How to use the Furnace?

[Rickklem]

I borrowed my dad's 2017 Thor Ace 29.4. He never uses it during the winter time so he really didn't tell me alot about the heater . Can someone either direct me to instructions on the steps to turn on the heater or just tell me the steps.

I know there is a propane tank and I know where it is but that is it. Do I need to do anything there like open a valve or turn the gas on? Is there an igniter or pilot that I have to start? I'm sure the generator needs to be on or power connection is made. I found one thermostat in the rear bedroom but it doesn't have a heater option, then I found another near the bathroom door and it does have heat . So do I select heat and set the desired temp. I heard it come on for a few minutes but I didn't feel anything going from the roof vents. Then it shut off.

What are the steps?

Thanks
Rick

 

[16ACE27]

The "heater" is called a furnace.

Yes, the gas valve at the propane tank must be fully open. If the stove lights, you should be good to go.

Just like a home thermostat; set it to HEAT and raise the desired temperature above the existing temperature.

The furnace runs off 12 VDC either from the SP/Generator or the house batteries. If your interior lights are on you should be good to go.

The furnace has it's own vents spread throughout the RV near the floor. The ceiling vents are for the Air Conditioners.

 

[ghnl]

If you heard the fan come on you likely have the controls set properly. As stated above the heat does not come out the roof outlets but there should be round outlets down low on the walls. Did heat come out of those?

The furnace does not stay on constantly but it'll cycle on & off as the thermostat calls for heat. It usually runs for 5 or 10 minutes per cycle. Depending on how cold it is outside and how high you set the thermostat it might cycle on every 20 - 60 minutes. But if it shut off shortly after you heard the fan come on then it might be that the burner did not ignite. If it hasn't been used for years the furnace might need service.

 

[Rickklem]

Thanks for the advise

First thanks for the input. At least now I know what to look for. I tried to ignite the stove and I got nothing. It looks like it is out of LP. Once I get that resolved I will check to see if that is the only issue.

I hope so.

 

[ghnl]

There should be a gauge on the propane tank to give you an approximation of how much might be in the tank. Next to to the gauge is a valve to open/close the propane supply from the tank to the appliances. If the gauge does not indicate empty make sure the valve is open (turn the round handle CCW).

In this picture the gauge is on the left, the handle for the valve next and the arrow points to the pressure regulator under the cover. The yellow plastic cover is where the tank is refilled.

 

[The Rookie]

Also, if it hasn’t had propane running for a while, it may take a few moments to get the propane to the furnace and stove. I use the stove to pull the propane in. Once the stove lights, the furnace fires up right away.