4 Secret Steps To Turn On Your Dometic Furnace In A Camper

Having a reliable furnace is essential for staying warm and comfortable during your camping adventures, especially in colder weather. Dometic is a trusted brand known for manufacturing high-quality RV furnaces that are easy to operate. This guide will walk you through the process of turning on your Dometic furnace safely and efficiently.

But how to turn on a Dometic furnace in a camper? If you are encountering one for the first time, it’s fairly easy to operate. You just have to turn the thermostat to your desired temperature and press the furnace button. And it will start working.

Below you’ll find the detailed walkthrough of turning on a Dometic furnace in a camper and the necessary precautions you should take beforehand, let’s begin.

Safety Precautions Before Turning RV Furnace On

Safety should be your top priority when working with any gas-powered appliance in your camper. Here are some essential precautions to take:

1. Turn off the propane tanks: Before performing any work on the furnace, make sure to turn off the propane tanks. This will prevent the risk of gas leaks or unintended ignition.
2. Check for leaks (recommended): While not mandatory, it’s a good practice to check for propane leaks around the tank connections using a soapy water solution. If you notice any bubbles forming, it indicates a leak, and you should call a professional for assistance.
3. Ensure proper ventilation: Dometic furnaces are designed to operate safely when installed and maintained correctly. However, it’s essential to have a functioning carbon monoxide (CO) detector installed in your camper to alert you to any potential issues.

Step 1: Do Pre-Turn On Checks

Before turning on your Dometic furnace, perform these essential checks:

• Check Propane Level: Inspect the propane tank level gauges to ensure you have sufficient fuel. Refer to this resource for instructions on reading propane tank gauges, complete with helpful images: [Insert Link to Propane Level Checking Resource]
• Set the Thermostat: Locate your furnace’s thermostat or control panel and set it to “Furnace” mode. Then, adjust the temperature setting to your desired level.
• Power Source (for electric furnaces): If your Dometic furnace is an electric model, ensure that your camper is connected to a reliable shore power source.

Step 2: Identify Furnace Controls

Dometic furnaces come with various control panel layouts depending on the model. It’s essential to familiarize yourself with the specific controls for your furnace. Refer to your owner’s manual for pictures and guidance.

Here’s a table illustrating some common Dometic furnace control panel layouts:

Model	Control Panel Layout
DF Series	Physical switches for On/Off, Fan Mode, etc.
Duo-Therm	Digital panel with buttons for mode selection

Step 3: Turning On The Furnace

Once you’ve completed the pre-turn on checks and identified the controls, follow these steps to turn on your Dometic furnace:

1. Locate the furnace thermostat or control panel based on your specific model’s layout.
2. Follow the instructions in your owner’s manual to turn the furnace on. This may involve sliding a switch to the “On” position or pressing a “Furnace” button.
3. You should hear the fan start first, followed by ignition sounds as the burner lights up. This is normal and indicates that the furnace is operating correctly.

Step 4: Check The Heating Cycle

After turning on the furnace, here’s what you can expect during the heating cycle:

1. The blower fan will continue running to distribute the heated air through the vents in your camper.
2. The burner will cycle on and off to maintain the desired temperature set on the thermostat.
3. The thermostat will regulate the furnace by turning it on when the temperature drops below the set point and off once the desired temperature is reached.

How to Troubleshoot RV Furnace

If you encounter any issues while operating your Dometic furnace, here are some troubleshooting tips:

1. No Ignition:
   • Check that the thermostat is set to “Furnace” mode and the temperature is higher than the current indoor temperature.
   • Verify that you have sufficient propane by checking the tank level gauges.
   • Try restarting the furnace by turning it off and then back on after a few seconds.
   • If the issue persists, consult your owner’s manual or call a qualified RV technician.
2. Blower Fan Not Running:
   • Locate the fuse for the furnace circuit and check if it’s blown. Refer to your owner’s manual for fuse location and replacement instructions.
   • If replacing the fuse doesn’t resolve the issue, seek professional assistance.
3. Unusual Odors:
   • Turn off the furnace immediately and open windows for ventilation.
   • Do not attempt to operate the furnace further. Unusual odors can indicate a gas leak or malfunction, which requires professional inspection and repair.

Summary

Turning on your Dometic furnace is a straightforward process, but it’s essential to follow the proper safety precautions and consult your owner’s manual for model-specific instructions. By performing the necessary pre-turn on checks, identifying the correct controls, and maintaining your furnace regularly, you can enjoy a warm and comfortable camping experience no matter the weather outside.