Propane Furnace Maintenaince

bfolens · 03-07-2019, 03:42 PM

Hi all,

Since I purchased a used GTRV recently, I would like to have a professional to check the propane furnace that we have. I am a bit scared to use it without having someone to look at it. I am based in CA. But I was wondering what type of shop is the most capable to help me on this?

thanks a lot

Bastien

BrianW · 03-07-2019, 04:39 PM

I would think any RV place could do it.

arctictraveller · 03-08-2019, 01:27 PM

My GTRV has a Suburban furnace and yours probably does too. Pretty much the only maintenance is a good cleaning, as detailed in the service manual. http://www.bdub.net/manuals/Suburban_Service_Manual.pdf

after checking for obstructions in the intake and exhaust pipes (use a strong light to look inside) and perhaps using a shop vac on the pipes, I wouldn't hesitate to fire it up. The manual recommends a yearly inspection of the interior, but if yours is like mine, just getting to the unit is a chore as it's almost completely surrounded by cabinetry. Some day I'll pull it out for a good look inside, but so far it works just fine.

86Scotty · 03-08-2019, 01:30 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by BrianW

I would think any RV place could do it.

Yep, no rocket science there. It's the same type RV furnace that has been in virtually every one since the 60's.

bfolens · 03-08-2019, 02:15 PM

Thanks all of you for your response. I am just a bit scared about the risk associated with the propane. Because the burner and all the tubes are in the van, I am wondering if all is correcly sealed. I know the furnace work but wondering if it is still safe. does that make sense?

**BroncoHauler** · 03-08-2019, 02:30 PM

Do you have a working, non-expired CO detector in your van?

Herb

Pntyrmvr · 03-08-2019, 02:31 PM

You'll smell any leak before it gets to a high enough air fuel ratio to ignite.

Use an up to date carbon monoxide detector that combines with propane detection and use the heater.

nemesisnight · 03-08-2019, 03:31 PM

Yup, if you are worried then just open the doors and let it run for awhile and burn off any gunk from sitting, not really much to it to be super worried about. These things cost less than $400 brand new so paying up to a couple hundred just for them to look at it is money wasted in my opinion if you know it works.

arctictraveller · 03-08-2019, 07:22 PM

Propane leaks are rare, and if you ever did have one, you will smell it quickly. I wouldn't be afraid to use it, especially if it's working fine. Clean it up as best you can and enjoy it.

86Scotty · 03-08-2019, 09:36 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by BroncoHauler

Do you have a working, non-expired CO detector in your van?

Herb

Most definitely check your CO detector. Your van should have one in it somewhere. They are not lifetime items and do need replacement every few years. Snap a pic of yours and we can likely tell you more about it.