Suburban RV Furnace Owners Manual

The Suburban RV Furnace is a high-efficiency heating system designed for recreational vehicles, featuring automatic ignition, multiple heat settings, safety shut-off systems, thermostat control, and durable construction. Below are key sections for safety, features, installation, operation, maintenance, and troubleshooting.

1. Features at a Glance 2. Installation 3. First-Time Setup 4. Specifications 5. Controls and Settings 6. Connecting to Power 7. Operating the Furnace 8. Safety Features 9. Care & Maintenance 10. Regulatory Information 11. Troubleshooting

Features at a Glance

Key components: Burner assembly, blower motor, thermostat control, gas valve, heat exchanger, vent system.

Feature	Description
Automatic ignition	Electronic spark ignition for reliable startup
Multiple heat settings	Adjustable BTU output for different heating needs
Safety shut-off	Automatic gas shut-off if flame is not detected
Thermostat control	Precise temperature regulation
Blower motor	Distributes heated air throughout RV
Vent system	Proper exhaust and air intake for combustion
Gas valve	Controls propane or natural gas flow
Heat exchanger	Transfers heat to air while keeping combustion separate
LED status lights	Indicates furnace operation status
Wall thermostat	Remote temperature control

Installation

Unpack and inspect all components. Ensure proper ventilation and clearance.

Choose installation location: Adequate clearance from combustible materials.
Mount furnace: Secure to floor or wall using provided brackets.
Connect vent system: Install exterior vent cap and interior ductwork.
Connect gas line: Use approved gas flex line with proper fittings.
Connect 12V DC power: Wire to RV electrical system.
Install thermostat: Mount in desired location and connect wires.

WARNING! Installation must be performed by qualified technician. Improper installation can cause fire or carbon monoxide poisoning.

First-Time Setup

Before first use, complete system check and initial startup.

Check all connections: Gas lines, electrical, venting.
Open gas supply: Turn on propane tank or natural gas valve.
Set thermostat: Turn to desired temperature above current room temp.
Listen for ignition: Should hear spark and gas valve opening.
Verify operation: Check for warm air output and proper venting.

CAUTION! Test for gas leaks using soapy water solution. Bubbles indicate leaks.

Specifications

Heating Capacity: 16,000 - 40,000 BTU (model dependent)
Fuel Type: Propane or Natural Gas
Power Requirements: 12V DC
Ignition System: Direct spark ignition
Airflow: Variable speed blower
Thermostat: Digital or manual depending on model
Dimensions: Varies by model (typically 14" x 20" x 9")
Weight: 15-25 pounds
Vent Requirements: 3-4 inch diameter
Operating Temp Range: -40°F to 120°F

Controls and Settings

Primary control through wall thermostat. Furnace has internal control board with status lights.

Thermostat Controls: Temperature setting, fan control (auto/on), system on/off.

Furnace Status Lights: Green - normal operation, Red - fault condition, Yellow - standby mode.

Gas Valve: Manual shut-off valve for service.

Blower Speed: Automatic adjustment based on heating demand.

Connecting to Power

Requires 12V DC power from RV electrical system.

Turn off all power sources before connecting.
Connect positive (red) and negative (black) wires to appropriate terminals.
Ensure proper grounding to RV chassis.
Check fuse rating (typically 15-20 amp).

Tip: Use marine-grade wire and connectors for corrosion resistance.

Operating the Furnace

Simple operation through thermostat control.

Set desired temperature on thermostat.
Select fan mode (auto or continuous).
Listen for ignition sequence (spark, gas valve, flame).
Blower will start after warm-up period.
Furnace cycles automatically to maintain temperature.
To shut off: Set thermostat to lowest setting or turn system off.

WARNING! Never operate furnace with blocked vents or without proper ventilation.

Safety Features

Multiple safety systems protect against hazardous conditions.

Flame Sensor: Shuts off gas if flame not detected
Overheat Protection: Thermal switch prevents overheating
Vent Safety Switch: Ensures proper venting before operation
Pressure Switch: Verifies adequate airflow for combustion
Rollout Protection: Shuts down if flame rolls out of burner

Care & Maintenance

Regular maintenance ensures safe and efficient operation.

Annual professional inspection recommended
Clean burner assembly and orifice
Inspect heat exchanger for cracks or corrosion
Clean blower wheel and motor
Check vent system for obstructions
Test all safety controls
Replace air filter if equipped

CAUTION! Always turn off gas and power before performing maintenance.

Regulatory Information

Certified to ANSI Z21.44 standards for recreational vehicle heaters. Complies with CSA 4.3-M91 for gas-fired appliances. Manufactured by Suburban Manufacturing Company. For technical support, contact 1-800-782-2204 or visit www.suburbanrv.com.

Troubleshooting

Symptom	Possible Cause	Corrective Action
Furnace won't start	Power, thermostat, gas	Check 12V power, thermostat setting, gas supply
No heat output	Ignition failure	Check spark electrode, gas pressure, flame sensor
Blower runs but no heat	Gas valve, thermostat	Verify gas valve operation, check thermostat wiring
Short cycling	Overheating, airflow	Clean filters, check vents, verify proper clearance
Unusual odors	Dust, combustion issues	Clean burner, check venting, inspect heat exchanger
Error codes flashing	System faults	Refer to specific error code in service manual

Reset: Turn thermostat off for 5 minutes, then restart.

Service: 1-800-782-2204; www.suburbanrv.com