Operating propane furnace while travelin

[pparks]

Just a quick question regarding operating my propane furnace while traveling. I will be traveling down from the north next week and would like to run my furnace to keep the motorhome warm while traveling. Just want to make sure this is a safe practice, I have a 2016 Georgetown 327TS.

Thanks

[Schvarak]

Originally Posted by pparks

Just a quick question regarding operating my propane furnace while traveling. I will be traveling down from the north next week and would like to run my furnace to keep the motorhome warm while traveling. Just want to make sure this is a safe practice, I have a 2016 Georgetown 327TS.

Thanks

I'd set my chassis heater to a high temp-- that should keep most of the coach warm enough until you get to your destination then turn on your furnace. Should save you a lot of propane.

[timfromma]

Do you have an on board generator and electric heat?

[kenandterry]

parks....

How many of you will be travelling the motorhome?

I installed a curtain rod and floor to ceiling drapes just behind the driver and co-pilot seats. That way the dash vents and system keeps us comfy. I’m not sure many motorhome people run their furnace while driving....seems to me the wind might blow out the furnace flame......but maybe not.

[RJJ]

I run my furnace while traveling in the cold. Depending on outside temps, it can get downright cold in the back. Once set up at our site we switch to electric heaters.

[gmann32]

I always run my furnace from the time I leave Michigan til I get to Florida !

[cjd10]

If the weather is cold enough I run my propane heater while driving. Never had an issue

[CoMaddMax]

X2

[arter368rlbhk]

Seems a lot of people do this. I have been gun shy to try it, bc one time when I left a campground on the way to Florida. I forgot and left the furnace on and when we stopped a couple hrs later for breakfast, I noticed black soot in about a 2x2 area by the vent. Luckily I was able to wipe it off, but Always been afraid to try it purposely since. Anyone else experience this?

[5picker]

Originally Posted by tga1947

we live in Ohio and going to Florida for the first time for three months in our Class A. do you know the best route to take to avoid mountains?
Email me at tga1947@att.net

tga1947... welcome to the forum... your 1st post.

I'll suggest you start a new topic in the proper section about your question.

This thread is about operating furnaces and no one is going to notice your question about travel routes unless they happen to stumble onto this thread.

If you are unsure about how to post a new topic, read the FAQ section (frequently asked questions) at the top of the page. (or the beginning sections if using an app)

[Schvarak]

Originally Posted by tga1947

we live in Ohio and going to Florida for the first time for three months in our Class A. do you know the best route to take to avoid mountains?
Email me at tga1947@att.net

Thru Atlanta

[wahoonc]

Depends on how cold it is... low 40's and I can keep the main part of the camper in the low 70's with the dash heat.

We did a run in the low 20's and ran the LP furnace to keep the folks in the back warm. When I had my Airstream I left the furnace on when traveling in the winter so I had a place to take a nap in warmth.

Occasionally you may have a furnace that may blow out, if that is the case a small wind guard over the flame may be necessary. I haven't ever had that problem, but have heard a few that have.

Aaron

[chrisbailey13]

I do it all the time...I run the chassis heat and the rear furnace and it keeps the entire coach warm. My wife often sits at the Dinette while going down the road, and the chassis heat just isn't enough. Never had a problem.

[Murbella7]

In Australia, it is illegal (and dangerous) to gun any gas appliance while on the move. The gas must be turned off at the source (cylinder). If you are unfortunate enough to have an accident or other mishap with the propane turned on, even if no appliance is operating, then usually the end result is a BIG BOOM and lots of flames.

[jtstromsburg]

Originally Posted by Murbella7

In Australia, it is illegal (and dangerous) to gun any gas appliance while on the move. The gas must be turned off at the source (cylinder). If you are unfortunate enough to have an accident or other mishap with the propane turned on, even if no appliance is operating, then usually the end result is a BIG BOOM and lots of flames.

Hmm. Two Years ago we had an accident and rolled our fifth wheel. Both propane tanks were turned on at the time, as well as the fridge was running. No problems to be had. As soon as the tow truck was able to roll it back over upright, I did open the hatches and turn the tanks off just to be safe. Guess we were lucky

[arter368rlbhk]

I wouldn’t try to gun a gas appliance while I was parked....🤷*♂️

Only kidding, I’m sure you meant run

[Murbella7]

Originally Posted by arter368rlbhk

I wouldn’t try to gun a gas appliance while I was parked....🤷*♂️

Only kidding, I’m sure you meant run

Oops, correct, the word should be 'run' We don't use guns in Oz, well at least not for general use.

[Jakieboy]

Running your propane furnace while travelling a long distance sounds like a bad idea to me. You will be stopping for fuel on a regular basis, and the open flame of your operating propane furnace could spark a fire or explosion at a fueling station, even if your rig is a diesel. There are often folks who pump gasoline without paying attention to overflows. In some parts of the country, I've even seen folks who light up and smoke while pumping gas!!


Suggest you turn up the heat setting on your vehicle's built in heater, keep all windows and vents closed, and fire up the furnace when you reach your destination or a rest stop.

[cariboo camper]

Never! Actually against the law in some places. Just ask a fireman or first responder, as my first responder friend said,'' in an accident situation it is one of the first things they look for" and for a reason. Propane gas sinks to the lowest point and stays there unlike natural gas which dissipates into the atmosphere. There have been many documented cases of RVs burning up from running furnaces while travelling, just google it. Not worth it in my opinion!

[Jakieboy]

Originally Posted by cariboo camper

Never! Actually against the law in some places. Just ask a fireman or first responder, as my first responder friend said,'' in an accident situation it is one of the first things they look for" and for a reason. Propane gas sinks to the lowest point and stays there unlike natural gas which dissipates into the atmosphere. There have been many documented cases of RVs burning up from running furnaces while travelling, just google it. Not worth it in my opinion!

Amen, cariboo camper. That is precisely why RV's are equipped with Propane detectors. The gas is more dense than air, will sink to the floor, and then just lurk there until it finds a spark.