Forum Discussion

cpc143's avatar
cpc143
Explorer
Apr 21, 2014

Starcraft 14 R/T furnace system questions

Hi again all.
I've tested the furnace and it seems to function correctly. After I closed up and covered the camper, I got to thinking...sheesh, I really don't understand how the furnace works yet and we're leaving soon for Yellowstone where there is no electrical hook-up and it will likely be quite cold at night.

Can I assume that it is a Propane heater with a electrically run fan? If so, then it must have an automatic (piezo?) pilot lighting system because to test it, all I did was turn the thermostat up....

So, if all that is true, what I wonder is how much propane will typically be used overnight, and how much draw on the 12V battery is used?

I realize that there are variables involved: outside temps, our comfort level, etc.

I have a 3000/3500w generator that I can run the next day to recharge the battery, but I wonder if I will have to get the propane tanks filled often.

Thanks. As always, your input is much appreciated.

Chris
  • cpc143's avatar
    cpc143
    Explorer
    Apr 22, 2014
    Thanks guys. Pretty much what I thought. I believe my furnace size is 16000btu. My new 3500/3000w generator should recharge the battery each day. I'll just have to watch the gas supply. Charging with the car (SUV) would be less efficient I assume. I have two 30# propane tanks, so I guess that I'd have enough for 4 nights. As for other power usage, I doubt there would be much. Just an occasional overhead light and a small fan at sleep time. We don't expect to use the water heater....and the stove infrequently. We'll pass on the stereo as well....even though I doubt that it draws much. The battery is brand new too, so it looks like we're good to go.

    Thanks for your responses. It was very helpful.

    Chris
  • donn0128's avatar
    donn0128
    Explorer II
    Apr 21, 2014
    A typical 35K BTU propane furnace will burn approx 1/2 gallon of gas per hour. I just filled one of my propane tanks and it took only 5 gallons after three weeks. Battery is going to be your biggest problem. A typical 12VDC deep cycle battery might last one night IF your really careful with power management. Your going to then need a way to fully recharge the battery.
  • Old-Biscuit's avatar
    Old-Biscuit
    Explorer III
    Apr 21, 2014
    The RV furnace runs on 12V DC power (fan motor, control board and spark electrode---which lights the main flame) and burns propane.

    One battery.........over night will be OK but you will need to recharge during day time. And that can take several hours depending on your generator and your converter.

    Propane usage.......
    We have been in -17*F temps and used a 30# propane cylinder every other day!

    But we have also gone several weeks on one cylinder.

    Just depends on 'how cold' it is and 'how warm' you want inside :B

    Propane...
    One gallon has 91,500 BTUs. 20# cylinder has 5 gallons.......457,500 BTUs
    Your furnace?
    Could be a 12,000 BTU to 20,000 BTU unit.
    Say it is 16,000 BTU--that is per continuous hour usage.

    So roughly 25 hours of continuous use total.
    Overnight furnace might cycle 3X an hour for 15 mins./each cycle
    Roughly 5 continuous hours/night
    Roughly 1 gallon a night..........5 nights of furnace per 20# (5 gallon) cylinder

About Technical Issues

Having RV issues? Connect with others who have been in your shoes.24,193 PostsLatest Activity: Jan 26, 2025