Atwood 8531-IV or the new replacement 32684 / AFMD30

[groundhogy]

Hi All,

I have to replace my old furnace.

Any comments on going with either unit?

[dougrainer]

The main difference between the 2 other than size is the AFMD is CURRENT furnace technology and is built under Dometic's ownership. Doug

[dougrainer]

groundhogy wrote:
I am going from a suburban to atwood.
I had an NT-30k which isnt as tall as most suburban units.
The other suburban models will not fit as they are too tall.

My furnace space is under the oven/range on the port side.

I have an airstream and I just realized, I am going to need some type of aluminum door cover. What do people do in this situation? I am seeing black and white painted doors.

You will have to buy the Aluminum door from Airstream. You have 2 choices-----Standard A/S Silver or a Chrome upgrade(lot more money). Doug

[groundhogy]

I am going from a suburban to atwood.
I had an NT-30k which isnt as tall as most suburban units.
The other suburban models will not fit as they are too tall.

My furnace space is under the oven/range on the port side.

I have an airstream and I just realized, I am going to need some type of aluminum door cover. What do people do in this situation? I am seeing black and white painted doors.

[Gdetrailer]

The two "brands" are not typically interchangeable due to vastly different cabinet sizes.

Suburban tends to be much taller than a Atwood and has only the combustion vents going to the outside, to access the furnace and service it you work from the inside of the RV..

Atwoods tend to be low profile and use a large "door" on the outside of the RV to access and service the furnace.

Measure carefully if you are going from Atwood to Suburban, furnaces often are placed under the Fridge and there may not be enough height for a Suburban which would require you to remove the fridge, build a new higher shelf for the fridge..

So, if you have an Atwood, it IS best to stay with the Atwood..

Have a Suburban, it is best to stay with a Suburban.

Not saying interchanging can't be done, just a lot of rework..

[groundhogy]

Thanks BFL, the new one is 20 vs 18 inches long for the 8513.

[BFL13]

Didn't look it all up again so might have this wrong. The new replacement for our 8531 -11, it says is a little longer, so you need to be sure there is room where the ducts go. Got ours going for now, so didn't find out more.

[groundhogy]

Oh, these two are the only units that will fit my space.
Compared Suburban and Atwood. Couldn't really find any other brands.