Forest River RVs are some of the highest quality RVs on the market. They are insanely popular because their floorplans work for a wide variety of travelers, and they’re a great mix of style and affordability.
I’ve never owned a Forest River, but it’s been in the running the past several times I’ve purchased an RV!
However, Forest River RVs aren’t without their problems. Like most RVs, you may encounter some issues as you travel.
One of the most common issues that plague Forest River RVs are furnace problems, but most of these aren’t too difficult to fix yourself.
Common Forest River RV Furnace Problems
Some of the most common Forest River RV furnace problems include the furnace not turning on, producing enough heat, or shutting off before the room is warm enough.
Here are some of the most common problems and how to fix them.
1. The Furnace Doesn’t Turn On
If your furnace doesn’t turn on at all, the first thing you should check is the power source.
Make sure that the RV is plugged into an outlet, and that the circuit breaker hasn’t been tripped. If both of those are in working order, then the problem may be with the furnace itself.
There are a few different parts that could be causing the furnace not to turn on, including the igniter, thermostat, or pilot light.
If you’re comfortable working with tools and gas appliances, you may be able to diagnose and fix the problem yourself. However, if you’re not confident in your abilities, it’s always best to call a professional.
To check the pilot light, first make sure that the power is turned off to the RV. Then, locate the pilot light on the furnace and see if it’s lit.
If it’s not, you can light it yourself with a long match or lighter. If the pilot light won’t stay lit, then the problem is most likely with the thermocouple.
This part senses whether the pilot light is lit and sends a signal to the gas valve to open or close. If it’s not working properly, it could be preventing gas from getting to the pilot light.
If the pilot light is lit but the furnace still isn’t turning on, then the problem may be with the thermostat.
Start by checking the batteries to see if they need to be replaced. If the batteries are fine, then you may need to adjust the thermostat itself.
Make sure that it’s set to “heat” and that the temperature is set higher than the current room temperature.
2. The Furnace Doesn’t Produce Enough Heat
If your furnace is turning on but not producing enough heat, there are a few different things that could be causing the problem.
First, check the air filter and make sure that it’s clean. A dirty air filter will restrict airflow and prevent the furnace from working properly.
Another possible cause is a blockage in the exhaust vent. This vent helps to remove dangerous fumes from the furnace, so it’s important that it’s clear.
If it’s blocked, the fumes could build up and cause the furnace to shut down. Both of these are very easy things to fix yourself.
Give it some time after cleaning up your filter and the vent to make sure it is working properly again before troubleshooting another problem.
3. The Furnace Shuts Off Before The Room Is Warm Enough
If your furnace turns off before the room is warm enough, there are a few different things that could be causing the problem.
One possibility is that the thermostat isn’t working properly. As I mentioned before, you should start by checking the batteries.
If they’re fine, then you may need to adjust the thermostat itself. Make sure that it’s set to “heat” and that the temperature is set higher than the current room temperature.
Another possibility is that the furnace is overheating. This could be caused by a dirty air filter, as I mentioned before. It could also be caused by a problem with the blower motor.
This part circulates the air through the furnace, and if it’s not working properly, the furnace can overheat without actually warming up the room.
To replace the blower motor, you’ll need to remove the access panel from the furnace. Once you have access to the motor, you can unplug it and then install the new one.
Make sure that all of the wiring is reconnected properly before turning the power back on.
4. The Furnace Makes Strange Noises
If your furnace is making strange noises, there are a few different things that could be causing the problem.
One possibility is that something is caught in the blower motor. This part circulates the air through the furnace, and if something is caught in it, it can make a lot of noise.
To fix this, you’ll need to remove the access panel from the furnace and then take a look at the blower motor.
If there’s nothing caught in it, then the problem may be with the bearings. These parts help to keep the motor running smoothly, and if they’re worn out, they can make a lot of noise.
To replace them, you’ll need to remove the access panel from the furnace and locate the bearings. If they’re worn out, you can purchase new ones and then install them yourself.
5. The Furnace Smells Bad When It’s On
If your furnace smells bad when it’s on, there are a few different things that could be causing the problem.
One possibility is that something is burning inside the furnace. This could be caused by a dirty air filter, as I mentioned before. It could also be caused by a problem with the burner assembly.
This part ignites the fuel inside the furnace, and if it’s dirty or damaged, it can cause a fire.
To clean the burner assembly, you’ll need to remove the access panel from the furnace.
Once you have access to it, you can use a brush to clean any dirt or debris that may be causing the problem.
Make sure that you’re very careful when you’re doing this, as the burner assembly is very fragile.
Another possibility is that there’s a gas leak. This is a serious problem and should be fixed by a professional immediately.
If you smell gas, turn off the furnace and then call a technician.
How To Reset Your Forest River RV Furnace
If your furnace isn’t working properly, you may need to reset it. This is a very easy process, and it only takes a few minutes.
To do this, you’ll need to find the reset button on the furnace. It’s usually located near the thermostat. Once you’ve found it, simply press and hold it for a few seconds.
After you’ve reset the furnace, it should start working properly again. If it doesn’t, then you may need to call a technician to come and take a look at it.
Why Is My Forest River RV Furnace Blowing Cold Air?
If your furnace is blowing cold air, this indicates a problem with either the gas supply, flame detector, pilot light, air filter, condensate lines, or thermostat.
Each of these components is essential to the proper function of your furnace, so it’s important to troubleshoot the issue as soon as possible.
Conclusion
If you love your Forest River RV, but you seem to be having problems with your thermostat, it could be a very simple fix that you can do yourself.
Troubleshoot the above issues before calling a technician or replacing the unit! It won’t take very long and it’s worth it if it’s something simple.
Through this blog, I want to share all of my hints and tips, along with reviews of the best RVing accessories. I hope this blog will help others with their RV trips, and make traveling easier for you.
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