RV Furnace Annual Service & Maintenance -- My RV Works

Our new tool business is now open for business!
Check us out at: myrvworksstore.square.site/s/...
Tools & Parts - myrvworks.com/resources/darre...
Support us on Patreon - / myrvworks
RV Service Manuals - myrvworks.com/manuals
My RV Works, Inc. main site - myrvworks.com
My RV Works, Inc. Certified RV Technician, Darren Koepp, performs an in-depth annual service check and maintenance work on a Suburban RV Furnace.
Darren gives a detailed overview of the processes and procedures for removing the furnace from an RV, inspecting and calibrating several parts and aspects of successful RV furnace operation, as well as cleaning and replacing gaskets on the furnace!
Find the Test Lead Set we sell at:
myrvworksstore.square.site/s/...
========================================================
Timestamps:
00:00 - Introduction
01:15 - Overview of Annual Service Inspection
03:38 - Exhaust Port Inspection
08:21 - Removing The Furnace
14:39 - Disassembling The Furnace
16:10 - Furnace Inspection
36:03 - Reassembling The Furnace
44:12 - Testing The Furnace
44:19 - Review
47:43 - Prototype Of New Tools
52:16 - L.P. Pressure Test
53:41 - Reinstallation Explanation
55:00 - Outro
=========================================================
Videos and playlists mentioned in this video:
“My RV Works - Propane Leak Discussion”
• RV Propane Leak Discus...
“Investigating and Repairing A Suburban SF-35 RV Furnace”
• Investigating and Repa...
Furnace Videos Playlist on the “My RV Works” KZbin Channel: kzbin.info?list...
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
New videos every Friday! And bonus videos here and there!
If you are in need of RV Repairs in the Olympic Peninsula area of Washington state, submit a service request on our website at myrvworks.com today!

[@jonrico7937]

Thank you so much Darren! Your ability to pass on your knowledge is very much appreciated. As I let the pros such as yourself handle this, I now know what they are talking about and the importance of having it done to begin with. In addition, your ability to convey your knowledge in an extremely funny format is always a joy to watch. Don't change a thing!!! U.S. Army combat veteran

[@timsack8439]

Thank you for your thorough videos. This video and a couple other furnace videos saved me $400 to $500 because I was able to see how to remove the furnace, connect the furnace to a small battery for testing, and what to look for during my troubleshooting. After 6 weeks of flawless usage the furnace failed suddenly to light off. The fan ran and the ticking sound was there which led me to look into the operation of the solenoid valves. Eventually I found the crimped female tab connector on the solenoid broke between the crimp and the female portion. The wire came up when I pulled lightly on the wire. I replace the crimp terminal and checked air flow through the valves by blowing through a hose to the gas line. When I reinstalled the furnace, I had HEAT. Thank you so much. By the way, I had to look hard to figure out I needed to use butyl rubber tape on the exhaust plate for the re-installation.

[@TaylorFamily100]

Thanks for providing the distinction between an inspection and a service

[@48VAC]

Great video. Even if someone never does an inspection, they should now know how it works and looks inside.

[@Walt.2013]

Best DIY video ever! You do things the way I do things, no stone unturned. Wish you lived near us! Thanks!

[@CartersTrail]

This was a crazy-good video. Really appreciate your willingness to share knowledge on these important components. I'll definitely keep an eye on your new tools development and web site.

[@samsatterthwaite1198]

Excellent video for furnace inspection. The Suburban model SF35Q on our new trailer would not ignite about 7,000 ft elev which is a problem camping in the Rockies. Neither Suburban nor our local dealer could suggest a solution. However, our trailer manufacturer had some experience and suggested widening the spark gap. We finally convinced the local dealer service dept, with $350, to widen that gap and the unit has worked for the 3 years since from sea level to 11,000 ft.

[@davidmcgee2126]

Nice job Makes me chuckle talking about sloppy wiring. You spent more time on the furnace than it takes them to build the camper.

[@user-hy7lt4qm3z]

Darren, Thank you for all of your excellent instructions on furnaces in RV’s. I was able to repair my suurban furnace with minimal cost…had to splice longer wires. Your videos gave me confidence to cut wires, pull out the furnace, and get to the sail switch which was the culprit. No parts, just needed cleaned and reassembled.

