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Captbert → RV Repair Club: February 3, 2021I am somewhat new to RVing and have a question for the group. Just bought a 2004 Newmar Kountry Star, can you run the propane heater while driving down the road? Will the wind blow out the flame?
Randy & Linda B February 3, 2021
We had a 2006 Holiday Rambler Admiral that had no problem running the furnace going down the road if we needed it. But we generally were fine with the dash heater. Most of the time, we travelled with the propane off.
Randy & Linda B February 3, 2021
Check your owners manual. It might have guidance on your question. I’ve been camping for over 20 years and have heard both sides of this discussion.
John T February 3, 2021Cap, Ive owned all sorts of RV's over 49 years and "SOME" LP Gas forced air furnaces worked fine when driving "OTHERS" DID NOT........HOWEVER, I AM NOT A BELIEVER IN RUNNING THEM WHILE DRIVING, do as you please..........
John T Elect... moreCap, Ive owned all sorts of RV's over 49 years and "SOME" LP Gas forced air furnaces worked fine when driving "OTHERS" DID NOT........HOWEVER, I AM NOT A BELIEVER IN RUNNING THEM WHILE DRIVING, do as you please..........
John T Electrical Engineer and 49 year RV owner less
JudyandRogerFebruary 3, 2021
I personally don’t run the heater while pulling. I do leave the gas on for the fridge. Some places it may be illegal to have gas on while traveling . But I worry about have the furnace on while driving. Same for water heater.
Dan-n-Jo February 3, 2021Unknown, interesting question. We have never used it while traveling, the dash heater usually works fine. We do use the generator occasionally and once used a portable heater because of the cold (-8º). It worked quite well and we were able to secure it fo... moreUnknown, interesting question. We have never used it while traveling, the dash heater usually works fine. We do use the generator occasionally and once used a portable heater because of the cold (-8º). It worked quite well and we were able to secure it for security also. less
B and BFebruary 3, 2021Well, I never travel with the propane on so I've never used the furnace. However, if you have rooftop AC with a heat pump and the temperature is above 40 degrees, then run your generator while traveling and run your heat pump. The generator needs to be ... moreWell, I never travel with the propane on so I've never used the furnace. However, if you have rooftop AC with a heat pump and the temperature is above 40 degrees, then run your generator while traveling and run your heat pump. The generator needs to be exercised under load monthly so this is what I usually do. less
Pablo and Carmen F. February 3, 2021Yes you can, however, I will strongly advise you and all fellow RVers to never travel with the propane valve open. A tire blowout, an accident, or even normal vibration can cause a propane leak and unthinkable consequences. If you have a gasoline generat... moreYes you can, however, I will strongly advise you and all fellow RVers to never travel with the propane valve open. A tire blowout, an accident, or even normal vibration can cause a propane leak and unthinkable consequences. If you have a gasoline generator, use it instead to run your fridge and other appliances while on the road. For about $20-$40 you can buy a space heater and use it with your generator. Every time a see in the news a tragic RV fire and loss of lives, I wonder if propane leak was involved. less
BenjiFebruary 3, 2021That’s been the life long civil war of RVrs. Running propane while moving I’m on the side that says it’s not safe and wouldn’t do so. I’ve seen three RV fires all starting at the fridge because they were running it on propane while moving. There are sever... moreThat’s been the life long civil war of RVrs. Running propane while moving I’m on the side that says it’s not safe and wouldn’t do so. I’ve seen three RV fires all starting at the fridge because they were running it on propane while moving. There are several YouTube videos that back my decision. But you always hear “I’ve been doing it for 20 years and had no problem.” My answer is not if but when, I own a 3 way fridge in which I will install a dry powder heat sensing “head” in the fridge compartment soon less
Charles & Sharon February 3, 2021
I have used it many times while driiving down the road if it is very cold outside. No issues.
