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Bank_of_Dad's avatar
Bank_of_Dad
Explorer
Feb 18, 2015

Please remind me how to start the furnace (seriously).

I'm not kidding. We live in Florida so never use the furnace, but we are going to north Florida tomorrow for several days, where it will get in the 20's overnight.

I have a 23ft 2013 Puma travel trailer. Usually I just use a space heater, but my husband says we should use the furnace as it will help heat the undercarriage of the unit where the pipes are. Needless to say, it is not winterized.

Please run me thru the steps for using the furnace. I don't remember seeing a propane detector switch anywhere. The battery is fully charged on a trickle charger when we don't use the camper. Should I light the stove first to get the air out of the lines? We will be hooked up to water and electric. I told DH to disconnect the hose at night and bring it in, or drain it. Can't think of anything else.

Thanks for the help.

18 Replies

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  • GaryWT's avatar
    GaryWT
    Explorer
    Feb 18, 2015
    Also be sure your AC fan is on auto or you could be getting cold air from the ceiling while you get warm air from the floor.
  • ken56's avatar
    ken56
    Explorer
    Feb 18, 2015
    Yes you should purge the lines by starting your stove first, it helps get the air out of the lines or the furnace will go into a lock out condition for 5 to 10 minutes after 3 ignition cycles. All you need do is set your thermostat to "heat" and wait for it to light. you will hear a clicking sound by the furnace, that's the igniter trying to light the propane and you will hear it light off when it does ignite. My fan comes on first when I turn on my furnace, yours may too, so don't confuse the blower fan noise for the gas having been ignited. You will hear a definite whoosh sound when it lights. Make sure it is working before you go. After so long of no use it may need service.
  • Bank_of_Dad's avatar
    Bank_of_Dad
    Explorer
    Feb 18, 2015
    Thanks so much. I checked the batteries 3 weeks ago, down a little and I filled them up.

    Lets hope everything is clean and working. It is on a storage lot, so no dry runs possible. I miss keeping it at home.

    Thanks.
  • azrving's avatar
    azrving
    Explorer
    Feb 18, 2015
    You mentioned the battery on trickle charge. Check the battery water level too before you leave. Just thought I'd mention it. Enjoy your trip.
  • Johno02's avatar
    Johno02
    Explorer
    Feb 18, 2015
    Be aware that if it has not been used for a while, you will probably get a lot of burned dust odor to start with. It should clear quickly, but if not, be sure and check it out. Could have bugs or wasps nests also.
  • jmckelvy's avatar
    jmckelvy
    Explorer
    Feb 18, 2015
    It's really really hard.:)

    If yours is like mine and it probably is do the following.
    1. Make sure propane is turned on.
    2. Purge the lines as you suggested.
    3. Turn the switch on the thermostat "ON"
    4. Set desired temp
    5. Enjoy being warm.
  • wildtoad's avatar
    wildtoad
    Explorer II
    Feb 18, 2015
    Light the stove first if you have not used any propane in a while. This will help assure the lines actually have gas in them. Then if yours is like most, turn the thermostat to heat, and then slide temp control to a high number. You should soon hear the fan come on followed by a clicking at the furnace as it tries to light the gas. You should be able to hear it light. Sine you have not run it in a while, you may smell some dust burning off but should go away shortly.
  • GordonThree's avatar
    GordonThree
    Explorer
    Feb 18, 2015
    I don't have to do anything to light my furnace (also have a 2013 trailer) like mine, yours should have electronic ignition. Make sure your gas bottle is turned on, and then crank up your thermostat. It will clear any air from the line by itself (or at least, mine does.)

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