[@poolboss2]

😂 Nice to know I'm not the only one who uses little words to help things along! Great video, Darren! 😎

[@Mikeywatches]

Laughed at reassemble Stephanie

[@hillbillyrv]

Very good video Darren. It is always good when the furnace works after you reinstall it.

[@daviscrt]

Great information. Its amazing how the rv manufacturer skip on items instead of doing it right. Thanks Don

[@hatenlebron]

Great info. I can’t imagine very many people do this? That said, since I am a big DIYer I will do this complete service on both furnaces. Thanks again!

[@williamcarroll4490]

Great job and good luck with your tools . I've been working on a door jamb square 20 years and got it down to a scalable production level after 6 designs and field tests.

[@garthfrenzel5836]

Excited about T3Interface tools. Thanks for a great video and tools.

[@DeekJohnson]

Best video on full furnace inspection and repair...now I can do it. Thx. Mine is going woof woof when it’s not heating up. Great job teaching. They put mine under the fridge w no external access door and no wire disconnects. It’s gonna be un

[@valster6254]

A thrill to see your workmanship. Always so thorough

[@thomasdunn8214]

Thanks Darren. I am ready to go to work on my suburban furnace. I have learned so....much watching your videos. Happy New Year!

[@larrydeforrest5744]

Thanks Darren, Your furnace trouble shooting video helped me fix my 2005 Suburban furnace.The fix turned out to be the igniter touching the burner. I would never found it without watching you adjust the igniter with the 1/8th allen wrench.I also ruled out bad parts by using your progression of tests. Your videos are very helpful, THANKS.

[@bluegroovemodelsports9650]

Great information. I am remodeling my Chinook. I think I will pull my furnace for inspection while I have lots of interior apart

[@mikeh4245]

Great video, very informative! Thanks for sharing your tips with us!

[@rexhooverarchitect2268]

Darren, Excellent tutorial! More than I would probably take on, but very informative.

[@dennismyers9935]

Thanks Darren for another great video

[@awesome_john_dipiero]

Awesome step by step video . I like the way you work and think . Do it right 👍 . I'm having issues with my furnace and feel I can handle the job !!!

[@laundrymanadams6105]

Great video my friend, happy new year!

[@craigmcarthur378]

When installing the gasket, if you take a dab of adhesive to the gasket, align the screw holes and the reach in and start the threads, it will keep the gasket in place to install the remaining screws...

[@mattsmith3305]

Great video Darren! I enjoy all of your videos.

[@danielmcharron]

Wow very informative!! I have to take my furnace out from the inside as well and it’s a pain. Awesome video, Thanks!

[@SpeedyCotton55]

Really great video, thank you sir.

[@michelmichael8957]

Your very smart and awesome precise caring worker. 😊

[@bryansanges6679]

Great video. Thanks.

[@garyjordan299]

You are the best on instruction!!

[@randykane474]

Thanks for sharing your knowledge. I'll check out your tool site.

[@kevinbrown3017]

Thank you Darren

[@campnut6076]

Very good video. I was an RV tech in the late 70's thru the late 80's, I remember Dometic/Duotherm released a "high efficiency" RV furnace that had a ceramic burner. It wasn't put in very long and they recalled them. The heat was so intense it was burning thru the heat exchanger. Lost track how many furnaces I swapped out. I have forgotten some things but it is still there. For the most part the appliances are still the same but with more tech built in.

[@timf6916]

Good job, some good information

[@larryblaha]

Great video and data...

[@bradwren9924]

Love watching your videos Darren great job I’ve learned so much from you I have a 35 foot Fleetwood fifth wheeler, Wish you were around here in Michigan lol

[@johndudley752]

Nice video. I have found pet hair on a sail switch & when cleaned off it has fixed the furnace problem. I’m surprised an inspection of the sail switch isn’t part of the annual inspection.

[@harrynickel8691]

Thank you sir. Much appreciated.

[@Shane_Little]

I wish I was able to see what you used for the 12v jumper when you ran it on the bench. I'm going to have to pull one for the first time any day now, winter is here! Thank you for your guidance!

[@richwitt3559]

Thank you for the great video. When I click on the tools and parts link, it goes to the seminar for winter RV Living.

