Propex Furnace

[campIV]

I have a 97 RB50 with the original Suburban propane furnace. It’s been serviced numerous times but it still has problems lighting when the weather gets below around 40 degrees. I don’t think it’s a propane system issue as my stove works fine in the cold. I’m tired of fighting with it and am looking for a replacement. The Propex HS2000 is a leading candidate right now. I’ve looked through the forum trying to find someone who has done this swap without any luck. Is there anyone who can provide some insight?
Thank you in advance.

[dhally]

We have the HS2000, and had a Suburban in a previous van. Both RB50 layouts. What kind of insight are you looking for? It would not be a bolt-in swap for sure, since the ducting and gas piping are laid out different.

[doublevan2]

Greetings campIV,

Just saw this on Expedition Portal - $750 as I recall -- plus ship -

https://expeditionportal.com/forum/t...in-box.220464/

Russ G

[dhally]

I just realized that most of the pictures from our van build are missing. Here are some from our Propex installation. It is tucked behing the wheel well on the passenger side. This opens up the floor in the back for more storage area.

Also the Propex is not maintenance free. I had to replace the airflow sensor, which required removing and then resealing the outer enclosure.

[campIV]

Originally Posted by dhally

We have the HS2000, and had a Suburban in a previous van. Both RB50 layouts. What kind of insight are you looking for? It would not be a bolt-in swap for sure, since the ducting and gas piping are laid out different.

Thank you for your installation pics!
Your reply does answer some of my questions. I know it’s not going to be a direct replacement but I’d like to install it where my Suburban is now. I’m going to have to dig in and take some measurements etc.
Other than having to replace the airflow sensor are you happy with the overall performance? Does it light reliably in sub freezing weather?
Thanks again.

[campIV]

Originally Posted by doublevan2

Greetings campIV,

Just saw this on Expedition Portal - $750 as I recall -- plus ship -

https://expeditionportal.com/forum/t...in-box.220464/

Russ G

Thank you for the heads up, doublevan. I’m not quite ready to buy yet until I get the installation dialed in.

[dhally]

Originally Posted by campIV

Thank you for your installation pics!
Your reply does answer some of my questions. I know it’s not going to be a direct replacement but I’d like to install it where my Suburban is now. I’m going to have to dig in and take some measurements etc.
Other than having to replace the airflow sensor are you happy with the overall performance? Does it light reliably in sub freezing weather?
Thanks again.

It has always lit fine, but we haven't used it much below maybe 28 degrees.

[86Scotty]

Originally Posted by campIV

Thank you for your installation pics!
Your reply does answer some of my questions. I know it’s not going to be a direct replacement but I’d like to install it where my Suburban is now. I’m going to have to dig in and take some measurements etc.
Other than having to replace the airflow sensor are you happy with the overall performance? Does it light reliably in sub freezing weather?
Thanks again.

What is directly underneath your current Suburban furnace? As you can see from DHally's pics you'll have to plumb the Propex through the floor. If you can go right through the floor under where the Suburban is I think you can do this with very minor cabinet modification. I can't remember the dimensions of the two units but I've owned/installed both and if memory serves me right the Propex is about the same footprint but half the height. I don't remember the ducting requirements of the Propex though.