We tried the furnace for the first time last night - I followed all the instructions (Set power switch to ON/turn red gas valve to ON position/turn thermostat up until blower comes on. etc) So...after doing that, waiting, doing it a few more times, following the 'shut down procedure' becuz it STILL wasn't working - eventually at some point it finally came on! great. but! we ended up running out of propane.

Ran to the station, filled er up - came back, hooked up the rv - tried to get the furnace going again --- no luck. it used to make a clicking noise when we were trying to get it going, it would click then stop, then click again...but now it is not making any noise at all.

When I'd move the thermostat it would 'activate' the furnace? you'd hear a noise..but it doesn't even do that anymore......OH! and there was smoke coming from behind the furnace??? it would seep out to the front...so its not igniting, not blowing, not doing anything now.

Any idea whats wrong? (there really is no one in the area that works on rv's either)

p.s. it is a furnace from The Coleman Company
Model #: 4323 749
Serial #: 058077084

ANSWER: Hi Jess thanks for submitting your question on our Ask An RV Question Page.

Based on your description the problem with your furnace can have any number of causes; no power getting to the furnace, bad thermostat, bad Furnace Ignitor Board, Propane not getting to the furnace, etc.

I am going to assume that you have checked for any blown fuses and loose wiring. The fact that there is smoke coming from behind the furnace is also not a sign of good things happening. I am afraid that you may end up having to take your RV in for repairs.

Before you take your RV in you may want to watch the video below as it outlines some basic furnace troubleshooting tips that you can try to see if you can resolve the problem yourself.

Leave your RV repair bills to us—Good Sam Extended Service Plan

I hope this helps

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Happy RVing

RVing Al

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