[@MyRVWorks]

Hi Rich, thank you for the heads up. Here is the link: myrvworks.com/resources/darrens-tool-list/

[@Hearthman1159]

As an HVAC/ fireplace technician and instructor let me say your videos, systematic methods and work ethic are outstanding! I applaud the work you do in your business but really appreciate sharing, including the human frailties online. Of particular note is how you've integrated little steps to prevent problems such as using magnetic parts trays including separate ones. I also like the quality checks behind yourself. I agree with your decision not to replace that burner at this time but to communicate it to the customer. They are now aware and will monitor their equipment a little more closely so that if there is a change they should notice it quickly. It's nice when you can remove equipment to work on a bench. That's my greatest chagrin with working on my Class A--access. I have a suggestion for some future videos: emergency escape from failed equipment. My first trip in my Georgetown with LCI levelers ended with me stuck. I didn't appreciate the problem with rear wheels off the ground negating the parking brake so we couldn't retract. Luckily, and old hand at the park knew how to manually retract using a screwgun and Allen wrench. I'm thinking it would be of great benefit to compile some dodges what to do when slides, steps, awnings, and levelers don't retract just so you can get home or to a shop. TIA,

[@mer58lin]

Thank You.

[@davidzimmerman9841]

Oil does come from the propane, take an old propane tank, remove the valve turn tank upside-down and let stand that way. Oil will come out slowly for days.

[@mick5740]

Hi ! Iv got a 88 Nomad with a duo therm ! Furnace has been awesome in MT living. I noticed awhile back it started to stop burning and continue blowing cold awhile ago. Now it seems to work. But blows cold sometimes! Something is up ! Needs a service for sure. Seems like this furnace is really tucked in there. I guess I really just need to dig into it and pull it out

[@jrimechanical]

Oil in lines is called heavy ends comes from manufacturing of propane gas yes the oil from rubber hoses is all so a problem so yes you can get oil from tanks. Older tanks that have been in service for years, when suppliers of propane don't keep up to there maintenance of the pumping station they can send oil down the lines , propane is not the cleanest fuel it can hold lots of moisture as well and in cold climate it can freeze you regulator , 30+ years gas fitter 1

[@kristinaa9476]

As I was listening I thought there was a loud bird here outside my rv..in the middle of the night 😂 silly me.

[@rvansteen1]

Thanks!

[@stevecoursey686]

I filled LP tanks for 6 years. I only saw 1 20lb tank that would over fill. The line on the guys grill was freezing up so I assume some liquid was getting up the line. A replacement tank solved his issue. Blue rhino tank from a gas station exchange.

[@littleweasel1957ify]

Yeppers I'm pretty sure you hit the nail on the head for my furnace!! Sail switch...Just can't figure out how to even get into the furnace!! 2000 Winnebago brave 35A. Any ideas would certainly be appreciated 👍

[@redc8783]

I’ve hear you and others talk about the “sail switch “ can you explain this some more like it’s function & purpose & inspection and service. You only covered inspection of the wires great video and I was impressed that you didn’t get to technical ith your terms this time. Thanks again and let’s all hope we have a good New Year. 👍😎💪🏻

[@MyRVWorks]

Here's a link to our furnace playlist. We covered the sail switch in several of these videos: kzbin.info/aero/PLk44vSl27TRCaZIQbm-0utYK7sVOKwXVY Having offered that resource, the "sail switch" is a proof switch. It gets this name because it is detecting the wind in the blower not unlike a sail on a sailboat. The control board needs proof that the blower motor is blowing at a certain CFM to support proper combustion. The sail switch has a long actuating arm (sail) that is activated by this blowing wind. The issue is that the sail switch is, by necessity, in the blower housing. Oftentimes dirt, dander, lint, pet hair, etc. gets sucked into the blower from the RV and can fault out the switch. If the control board does not see the switch open and close properly it will consider that a fault and the furnace will not ignite.

[@Leach03XX]

@@MyRVWorks I have watched all your furnace videos. I thought I had a bad regulator but I replaced it and I don’t her a clunk on the solenoids. Do you have a video testing the circuit board for the 12 V going to the solenoid‘s?

[@CalicoJackxx]

Thanks for another excellent video. I have a suburban furnace with a Coleman thermostat in my Rockwood Mini Lite. 0n our last trip out the furnace came on ran for several minutes then shut off. The furnace ignited and was heating. After turning the thermostat off and on the furnace ignites and runs for a few minutes then shuts down. I did that several times with the same results. I will look at your other videos to evaluate the problem, I assume I it's a sensor but will troubleshoot to try to determine the problem. I seldom use the furnace as it is so noisy maybee some critters have been there. My question is, I am about an hour away from you, would it work for me to remove the furnace and bring it to you to do the inspection and repair demonstrated in this video? Failing eyesight and clumsy fingers prevent me from doing this type of work anymore Thanks Gary

[@MrPb812]

Great video. I only wish this was the level of service offered by most rv dealerships. As a side note, my preference as an rv owner would have been to simply replace the suspect burner since it was questionable with the hot spot on the end and the opportunity to do so since already removed. Marginal cost involved. Thanks again for the detailed content, very helpful.