Michael Zike & Lynne BrooksFebruary 3, 2021
We never have the Propane turned on when we travel. If we're traveling and it's cold we use a portable ceramic heater and face it towards the front.
CaptbertFebruary 3, 2021
Thank you everyone for your replies! Very helpful, looks like I have to dig into the manual! My dash heating is not currently working, so deeper digging is required!
bob& donna macintyre February 4, 2021
In my opinion you should concentrate on getting the dash heater fixed. In the mean time dress like you live in Alaska and use the small space heater as suggested.
WeMustRV February 4, 2021SO we have been known to run our living room gas furnace when going down the road in cold conditions. The engine heater cannot heat the our Class A a4 40' long. We have installed recently a heavy drape behind the driver and passenger seats while traveli... moreSO we have been known to run our living room gas furnace when going down the road in cold conditions. The engine heater cannot heat the our Class A a4 40' long. We have installed recently a heavy drape behind the driver and passenger seats while traveling that then allows the front to stay warm. less
MartiLFebruary 4, 2021
I actually forgot to turn off the furnace when starting out. It was fine when I stopped for the night, but I was bummed I wasted the propane
Jim & Sharon HamFebruary 6, 2021
Be sure it is turned off when refueling.
Jim & Sharon HamFebruary 4, 2021Gas on or off while driving is one of the top places where RVers opinions differ widely. Gas off at tank is the only SAFE way for some, and some bridges and tunnels in the East require it. Some drive with the gas on all the time for frig and furnace. ... moreGas on or off while driving is one of the top places where RVers opinions differ widely. Gas off at tank is the only SAFE way for some, and some bridges and tunnels in the East require it. Some drive with the gas on all the time for frig and furnace. You need to remember this when you stop to refuel. less
TheClearyClan February 5, 2021When refueling your rig, turn off the gas appliances not just the propane. The appliances will be firing their ignitors trying to light the burners.
All my appliances are on the driver's side, along with the gas tank filler.
... moreWhen refueling your rig, turn off the gas appliances not just the propane. The appliances will be firing their ignitors trying to light the burners.
All my appliances are on the driver's side, along with the gas tank filler.
MartiLFebruary 6, 2021I've read all these comments and I guess I'm confused. My propane - I was told I didn't need to actually shut it off at the tank. (there is not a flame) I don't understand - does the furnace have a pilot? I've never had to light it. It just worked. ... moreI've read all these comments and I guess I'm confused. My propane - I was told I didn't need to actually shut it off at the tank. (there is not a flame) I don't understand - does the furnace have a pilot? I've never had to light it. It just worked. I know that this RV sat for a couple years before I bought it - I've come to figure that out because of the necessary repairs. Are you talking about running those fireplaces that "newer" RVs have?? less
TheClearyClan February 8, 2021@ MartiL, all my appliances, refrigerator, water heater and furnace, do not have pilots. The oven does, but we only light it when we plan on using the oven, otherwise the pilot is turned off. Those without pilots use an ignitor, a spark gap similar to... more@ MartiL, all my appliances, refrigerator, water heater and furnace, do not have pilots. The oven does, but we only light it when we plan on using the oven, otherwise the pilot is turned off. Those without pilots use an ignitor, a spark gap similar to a spark plug. If the appliance wants to run it will start firing the ignitor until the burner lights or it times out. You may hear the ignitor throwing sparks, it sounds like a click or snap.
MartiLFebruary 4, 2021
no one told me to actually turn it off at the tank. I actually asked this when mine was getting a repair at an rv place in TN - they said it didn't matter, most people just leave it on.
