Why Is The Forest River Furnace Not Working?[With Solutions]

If you own a Forest River RV and want to go on a long trip with friends this winter, I believe the furnace is a great addition to your vehicle that will improve your comfort on long journeys. If and only if it functions correctly.

In my experience, a Furnace may not function correctly If one of its components fails. Things that could go wrong are a faulty thermostat, an issue with the gas line, electrical issues, a faulty relay and motor, a faulty ignitor, a problematic circuit board, and a lack of power.

So, Every time you embark on a lengthy journey, you should inspect your furnace. To help you be ready for potential furnace problems, I will talk about how a furnace works and how it might stop working.

How Does the Forest River Furnace Work, and What Are Its Components?

The Forest River Furnace comprises several components, and any issue with one of these components is likely to affect the furnace’s overall performance. Most likely, the furnace will stop working.

Some of the crucial components of the furnace are the thermostat, control panel, switches, ignitor, and relay. You’ll probably have a furnace that isn’t working if these parts fail. 

Anyway, if you want to understand why it might stop functioning, you should understand how the furnace works. Here is a logical step showing how each forest River Furnace part functions. 

• Step One – The first step is to turn on the thermostat 
• Step Two – After that Circuit board receives the signal
• Step Three – a relay on the circuit board processes the signal and activates the blower motor.
• Step Three – The fan’s speed reaches its maximum 
• Step Four – The sail switch (two types of safety switches) activates when the fan speed reaches its maximum. One switch determines if the airflow is sufficient. The following switch decides if the combustion temperature has risen above the acceptable level.
• Fifth step – Once the first switch has been opened; an electrical signal travels to the second switch.
• Sixth step – when both switches are turned on, the Gas valve opens. At this point, the Ignitor receives the required signal from the circuit board and ignites the spark. Heat is produced when Spark ignites the propane, and it is then distributed throughout the RV through ducts.

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Why is the Forest River RV Furnace Not Working? 

Hopefully, the earlier discussion helped you understand how Forest River Furnace works. You can see how something could go wrong and impede the furnace’s functionality.

Problem With the Thermostat 

The thermostat allows you to select whether you want hot or cold air. When the thermostat malfunctions, the furnace won’t get the signal, and consequently, it won’t work. Therefore, if the thermostat has any issues, the furnace will not work.

Some of the most typical symptoms of a faulty thermostat are inaccurate temperature readings, black displays, a lack of response, failure to adjust the temperature, and error codes.

When dealing with thermostat issues, the best way to deal with a defective thermostat is to test it, find the cause, and solve the issue.

Issue With the Gas Line

The Forest River furnace requires both gas and electricity to run. Any problem with either of these components will likely prevent the furnace from operating properly. 

Begin by making sure the gas is turned on. Then, make sure that the furnace is receiving gas. 

Any lack of gas supply to the furnace will probably prevent it from igniting. So, check to see if the furnace’s propane supply is active and functioning as it should.

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Electrical Issue 

Any electric issue would prevent the heating system from turning on and, as a result, prevent the furnace from working. Electrical issues include a malfunctioning circuit board, relay, switch, and other components.

For instance, the furnace won’t light if the ignition sensor does not receive the electric signal.

Lack Of Power in Power Source 

Forest River Furnace is powered by 12-V. When a furnace doesn’t work, it may be because the power source isn’t providing enough power. In this situation, you should ensure enough battery power.

Either Relay or the Motor is Bad 

The relay on the Forest River furnace is essential for turning on the blower fan. 

When the relay malfunctions, the blower fan won’t function properly. Therefore, you should check the relay, especially when the furnace is on, but the blower fan is not running.

However, If the relay functions properly, it means the fan itself has an issue. More specifically, there may be a problem with the wheel or blower motor. 

If you hear a sputtering sound from the furnace, the most likely reason the fan is not working is the faulty motor.

Read Also: Forest River Water Pump Not Working: Reasons And Solutions

Ignitor Issue 

Once the gas enters the furnace but ignition does not occur, the ignitor may have a problem. 

When the fan is running, the thermostat is set to on, and there is a gas smell in the air, you should check the ignitor.

Issue With the Control Board

Just like the brain, the control board operates the furnace. The Control board communicates the necessary information to the other components, which helps the furnace function. 

Blocked Air Filter 

While a clogged air filter won’t necessarily stop the furnace entirely, it will significantly reduce its airflow. 

Make a habit of cleaning the filter regularly if it has been a while since you last did so; you should clean it now.

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FAQs.

I think the previous discussion has answered a lot of your questions about what might go wrong and stop a furnace from functioning properly. Here are some frequently asked questions that might help you as well.

How much gas does the Forest River RV furnace use? 

There is no clear answer to this query because the amount may vary depending on the furnace’s size, the system’s effectiveness, and several other factors. One rough estimation is that, on average, you may have to use .33 gallons of gas per hour.

What are the Possible Reasons the Furnace Won’t Stay Lit 

The reasons the forest river Furnace won’t stay lit include but are not limited to faulty thermostats, faulty thermocouples, clogged drains, or restricted airflow. 

Is having a filter in the furnace necessary?

Usually, an air filter should also be there if the component has a fan inside it. Air was drawn into the furnace by the fan. Without an air filter, harmful particles will enter and significantly lower the furnace’s performance.

Where Does the Power Come From for the Forest River Furnace?

The Forest River Furnace gets power from the 12 V system, including a battery or converter. 

Conclusion

There you have it. I believe the blog was helpful. Here is some wise counsel from me. Occasionally, having a non-functioning furnace is frustrating. Here’s the deal: make sure the electronic starter has power and that you have enough propane.

In addition, there shouldn’t be any obstructions in the airflow to the furnace, and it should be clear. The vent shouldn’t have a cover when the furnace is on. 

If you smell propane, the most important thing is to stop using the furnace and call a professional to check the condition. Last but not least, always remember to check the furnace before a lengthy trip.

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