Forum Discussion

4X4Dodger's avatar
4X4Dodger
Explorer II
Apr 26, 2016

Furnace Problem - Shuts off while on Battery

I have a problem that has just started recently with my furnace. Let me try to do this logically....

Day One Boondocking on 12v Battery power. furnace comes on and operates normally-no problems

Day Two Boondocking - Same as above

Day Three Boondocking Furnace comes on fan runs about 30 seconds and stops - furnace has turned itself off.

Propane is good both stove and reefer working properly

Battery is showing at 75 per cent on meter in trailer (note I dont take this figure literally but it is an indication)

All lights working ok and pump ok - indication is Batt is still charged enough to work.

Last day AM putting in slides Battery has enough power to put both slides in.

When I plug into AC or run my generator with the trailer plugged in the furnace works as it should.

This all kind of points to the battery but is confusing as the battery still has enough charge to bring in the slides but not run the furnace fan?

Is there a voltage switch on the furnace that if it doesnt see enough volts will turn it off?

Also this shutoff occurs right about the time the propane should ignite but it doesnt get a chance. But it ignites on que when plugged into shore power or Gen.

Anybody with any info or guesses out there? Has any one had this scenario before?

14 Replies

  • I agree with PaulJ2. Sail switch is not opening up enough. Battery voltage low. Try it on shore power see if it works. Good luck.
  • thanks for the responses

    Grounds are one of the first things I always look at but in this case the furnace works perfectly on AC/Gen??? So that to me would negate the ground idea. My grounds at the battery are very good but I will check the one at the furnace if I can access it.

    I am not familiar with a "sail" switch. Can you enlighten me on that? But the fan when it comes on seems to be turning at normal rpm's.

    My understanding of how the furnace works is that the fan initially comes on before the propane is allowed to light to clear any accumulated fumes from the unit.

    Then an electrically operated switch allows flow of propane another electrically operated switch operates the igniter.

    But again I don't suspect any of the switches (but I dont know for sure how they are triggered) because they work with the AC. (shore power)
  • I would say the furnace fan is running just a bit slower with the result of a little less air flow to operate a sticking or stiff sail switch.

About Technical Issues

Having RV issues? Connect with others who have been in your shoes.24,329 PostsLatest Activity: Oct 28, 2025