Propane heater does NOT stay on

[drpauldc]

We have a 2023 Thor Axis 24.1. The propane heater works fine for 2 to 3 hours. Then is shuts off and does not come back on until the next day. The propane tank starts full and the heat shuts off when it is between 2/3 and 3/4 full. The thermostat is controlled from the minicomputer panel that controls everything in the RV. Please let me know any ideas that will help this heater to work throughout the night.

NOTE: The stove works fine even when the heater does not. The refrigerator also works off the propane and has not had any issues.

 

[Jimbo57]

Propane heater does not stay on

If it’s new and has a warranty then see the dealer, or check YouTube for suggestions could be dust on sail switch

 

[drpauldc]

Thanks for the idea about YouTube. The dealer has proven to be worthless. Dealer takes the RV for long periods of time, says its fixed, but the issue continues.

 

[dkoldman]

I hope you take the questions the right way as some seem to take offense when they may view themselves as being questioned when they are in fact asking questions.

Issues like these the whole story is best to pinpoint.

On the surface you have an issue with your heater. I know what you said about Dealer and this is what I would do or ask?

1. Send written letter to TMC about the problem and issues with Dealer. Have it certified if you like

2. Call the Propane Mfg. It may be on longer warranty with them than Dealer.

3. Probably an issue with regulator but why guess?

 

[drpauldc]

Thank you. Your answer is appreciated and I will do the follow ups you suggest.

 

[NMRVer-THOR]

sounds like you may be experiencing LP lockout. check to see if your tank is very cold.

 

[16ACE27]

We have a 2023 Thor Axis 24.1. The propane heater works fine for 2 to 3 hours. Then is shuts off and does not come back on until the next day. The propane tank starts full and the heat shuts off when it is between 2/3 and 3/4 full. The thermostat is controlled from the minicomputer panel that controls everything in the RV. Please let me know any ideas that will help this heater to work throughout the night.

NOTE: The stove works fine even when the heater does not. The refrigerator also works off the propane and has not had any issues.

sounds like you may be experiencing LP lockout. check to see if your tank is very cold.

Not if the stove works.

 

[HMCSW]

Thanks for the idea about YouTube. The dealer has proven to be worthless. Dealer takes the RV for long periods of time, says it's fixed, but the issue continues.

Our Dometic propane furnace has not worked correcting off and on since 2021. In the last year it has been to the dealer 3 times. Might work for a day but then no, ties to ignite but fails to stay on. Dealer replaced: gas valve, ignitor, burner and board. Worked for one day then no. Would never buy another rv with propane heat.

 

[Jimbo57]

Our Dometic propane furnace has not worked correcting off and on since 2021. In the last year it has been to the dealer 3 times. Might work for a day but then no, ties to ignite but fails to stay on. Dealer replaced: gas valve, ignitor, burner and board. Worked for one day then no. Would never buy another rv with propane heat.

It’s been years since my furnace did that , would not start it tried but never came on you tube check sail switch and yes a piece of dust was stopping air from tripping switch blew it off reinstalled same switch never had a problem again. Total 30 minutes done while camping

 

[HMCSW]

It’s been years since my furnace did that , would not start it tried but never came on you tube check sail switch and yes a piece of dust was stopping air from tripping switch blew it off reinstalled same switch never had a problem again. Total 30 minutes done while camping

Ours has never been the sail switch. Was the first thing we looked at. Also, if the ignitor is trying and the there is gas it can not be that as the reason for the sail stick is to prevent the ignitor from even getting voltage.

 

[Chateau_Nomad]

If it lights initially, it's not the sail switch.
If other appliances (stove) works, not the regulator.

My first guess would be a bad solder trace on the board... it gets hot then opens a circuit.

Just because a dealer SAID they replaced certain components doesn't mean they did... especially if it's a lot of parts. How many people ACTUALLY check to keep them honest?

Just get a Dinosaur brand board and replace it YOURSELF... if that seems to be the likely culprit. But I'd wait for more brilliant minds to chime in first. Someone might have a cheap easy SIMPLE fix!

 

[16ACE27]

If it lights initially, it's not the sail switch.
If other appliances (stove) works, not the regulator.

My first guess would be a bad solder trace on the board... it gets hot then opens a circuit.

Just because a dealer SAID they replaced certain components doesn't mean they did... especially if it's a lot of parts. How many people ACTUALLY check to keep them honest?

Just get a Dinosaur brand board and replace it YOURSELF... if that seems to be the likely culprit. But I'd wait for more brilliant minds to chime in first. Someone might have a cheap easy SIMPLE fix!

When you're freezing your but off, a Dinosaur board looks pretty cheap. I replaced failed OEM Atwood boards in both my WH and furnace probably 7 years ago. I haven't had a problem with either one since.

 

[dkoldman]

If it lights initially, it's not the sail switch.
If other appliances (stove) works, not the regulator.