Serenity 2000 February 5, 2021I learned quickly that my refrigerator stayed cold for shorter trips and on six-hour trips all I needed was a frozen 2-liter bottle to keep things cool the whole way. We occasionally drive with the generator on, mostly for the air conditioner, but it also... moreI learned quickly that my refrigerator stayed cold for shorter trips and on six-hour trips all I needed was a frozen 2-liter bottle to keep things cool the whole way. We occasionally drive with the generator on, mostly for the air conditioner, but it also powers the frig. ALWAYS keep a refrigerator thermometer in your frig. But don't drive with the propane on. less
Bandit455February 11, 2021
I can run my QD7500 for 900 miles(2 days) and never see a noticeable
change in fuel consumption
Jim & Sharon HamFebruary 6, 2021To answer MartiL question, it is common for furnace and water heater to have a spark ignition that is controlled by switched 12 volts to the electronic internal board performing a specific start sequence. No standing pilot anymore. That is why The Clear... moreTo answer MartiL question, it is common for furnace and water heater to have a spark ignition that is controlled by switched 12 volts to the electronic internal board performing a specific start sequence. No standing pilot anymore. That is why The Cleary Clan said to turn off all appliances when refueling, to kill the spark ignitor sequence. Gas on or off at the tank is a personal decision each RVer must make determining convenience vs safety. Each person has different level of risk-tolerance. Driving with the generator on is common during the summer in very hot areas, especially in longer motorhomes where additional cooling is needed at the rear. Using the generator during the winter is for running high-amp/wattage heaters to keep warm, When running, the generator can also power the frig and electric water heater element at the same time. These are personal comfort choices like running a furnace or air conditioner in a sticks and bricks home...there is additional cost to operate. less
John T February 6, 2021" I don't understand - does the furnace have a pilot? I've never had to light it. "
Unless its an older model it uses electronic igniti on versus the old style pilot flame. Most DO NOT turn off LP at the tank when driving but its probably ... more" I don't understand - does the furnace have a pilot? I've never had to light it. "
Unless its an older model it uses electronic igniti on versus the old style pilot flame. Most DO NOT turn off LP at the tank when driving but its probably safer to do so........Most use LP Fridge when driving even if sure its safer not to do so......
John T Electrical Engineer and 49 year RV owner less
MartiLFebruary 6, 2021Got it! About a month after I purchased this, my friends were out camping, so I went and joined them. When I got there, the wanted to check out my new/used vehicle. He went around and turned on my propane, furnace, and hot water heater. I just called ... moreGot it! About a month after I purchased this, my friends were out camping, so I went and joined them. When I got there, the wanted to check out my new/used vehicle. He went around and turned on my propane, furnace, and hot water heater. I just called to check with them. He had all my hook-ups done by the time I got out of the vehicle. Needless to say, I didn't learn anything. Lol I'm guessing that is why I don't have a clue where to turn the furnace on or off. I do know how to turn the propane on/off and the water heater. less
MartiLFebruary 7, 2021
Jim & Sharon Haha to me. Yes, mine is turned off there too. I was just thinking, when they were saying "spark" ignition when filling gas tank that there was a shut-off on the outside! M Thank You!!
MartiLFebruary 8, 2021
The Cleary Clan I've used the stove and yes I turn a knob and then another that says spark. I've only used one of the burners. I've not tried the oven yet. I'm guessing it will light the same way
Jim & Sharon HamFebruary 8, 2021
Most RV ovens do not have spark ignition, but you have to hold in the oven knob and light a pilot light. After thermal couple heats up, turn knob farther to ignite oven.
Jim & Sharon HamFebruary 11, 2021
We should have added that you need to be flexible to light the oven pilot by crawling around on the floor and finding the pilot light location with a flashlight while holding the knob depressed and using your third hand holding a candle lighter!
MartiLFebruary 11, 2021Funny, Jim & Sharon Ham - I can only imagine. I probably won't even try until I use the oven more in the cooler temps. I usually find out things the hard way. If the stove lights, I figure the oven will light. Which I now isn't always the case. I've ... moreFunny, Jim & Sharon Ham - I can only imagine. I probably won't even try until I use the oven more in the cooler temps. I usually find out things the hard way. If the stove lights, I figure the oven will light. Which I now isn't always the case. I've owned a house for 31+ years, so I know. less
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