Need Some Advice

Route 66 Traveler · 01-30-2017, 01:24 PM

We picked up a new 265 RLDS last Wednesday. The night temps here have been in the high 20’s. The interior of the trailer has never gotten above 55 degrees with the furnace running constantly. The propane bottles are needing a refill almost daily. The bedroom does get warm, but there is very little warm air reaching the living room and the temp there this morning was 46 degrees. Air flow from the living room is very low. The unit has the Arctic Package, the furnace is 30k BTU. This is my fourth RV and I have never had such a problem with my other RV’s. Any suggestions?

**Mr. Dan** · 01-30-2017, 01:29 PM

Someone here just a few days ago suggested that a member with a similar problem take off the return air grate which covers the furnace and check for duct work out of place/just plain off.

Route 66 Traveler · 01-30-2017, 01:38 PM

Thanks Dan. I did remove the return air panel, but the duct isn't accessible from there. I then removed the two panels behind the toilet and then I could see the duct on the air outlet. It was tight and I could not feel any air leaks with the furnace running. I did see a whole lot of dirt, zip tie ends, sawdust and other junk I cleaned out before reinstalling the panels. I also discovered the water heater has bypass valves for winterizing, but they obviously aren't easily accessible and no mention of them is made in the Owner's Manual.

**Mr. Dan** · 01-30-2017, 02:18 PM

You may have crushed ducts. You might remove floor vents and put a camera or mirror in there to check. I had to drop one edge of my plastic cardboard undercover to check mine on another trailer.

Route 66 Traveler · 01-30-2017, 03:36 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mr. Dan

You may have crushed ducts.

That's what the service advisor mentioned after we spent the first night in the RV. The RV is only 5 days old and I am not too thrilled about having them have to tear into my new, expensive trailer. The SA said they would have to take down the under-belly cover and probably have to drop the holding tanks to access the ducts. How many other problems will that create when they put it all back together?? So much for factory QC!

What should be the temperature coming out of the ducts from the furnace? I put a digital laser heat sensor on the bedroom register and it measured 82.4 degrees. The exhaust on the side of the trailer is a lot hotter than that, so I am not sure how hot the blowing air should normally be.

5picker · 01-30-2017, 04:06 PM

It's not uncommon for the workers on the assembly line to have crushed a duct. (or more than one) There have been many reports here. They don't look for that kind of stuff as it is hurling down the assembly line.

You can either have the service department look at it or live with it.

You might supplement the living area with an electric heater. Many do, either with the built in fireplace or a stand alone electric heater.

ktvaughan · 01-30-2017, 04:12 PM

I think you need to get this fixed on Warranty or you'll be mad later.
Maybe put up with it this Spring/Summer and schedule the fix in the Fall?
Dropping stuff is just screws.

lbrjet · 01-30-2017, 05:17 PM

Take it in and get it fixed. Something is very wrong, but you already know that if this is your fourth trailer.

2010 F250 5.4L 3.73
2011 Flagstaff 831FKBSS
Equal-i-zer 4pt 12K

alsdas88 · 01-30-2017, 05:27 PM

My 2 year old 340RK is being used as a 3/4 full time rig during the week and is living in the same temps you are experiencing. While I do not know the output of my heater, I can say for sure that my 5'r will heat up from my 55 degree setting (day time) to my sleeping temp of 65 deg in less than 20 minutes and my 5'r does not have the "arctic" package. The heater will also maintain (+/-) 65 deg all night even when the outside temps drop to 15-20 deg.

Take your new unit in for repairs because something is not right. Hopefully when they get everything opened up, they will find other "hidden" defects they can address at the same time.

Route 66 Traveler · 01-30-2017, 05:43 PM

Thanks guys...appreciate the comments. I am well aware of new RV problems. In 2001 I bought a new Tiffin Allegro Class A motorhome. The first time I washed it I notice dinner plate sized bubbles on the roof. After much hassle with Tiffin, they agreed to replace the roof. It was in the shop for almost 5 months. It came out with a new roof and a whole set of new problems associated with removing and replacing the roof.

I have been reading this Forum for quite some time prior to purchasing my trailer. I foolishly thought that the one I bought would be perfect. Not so, and now I am having feelings of regret. I have been without an RV for the past 6 years and have been a Holiday Inn "camper" on trips across country. The urge to buy another RV got the best of me, but there is something to be said for maid service and free breakfast in the morning! Woe is me...

Route 66 Traveler · 02-03-2017, 08:11 PM

*Update* The trailer was dropped off at the dealer in Las Vegas this morning. I have no idea of how long it will take to repair it. When it's ready the dealer is paying for a 2 night stay at a local RV park to make sure it's repaired. Got my fingers crossed.

HONDAMAN174 · 02-03-2017, 08:57 PM

I'm hoping it's Johnny walker rv.

Route 66 Traveler · 02-04-2017, 08:57 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by HONDAMAN174

I'm hoping it's Johnny walker rv.

JW doesn't sell Surveyors in LV.

HONDAMAN174 · 02-05-2017, 11:42 AM

Darn. I'm happy with the service they give me so hoping they would solve and get you on your way.

Bako88fan · 02-06-2017, 12:23 PM

Did you say you're refilling propane daily? That could be an indication there. I'd be interested to see what the issues are.

I was just out dry camping in the Mojave desert. Nights were low 20s. I ran the heater all night and part of the day for three days straight. I have two 10 gallon propane tanks. Running the heater, fridge and cooking we only used 3 gallons of propane.

Route 66 Traveler · 02-07-2017, 01:51 PM

The tanks were supposed to have been filled at the dealer before delivery, so I am unsure if they were really topped off or not. In two days & nights of running the furnace it went through 1 3/4 tanks of propane. The furnace itself seemed to be running normally, just no heat reaching the rear living room. The service advisor said the ducts were probably damaged at the factory when they installed the water and holding tanks. Not impressed with FR Quality Control at the factory!

DanoHB · 02-07-2017, 03:57 PM

You may want to look at space heaters. Get a ceramic one. I have one from Costco and it works great. It's electric, so no wasting propane either if hooked up.

Route 66 Traveler · 02-07-2017, 05:26 PM

I appreciate your comment, but I didn't pay 30 Grand for an RV that doesn't work properly. I have owned two other TT's, plus a Class A, and they all had furnaces that were more than adequate. This TT has the Artic Package... didn't know that meant is was freezing on the inside......

DanoHB · 02-07-2017, 05:30 PM

I totally understand that. Good luck. I would definitely make sure they fix it.

keith52 · 02-07-2017, 05:52 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Route 66 Traveler

I appreciate your comment, but I didn't pay 30 Grand for an RV that doesn't work properly. I have owned two other TT's, plus a Class A, and they all had furnaces that were more than adequate. This TT has the Artic Package... didn't know that meant is was freezing on the inside......

Can you share with me what the Artic Package consists of?

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