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Topic: winter camping, inside temp, furnace operation (Read 3 times) previous topic - next topic
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winter camping, inside temp, furnace operation
Yahoo Message Number: 18976
We were winter camping a while back in our 89 26.5 RB, where outside temperature got to 15 degrees.  We had the thermometer set to 75 degrees, but the best the furnace would do was keep the coach at 55 degrees.  This was with no additional insulation around windows or vents.  Does this seem about right?

The main reason for this post is the furnace would run for 5 to 10 minutes, stop for 20-30 seconds, then come back on for 5-10 minutes, stop for 20-30 seconds, etc., pumping out warm, but not hot air.  It went on like this all night.  This didn't seem right to me so took it to an RV place, and they said everything checked out fine and having the furnace run like that was normal.  Do you all agree? Thanks.
winter camping, inside temp, furnace operation
Reply #1 –
Yahoo Message Number: 18983
We were winter camping a while back in our 89 26.5 RB, where outside temperature got to 15 degrees.  We had the thermometer set to 75 degrees, but the best the furnace would do was keep the coach at 55 degrees.  This was with no additional insulation around windows or vents.  Does this seem about right?

The main reason for this post is the furnace would run for 5 to 10 minutes, stop for 20-30 seconds, then come back on for 5-10 minutes, stop for 20-30 seconds, etc., pumping out warm, but not hot air.  It went on like this all night.  This didn't seem right to me so took it to an RV place, and they said everything checked out fine and having the furnace run like that was normal.  Do you all agree? Thanks.
Re: winter camping, inside temp, furnace operation
Reply #2 –
Yahoo Message Number: 18987
Rick,
 This sounds about normal to me.  I'm surprised that you could hold a 40 degree differential without any vent plugs or window insulation.
I assume you have the cab area blocked off?

I don't remember the exact figures, but when we were boondocking
Re: winter camping, inside temp, furnace operation
Reply #3 –
Yahoo Message Number: 18988
Quote
We were winter camping a while back in our 89 26.5 RB, where outside temperature got to 15 degrees.  We had the thermometer set to 75 degrees, but the best the furnace would do was keep the coach at 55 degrees.  This was with no additional insulation around windows or vents.  Does this seem about right?

The main reason for this post is the furnace would run for 5 to 10 minutes, stop for 20-30 seconds, then come back on for 5-10
minutes,
 
Quote
stop for 20-30 seconds, etc., pumping out warm, but not hot air.
It went on like this all night.  This didn't seem right to me so took it to an RV place, and they said everything checked out fine and having the furnace run like that was normal.  Do you all agree? Thanks.
Just to get this straight, you said you have the thermostat set to 75F, and the best the furnace would do is attain 55F while cycling as you described all night? This is not normal. You might not be able to reach 75F while it is 15F outside, but you should do better than you are, and the furnace should stay on all the time.

Observe the view port while the furnace is running. Does the flame shut off before the blower stops? Is the flame sitting on the burner, or does it ride above it? Does it come on at all during the frequent cycling? I suspect you will find there is a problem in the control electronics of the furnace, or your gas pressure from the regulator, and not a thermostat problem.

Steve
2004 FL
2013 Honda Fit
Re: winter camping, inside temp, furnace operation
Reply #4 –
Yahoo Message Number: 18997
Where is the viewport to see the furnacd flame?

I did have the cab area blocked off with a blanket, and moving the adjustment on the thermostat didn't seem to have a noticable affect.  Next cold spell will spend some time tinkering with it some more with second-hand clock in hand.
 
Re: winter camping, inside temp, furnace operation
Reply #5 –
Yahoo Message Number: 19000
Quote
Where is the viewport to see the furnacd flame?
That would vary by model - but it is usually a small plastic 'window' on the front of the unit. Your furnace manual should note where it is.

Steve
2004 FL
2013 Honda Fit