Community Forums

javalava · 12-18-2016, 04:24 AM

So I'm new to RVing with just recently purchasing my first which is a 39-40 foot Alpha Gold fifth wheel. I purchased it to set up and live in, wish now I purchased a smaller unit that I can tow so if i did decide to travel I would be able to pull it but my Ford F-150 doesn't have what it needs to do the job. Anyway, I bought and now I'm seeing that saving money on a lower priced travel trailer isn't always the best idea. I had to clean it out, three trips to the dump later and I've vacuumed and ready to shampoo carpets. I filled the propane tanks and purchased another 100# tank for backup. Does anyone have any clue where the furnace is? I've checked all the outside compartments but I'm not seeing it anywhere. It does have floor vents and wall vents so it has to be somewhere, I would think. Would they ever be inside? I've been all thru the camper and haven't seen a furnace or blower but maybe I'm missing something. Any ideas? Thank you

jflood1274 · 12-18-2016, 05:05 AM

Click this image to see the furnace vent located on the exterior of your rv. The furnace will be inside directly "behind" the vent.

Suburban 260573 Vent

Cat320 · 12-18-2016, 08:59 AM

If you still can't find it, go outside and look for a small square compartment that will open. There will be two, one for water heat and one for coach heat, each will have a small opening.

ahicks · 12-18-2016, 09:03 AM

You might try turning it on too. A quick walk around the outside should spot it easily, and if not, just follow the noise...

javalava · 12-19-2016, 01:13 AM

Thanks. I'll search inside and see if I can find anything. I've looked thru and cleaned out all of the outside compartments and haven't seen a furnace or a blower setup. The only thing outside I've found to do with the propane is the tank area of course and what I presume is the hot water heater which I believe has been bypassed because there is an electric water heater put underneath behind it. I sure wish this thing had a manual.

ahicks · 12-19-2016, 08:03 AM

Re: coach owners manual. They're generally so generic and out of date they're worthless. FAR more worthwhile are the appliance and accessory owners manuals that are almost always available online. Easiest way to locate them is to do a Google search on the make and model number.

wa8yxm · 12-19-2016, 09:39 AM

Generally you will have 3 rectangular panels on the side of your RV, you may have more but these 3 will have lovers or vents in them, NOTE a Square is also a retangle (Equilateral rectangle, all sides the same)

On mine the Water Heate rhas a quarter turn "Tag" like latch, Your may be the same (atwood) or different.

The Absorption cooling unit (Fridge) has two quarter turn plastic latches, (Dometic) again yours may be differnt

The Furnace (Atwood) has 4 screws holding it on ... And is directly below the fridge.

All 3 have vents or loovers. Some are a screen (looks aluminum--ish) some plastic, but all 3 have 'em. The Furnace has, as I recall 2 such vents.. When the furnace is running one of 'em shoots hot exhaust.

Woodchopper · 12-19-2016, 10:39 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by javalava

So I'm new to RVing with just recently purchasing my first which is a 39-40 foot Alpha Gold fifth wheel. I purchased it to set up and live in, wish now I purchased a smaller unit that I can tow so if i did decide to travel I would be able to pull it but my Ford F-150 doesn't have what it needs to do the job. Anyway, I bought and now I'm seeing that saving money on a lower priced travel trailer isn't always the best idea. I had to clean it out, three trips to the dump later and I've vacuumed and ready to shampoo carpets. I filled the propane tanks and purchased another 100# tank for backup. Does anyone have any clue where the furnace is? I've checked all the outside compartments but I'm not seeing it anywhere. It does have floor vents and wall vents so it has to be somewhere, I would think. Would they ever be inside? I've been all thru the camper and haven't seen a furnace or blower but maybe I'm missing something. Any ideas? Thank you

javalava
If you have a propane furnace you will find it in the coach.... (or in a storage area under the floor of the coach)..... behind a vent like these:

OR

OR

javalava · 12-20-2016, 03:55 AM

Thank you all. When I go back out to the property I will see what I can locate inside the trailer. Thank you again, much appreciated.

Mudfrog · 12-20-2016, 09:31 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by javalava

Thank you all. When I go back out to the property I will see what I can locate inside the trailer. Thank you again, much appreciated.

You keep saying "inside" but it may be easier to start from the outside.

Woodchopper's post above has some good images of what to look for. Ours is a Suburban brand and has a rectangled hatch with both inlet and outlet (looks sorta similar to his middle image). If your furnace is working now, turn it on and let it start heating. Then go outside and listen for the combustion that is taking place. It'll be easy to find. The furnace itself is directly behind.

Back inside the 5th wheel, there is a return grill for the air. It's at floor level and will probably be pretty close to the furnace itself.

Mudfrog · 12-20-2016, 09:40 AM

Found a you tube video from a dealer trying to sell a 96 model. Not sure what model or year the OP's is but this may help. Around the 2:20 mark, note the square refrigerator panel behind the salesman. Below it is the furnace, indicated by the chrome plate with two holes.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Vg0moD-EkkI

As said, the OP's may be a different model and year, therefore it may be a different furnace located in a different place altogether.

nothermark · 12-20-2016, 09:46 AM

Your furnace may well be hidden under a dinette seat, under the refrigerator, or any other space with an outside wall and a blank panel or louver inside.