[@sellignomod83]

Merci!

[@stephenwhite9869]

This seems like quite a project every year. Realistically, how long would you expect the furnace heat exchanger to last? Say normal use. Is inspection something I should have you do yearly? I have my gas regulator tested yearly for leaks and pressure setting. Maybe this inspection is something I should include. My motorhome is four years old. Great information. Thanks, Stephen White

[@montanaboy3777]

Thanks Darren for the wonder video of the furnace inspection.....I have a SF35 here I am getting ready to service in a 1993 bounder - this really helps me get the courage to do this and feel comfortable in dealing with any issue I come across. I am curious as too the cordless drill you use for all videos I have seen....at what setting are you setting your torque drive for?? you seem to keep the same one on almost any screws you encounter - never seen a stripped screw yet....?? Thanks again Jeff

[@MyRVWorks]

Darren doesn't use the clutch style head, he uses an impact. Here's a link for what he uses. amzn.to/3n6KweU

[@roger101959]

Hello, very informative, I took my travel trailer in for its yearly inspection lat year and asked them to do some additional work.. One of the tasks was to check for any oil in me propane system,, Frankly the acted like the never heard if such a thing.. I seem to be fixated on oil in my propane lines, i trust your statement about the oil is from the pig tails, however I don't understand how it is formed, Could you try to explain that process, how to avoid it, and how to get rid of the oil. Thanks

[@russellschafer6493]

Do I have to wear gloves to preform this task? This was a great piece of information

[@markpotter56]

Does it make a difference on exactly which duct hoses re attached. I noticed you didn't mark them when removing? Thank you for making these videos, I watch to learn and decide on which tasks I think are safe and within my personal wheelhouse...keep up the great work

[@MyRVWorks]

No, it does not matter where the ducts get reattached.

[@johnathanraney9959]

Do you have a link to the propane line plug that you use? Love your videos. Thanks John

[@MyRVWorks]

Hi John, we will have an LP Tap Jig for sale in the near future on www.t3interface.com. If you are just wanting a plug, you can get that here: amzn.to/3q3xfFQ. Thanks for watching!

[@williamjones7316]

Oh man I wish you were down around highway 12 and I-5.

[@rbadventures9747]

Any experience with a Truma Combi? I am assuming annual maintenance is across the board.

[@terrytinagero777]

Buy a lotto ticket, the luck gods were with you my master

[@dman6377]

It would have been great for you to show us how you laid out the figure 8 butyl tape, was there over lap or did you cut the pieces to fit? or does it not matter if there is gap between the ends?

[@MyRVWorks]

Whatever we put on any of this butyl tape product we always visualize being the water. The end in mind is trying to prevent water from getting in. So there's no science to this it's all an art.

[@dman6377]

@@MyRVWorks thank you, I didn't think there was any science to it, just thought it would have been good to see the art of it.

[@plowhand5591]

🥰

[@brianallen4784]

First.i have to say you seem to know your stuff. With that being said I never ask questions but like I said you seem to know what you are doing .so my furnace will work perfectly for could be days or hours but it will work normally ,but the next time it should come on, it does nothing no fan, nothing.sometimes if you turn it off and back on it will work . But than sometimes it won't. Leave it off for awhile and it works .. I need help. We live in our 5th wheel in the mountains in Md. Thanks , Brian

[@jackhall4680]

Not a pro here, but many intermittent problems like this are electrical- loose/corroded connections, etc. I wonder if it could be the sail switch? From the videos I have seen, that seems like a weak link in the electrical parts.

[@bluhuptie]

Can of air?! You mean lithium ion leaf blower? Thats what I use. That enables you to clean out soot , rust flakes , dust , dog hair , feathers , leaves , basically anything.

[@ccroson7935]

What is the plastic tube that’s on the exhaust one is metal and the other one is plastic. I need to know what the plastic one is.

