Where to Find Your RV Furnace and How to Access It

Locating the furnace in an RV can sometimes be challenging for owners, especially those unfamiliar with RV layouts. Knowing where your RV furnace is located is essential for routine maintenance, troubleshooting, or emergency repairs to ensure consistent heating during colder travels. This guide will help American RV users identify furnace placement across different RV models and offer tips on accessing and maintaining it efficiently.

RV Type	Common Furnace Location	Access Method	Notes
Travel Trailer	Underneath the RV near the floor inside a lower cabinet or external compartment	Remove vent cover or lower cabinet panel	Usually on the driver’s side or curbside
Fifth Wheel	Under the bed platform or inside a rear closet	Lift bed or open closet door	Furnace ducting often nearby
Motorhome (Class A/B/C)	Lower side compartments or inside interior cabinets near the floor	Exterior compartment doors or cabinet panels	May require removing skid plates or panels

Common Locations for RV Furnaces

RV furnaces are designed to be compact and positioned to maximize living space while allowing efficient heat distribution. Typically, RV furnaces are installed near the floor to enable natural heat convection upwards into the living space. The most practical and frequent locations include:

• Underneath seating areas or bunks such as under a dinette bench or bed platform.
• Inside lower cabinets accessible from the interior or through exterior compartment doors.
• Outside compartments beneath the RV, shielded by vents, to allow fresh air intake and exhaust.

Depending on your RV’s make and model, the furnace may either be inside the main living area or housed in an exterior compartment.

How to Access Your RV Furnace

Accessing the furnace safely is crucial for inspections, cleaning, or repairs. The method varies with furnace placement:

Interior Access

Many furnaces are located inside, behind a removable panel in cabinets or along walls. To access:

• Locate the furnace vent grille or return air duct inside your RV.
• Remove screws or clips securing the panel or vent cover.
• Gently pull out the panel to reveal the furnace for maintenance.

Exterior Access

Some furnaces are accessible from outside via a vent cover:

• Identify the furnace vent on the RV’s lower exterior walls, usually on the curbside.
• Unscrew or unlatch the vent cover carefully.
• This area houses the furnace’s burners, heat exchanger, and exhaust.

Always ensure the furnace is off and cooled before accessing, and avoid obstructing vents to maintain proper airflow.

Signs Your RV Furnace Needs Attention

Knowing where your furnace is helps detect problems early. Common indicators of furnace issues include:

• Cold or inadequate heat output despite the thermostat setting.
• Strange odors indicating possible gas leaks or burning dust.
• Unusual noises like banging or rattling during operation.
• Frequent pilot light outages or failure to ignite.

Immediate inspection of the furnace location can help diagnose and fix these problems promptly.

Maintaining the RV Furnace for Longevity

Routine maintenance keeps your furnace running efficiently. Key steps include:

• Regularly clean the furnace filters and vents to prevent dust buildup.
• Check for rust or corrosion around the furnace housing and exhaust pipe.
• Inspect and clean the burner and pilot assembly for proper ignition.
• Verify the integrity of seals and venting to avoid carbon monoxide risks.
• Schedule professional servicing seasonally or as recommended by your RV’s manufacturer.

Additional Tips on RV Furnace Placement

Understanding your particular RV layout will help:

• Consult your owner’s manual which often details furnace location and maintenance instructions.
• Look for ventilation grilles inside and outside the RV; these usually mark the furnace position.
• Use flashlight inspections in cabinetry or under beds to spot furnace components.
• Be aware of safety markings like warning labels on furnace covers or vents.

Common RV Furnaces Brands and Their Installation Styles

Popular RV furnace brands vary slightly in placement style:

Brand	Typical Location	Installation Notes
Dometic	Lower side cabinetry or exterior compartments	Often includes a distinct vent cover with a removable door
Suburban	Under beds or dinette benches, sometimes in rear closets	Some models use floor ducts with visible grill covers
Atwood	Exterior vent compartments or floor-level interior access panels	Known for rugged, enclosed housings designed for easy servicing

Safety Considerations When Handling Your RV Furnace

Furnaces use propane or electricity and involve combustion, making safety paramount:

• Always turn off the propane supply before servicing.
• Test carbon monoxide detectors regularly.
• Ensure proper ventilation around furnace vents.
• Hire qualified RV technicians for complex repairs.

Knowing exactly where your RV furnace is located simplifies maintenance, troubleshooting, and enhances your camping comfort. With proper access and care, your furnace will reliably heat your RV during chilly conditions.