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Old 07-14-2019, 05:46 AM   #1
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Furnace

Have a 1999 smb rb50 on dodge 3500 that i just aquired. Trying to find the furnace anyone know where it might be on this configuration?

Thanks!

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Old 07-14-2019, 06:46 AM   #2
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Is it an Espar? You might check the underside of the rig along the sides - on my Promaster it's tucked right on the outside of the frame under the side door, right up against the body panels.
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Old 07-14-2019, 07:14 AM   #3
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Very doubtful it's an Espar on a 1999 Dodge SMB. It's likely a Suburban.

OP, look on the outside of the van for a small plate with a couple of holes in it, usually printed Suburban (brand) or possibly Atwood. This is the exhaust for the furnace. It will be on the inside in this same location, about a 1x1' grill in a cabinet somewhere in the van.

The fact that this isn't obvious to you leads me to believe you probably don't have one. Not all do.

Another way you could find it is to find the thermostat in the van and turn it on. Whether your heater is functional or not the fan will probably still come on leading you to the furnace.

Is there a thermostat? If no thermostat then no furnace.

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Old 07-14-2019, 08:12 AM   #4
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Yeah starting to think there isnt a furnace thermostat only has 2 wires so i think that is going only to the starcool. No vent that i can find other than the sink stack.

Think I'll have to add or maybe get some kind of electric. Any suggestions?
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Old 07-14-2019, 08:14 AM   #5
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And thanks to you both!
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Old 07-14-2019, 09:01 AM   #6
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Kmadden1 View Post
Yeah starting to think there isnt a furnace thermostat only has 2 wires so i think that is going only to the starcool. No vent that i can find other than the sink stack.

Think I'll have to add or maybe get some kind of electric. Any suggestions?
Your heating choice depends highly on the kind of camping you plan to do. If you'll be staying at RV parks and/or places with hook ups then just go for a cheap electric plug in heater, available and any store for less than $50.

If you plan to camp without power or off grid then you may want to invest in a fuel fired heater or furnace. Do you have propane? (is there a stove?) If so you could add a propane furnace but it's a decent sized job requiring loss of cabinet space and cutting holes in the side of the van. Cost of furnace is a few hundred plus that again at least to have installed if you don't do it yourself.

You could also go with a compact diesel unit but you need a dedicated fuel tank for that. There are cheap options on these nowadays and they are VERY effective and pretty reliable, though not as foolproof as propane RV furnaces. Most folks with a gas powered van are not interested in a separate diesel fuel cell.
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Old 07-14-2019, 09:13 AM   #7
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Garage
Yeah, sounds like no furnace.

You can also go with a gas Espar. Not close to cheap though.
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Old 07-14-2019, 03:41 PM   #8
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Ok thanks!
I do have a propane tank and i will probably not off road much not 4wd and electricity is cheaper than propane especially parked on a campground but sometimes might want to hit a casino lot!

I'll check out the espar also.

Thanks guys!
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