[@sheila9358]

How much for the service on average

[@michaela.aguilar2921]

Great info, my furnace is behind the back wall of the basement. The flexible ducts are exposed to the outside temp. Any reason to not replace the 4” ducting with insulated ducting? Thanks!

[@MyRVWorks]

As long as the inside diameter of the ducts is consistent you should be okay with that upgrade

[@michaela.aguilar2921]

👍

[@margaretlindop5872]

Yeah wire brush burner off and drop all the shit in to the chamber, great idea

[@christopherboggs6874]

What brand of knee pads are you using. Thanks

[@MyRVWorks]

amzn.to/3Ki0fC4

[@starhopper457]

Is the heat exchanger replaceable or is that a sign of needing a new one?

[@MyRVWorks]

It depends on the manufacturer. Suburban does offer just a core purchase which includes the Heat exchanger, motor, and controls. Atwood was purchased by Dometic around 2014 so no Atwood parts anymore, and Dometic does not offer a core replacement. Having said that, you can look for exploded views and order just that part possibly. Here's a link to a site that can offer you exploded views with part numbers. issuu.com/online_guest_guides/docs/pantera2023-2024_ebook/300

[@Tom-Fisherman]

How old/use factor was THIS furnace?

[@MyRVWorks]

I believe this furnace was in a two-year-old RV.

[@mikearthur8129]

My furnish seems to make an intermittent clicking sound whether the furnace is in use or not. Any ideas on that?

[@MyRVWorks]

I am not sure what kind of RV you have, I have seen on some RVs where the furnace is ducted, and there is a damper door between the RV and the ducks and sometimes that a will moved with wind current. I see this mostly on the Winnebagos where the furnace is mounted directly in the rear.

[@jocool562]

Trying to get those ducts on and off in tight spots is such a pain in the ass sometimes

[@bobmartens1089]

How old is this furnace?

[@MyRVWorks]

I believe this furnace was in a two-year-old RV.

[@DuTangTheCryptoSurfr]

🙏🏼🤙🏼

[@MrVanhovey]

Oil comes from the pig tail? How does that happen Daren? No! Oil comes from the propane and collects in the pig tail.

[@MyRVWorks]

There's no oil component to propane. Talk to the manufacturers that manufacture these components. They will provide the correct information to you.

[@DavidPressley2650]

SOUNDS LIKE DISLEXIA IN BETWEEN YOUR EARS DUDE

[@margaretlindop5872]

Trust me I am a pro you have no idea I not trust you with lego

[@Robnord1]

Propane burning appliances should only be serviced by qualified professionals. That's what all these RV furnace manuals say, and for good reason. People can die. You should know this Darren. In addition, you're taking food out of the mouth's of qualified pros out there doing this work...to feed your ego. WWJD? That said, you have a real gift for teaching and are fun to watch. Why not teach how to clear a mounded black tank or replace a faucet set? These are projects folks would probably take on anyway, and if they mess up, no big harm done. This video emboldens some to work with things they really have no business with whatsoever.

[@RO-rr3tx]

If that the case then all the "how to" you tube videos would have to disappear. They are taking food out of someone mouth.

[@Robnord1]

@@RO-rr3tx Propane appliance repair is a little different RO. I paid good money for RVIA and other training to do it, plus have 20+ years practice doing it. If I get an odd unit with problems it is obvious, and I can do a safe and effective repair due to that education and experience. May 2022 be a good year for you!

[@MyRVWorks]

Darren will be putting a video together to answer the topic you bring up more specifically. But he does talk a bit about your point on this video starting around the 15:40 mark. kzbin.info/www/bejne/jXibhqt_ftelh7M

[@rik8809]

Taking food out of peoples mouths? Given the huge increase in RV sales, and combine that with the poor quality of many those RVs, any RV tech that isn’t swamped with jobs should find a different line of work. In addition I would argue that a video such as this is invaluable to RV owners. Even though an owner may not be doing the job themselves, it pays to be knowledgeable about that job so that they don’t get taken. Just because someone may be qualified and able to do a job, it doesn’t mean they’re honest. Demonstrating some knowledge can act as a deterrent against individuals who lack scruples. WWJD? C’mon. It’s an RV video. 🙄

[@RO-rr3tx]

@@Robnord1 I clearly get your point sir. Some of these repairs can be dangerous.

[@samfixitguy1661]

Sorry, but I got too bored to continue after listening to the SAME things 4 to 6 times each. Probably good information but once, maybe twice is fine.