When the temperature drops and your RV furnace stops working, the situation can go from uncomfortable to dangerous—fast. Whether you’re traveling through a chilly Florida morning or camping at a high elevation, a reliable furnace is critical to RV comfort and safety.
At Boondocks Mobile RV, we often get urgent calls about RV furnaces not igniting, blowing cold air, or short-cycling. The good news? Many of these issues can be quickly diagnosed and fixed—even on-site.
In this blog, we’ll walk through:
-
How RV furnaces work
-
Common furnace problems and what causes them
-
Simple troubleshooting tips
-
Safety do’s and don’ts
🔥 How RV Furnaces Work (in Plain English)
Most RVs use a propane-powered forced air furnace like the Suburban or Atwood models. Here’s how they function:
-
Thermostat calls for heat
-
Blower motor starts to push air
-
Ignition sequence triggers the propane burner
-
Heated air flows through ductwork or floor vents
For the system to run correctly, all parts—thermostat, blower, ignition board, propane flow, and vents—must work in harmony.
❌ Common RV Furnace Problems and Symptoms
🧊 Furnace Blowing Cold Air
This usually means:
-
Ignitor is not firing
-
Burner is not getting propane
-
Flame is being sensed incorrectly
-
Ducts are disconnected or blocked
🚫 Furnace Doesn’t Turn On
Could be:
-
Dead thermostat batteries (in non-wired models)
-
Faulty sail switch or limit switch
-
No 12V power to the furnace
-
Faulty control board
🔄 Furnace Starts Then Shuts Off
This is called short cycling. It can be caused by:
-
Blocked intake or exhaust vents
-
Dirty or failing flame sensor
-
Weak blower motor
-
High-limit switch tripping from overheating
Each of these problems has a different solution—and catching the cause early prevents bigger breakdowns.
🛠️ Furnace Troubleshooting: What You Can Do
✅ 1. Check Thermostat Function
-
Make sure it’s set to “Heat” not just “Fan”
-
If it uses batteries, replace them
-
Check the wiring behind the panel for loose connections
✅ 2. Listen for the Blower
-
If the fan doesn’t kick on, the furnace won’t ignite
-
If the fan runs but the furnace doesn’t ignite, move to step 3
✅ 3. Confirm Propane Flow
-
Are your propane tanks full and turned on?
-
Try lighting a stove burner to verify gas pressure
-
Reset any propane detector that may have cut off the flow
✅ 4. Check the Furnace Vents (Outside & Inside)
-
Debris in the intake or exhaust vents can cause ignition failure
-
Wasp nests, leaves, or mud can clog the exhaust pipe
-
Inside, check for crushed ducting or blocked floor vents
🧼 Preventative Furnace Maintenance Tips
Like any combustion system, your furnace needs regular upkeep.
🔧 Do This Before Every Season:
-
Clean dust and lint from around the furnace intake
-
Vacuum the return air and supply vents
-
Inspect outside exhaust for obstructions
-
Run the furnace on high for 10 minutes to burn off dust
-
Listen for unusual noises during operation
-
Smell for propane leaks or burning smells (turn off immediately if found)
Keeping your furnace clean and your propane system inspected helps avoid emergency breakdowns during cold spells.
⚠️ Furnace Safety Tips for RV Owners
-
Never use an open flame (like a stove) to heat your RV
-
Always ensure carbon monoxide and LP gas detectors are working
-
Replace detectors every 5–7 years
-
If your furnace smells like propane or soot, shut it off and have it inspected immediately
-
Never block the return air vent with furniture, bedding, or rugs
Your furnace burns propane inside a sealed chamber—but any breach in that chamber could allow dangerous gases into your living space.
🔧 We Repair RV Furnaces Wherever You’re Parked
If you’ve checked the basics and your RV furnace still isn’t working, it’s time for expert help. Our mobile RV techs diagnose and repair most furnace issues in a single visit.
📞 Call (813) 460-8565 to schedule on-site RV furnace repair anywhere across Central Florida.