My first guess would be a bad solder trace on the board... it gets hot then opens a circuit.

Just because a dealer SAID they replaced certain components doesn't mean they did... especially if it's a lot of parts. How many people ACTUALLY check to keep them honest?

Just get a Dinosaur brand board and replace it YOURSELF... if that seems to be the likely culprit. But I'd wait for more brilliant minds to chime in first. Someone might have a cheap easy SIMPLE fix!

I am gonna go wash my RV roof, you got this

 

[jklbus01]

We have a 2023 Thor Axis 24.1. The propane heater works fine for 2 to 3 hours. Then is shuts off and does not come back on until the next day. The propane tank starts full and the heat shuts off when it is between 2/3 and 3/4 full. The thermostat is controlled from the minicomputer panel that controls everything in the RV. Please let me know any ideas that will help this heater to work throughout the night.

NOTE: The stove works fine even when the heater does not. The refrigerator also works off the propane and has not had any issues.

For me to answer your question, I need to know more about your rig. Specifically, is it a towable or motorized? The reason I need to know is because of the difference in propane storage and delivery systems. If you have a towable, you may be experiencing a problem with either your T-connection or your regulator. It does not sound like a board problem at first. If you drive a motorized rig, you may have air in your tank. You may be able to remedy this using the air release port, if you have one on your tank. This would cause the J switch inside to register low propane.

I'm studying to become an RV Inspector and Technician, but I'm still a new student. I just completed my training in Propane systems, so take my answer for what you will. I'm not really qualified yet.

 

[16ACE27]

For me to answer your question, I need to know more about your rig. Specifically, is it a towable or motorized? The reason I need to know is because of the difference in propane storage and delivery systems. If you have a towable, you may be experiencing a problem with either your T-connection or your regulator. It does not sound like a board problem at first. If you drive a motorized rig, you may have air in your tank. You may be able to remedy this using the air release port, if you have one on your tank. This would cause the J switch inside to register low propane.

I'm studying to become an RV Inspector and Technician, but I'm still a new student. I just completed my training in Propane systems, so take my answer for what you will. I'm not really qualified yet.

See post #1 and post #7.

The problem is furnace related, not propane related.

Post #1 also tells you the RV model.

 

[Chateau_Nomad]

When you're freezing your but off, a Dinosaur board looks pretty cheap. I replaced failed OEM Atwood boards in both my WH and furnace probably 7 years ago. I haven't had a problem with either one since.

Agreed. It's why I carry a spare $70 water pump. Cheap insurance.

The Atwood/Dometic control boards are definitely not as robust as the aftermarket Dinosaur boards. They're just better made... and the price reflects that.

 

[dkoldman]

Agreed. It's why I carry a spare $70 water pump. Cheap insurance.

The Atwood/Dometic control boards are definitely not as robust as the aftermarket Dinosaur boards. They're just better made... and the price reflects that.

I was gonna say I will PM you my address so you can ship me one

But then I thought, I have two identical Shurflos in my RV. The 2nd one is outdoor kitchen sink, so it effectively can be the backup for the main water tank. If the outdoor kitchen pump goes out, I will have plenty time to shop around to replace. I do have spare Kwikee controller and motor for the steps.

 

[ducksface]

I have a scenario.
How much, time wise, of propane do we think that line to the heater might hold?

Could this be a line pressure problem but the heater runs for a while on what's in the line then quits then builds up line pressure again?
I've limped a few times with a bad fuel pump taking it's sweet time to fill a bowl then the float uts off the flow then you can drive a bowl full.
If there's a big kink or blockage in the line propane would act the same way.
But
I doubt there's three hours of propane in the line.

Or
Since the stove and other things do not run for hours as the heater does;
Could the regulator be freezing up due to prolonged use?
I've had one freeze up for this exact reason. Then thaw and work...Then freeze. The co2 tank I use does it like clockwork.

Or
If the line is picking up liquid propane somehow, all sorts of strange things happen.

Chances are slim, but chances are chances.

Buy the control board.

 

[Z16monte]

For me to answer your question, I need to know more about your rig. Specifically, is it a towable or motorized? The reason I need to know is because of the difference in propane storage and delivery systems. If you have a towable, you may be experiencing a problem with either your T-connection or your regulator. It does not sound like a board problem at first. If you drive a motorized rig, you may have air in your tank. You may be able to remedy this using the air release port, if you have one on your tank. This would cause the J switch inside to register low propane.

I'm studying to become an RV Inspector and Technician, but I'm still a new student. I just completed my training in Propane systems, so take my answer for what you will. I'm not really qualified yet.

What would the air release port look like? 2019 outlaw 37rb. Is the little valve next to the fill port that say stop filling when you see liquid?

 

[Rhamilton001]

Ducksface comment about the regulator freezing up is in my opinion right on. Next time it happens try pouring some warm water over the regulator and see what happens