HELP!! Have to replace my furnace!

['70verlander]

I recently had my furnace tested in my "new" '70 overlander by the local airstream servicer, and apparently it doesn't work. They told me that to get it replace would be about $700 in materials and $400 in labor (because parts are no longer available and installing a new unit would require re-ducting at the unit). Does this sound right? It sure seems expensive to me.

Does anyone have any less expensive alternatives? I need to have the ability to camp on propane with no shore power, so it is imperative that I fix or replace the furnace in some fashion.

I would sure appreciate any guidance anyone might have. Thanks.

[Poprivet]

Check out the catalytic heaters - Camping world has a good selection. They use no electricity and produce a lot of heat. There was a time when Airstream had them as a option.

[bryanl]

You can get a new furnace for under $400 if you really look and it takes maybe an hour or so of labor to replace, depending upon how squeezed into its cabinet it is.

A lot of times, though, the only problem is a bad motor. That runs a bit under $150 for the part.

Catalytic heaters are good supplements but I think it is still a good idea to have an operable furnace to use when sleeping or as an air circulation with heat capability.

[ticki2]

I replaced mine ( '76 ) with a Suburban from Camping World , no modifications . It ran around $500 . Figure a couple of hours if it's your first time , it's not hard , just some learning time as you go . Good luck

[n2916s]

Are you using Walt's RV in Ocala? If not you should check with him because I think your estimate is way high, especially for the labor.

The replacement furnace should run around 500 +/- and should't take but a couple of hours for the replacement. $400 for labor sounds a bit much...

mike

[dwightdi]

RV tech labor cost vary some in different areas of the country ($50 - 85/ hr). Putting in a new furnace should be a three hour job. Most Suburban furnaces only require one gas connection, one electrical jack interchange and about six screws to interchange new guts on an old outer box.

[Gkiesel]

70 overlander. Did they say why it doesn't work? I had a problem with the suburban in my argosy that drove me nuts. The fan would run,but the burner would not light. It was very simply really. Make sure your battery is fresh and carries a full charge.Make sure you don't have too mant lights on drawing current. Apparently if the blower motor does not spin fast enough, the sail switch is not activated and does not allow the burner to light. This is saftey feature designed into the furnace. My own trailer has this same problem even with a full battery. If I light the furnace, everything runs great. But if I turn on too many lights, you can hear the blower go slower with each light, the flame will go out and it will blow cold air. Start to turn off lights one by one, and the burner will light again. The Catalytic is a good idea,it is more energy efficient, if you don't need the ducted heat. Sorry for the long post, but, those old furnaces are pretty bullet proof, unlike the electronic gizmos of today. Good Luck.

[Danetree]

wheres a good place to get a replacement furnace. for a 72 Trade Wind.

[Fyrzowt]

My last trailer had a catalytic heater. We never used the central heat and we camped in some pretty cold nights. The up-side is there is no fan to use your battery up, low propane use. Even if you replace or repair your "main" heater, IMO they are worth installing. That is my next project on my "new" '72.

[Frank S]

Hi Fyrzowt--My Suburban furnace works OK, but I am also considering a catalytic heater on my "old" '73 (have had it 18-years). I have looked at 10,000btu Wave heaters for RV's at $500 and also at 10,000btu Pro Com Blue Flame heaters which look about the same, for $150. Both have oxygen depletion sensors. The Pro Com heaters are listed as "ideal for bedrooms", but "not for RV use". Anybody know why?--Frank S

[Fyrzowt]

Check out the Olympian line of heaters, comes in about 3 different BTU ranges.

[Frank S]

Hi Fyrzowt--The Wave catalytic heaters are made by Olympian, and I have been considering the Wave 10 which is the largest, at 10,000btu.--Frank S

[richie rich]

even the best propane heater can overcome a person at sleep! one night I awoke just in time to open a roof vent. had I not,this message would be posted from the beyond.paranoia strikes deep.I use electric heat.

[richie rich]

pardon my vaneness for brag i must. recently aquired a 1972 3/4 ton suburban to finely match the 1964 safari.pleased is simply not the word.when i look at the combo i just cant beleive it.the 72 was for sale for quite a while but no one was interested except myself.well preserved in florida with the usually related old vehicle malodies but minor and totally tolerable and restorable.fine running condition 350 w/ barn doors. dubed blue benny.royal blue w/ white top.

[richie rich]

post script-when things like finding the 1972 burb and the 1964 safari happen i realize just how nuts i am about the whole airstream trip.others get off on it too.my wife tells guys at work and is confounded by their interest in these relics.it amuses me how some see it all so clearly and others not.what a trip.

[Lumatic]

I went through the 70's furnace thing a couple months ago. Against a lot of advice that it was not worth fixing I was not quite willing to give up on it. The bottom line is it's not worth fixing, even if you can find someone who will work on which I was not able to. Do a search there's a lot of good stuff in the forums.

The catalytics need a window crack open so you don't croak yourself.

One option that looked neat was a propane marine fireplace from Dickerson Marine but I couldn't find one.

[StingrayL82]

Originally Posted by richie rich

pardon my vaneness for brag i must. recently aquired a 1972 3/4 ton suburban to finely match the 1964 safari.pleased is simply not the word.when i look at the combo i just cant beleive it.the 72 was for sale for quite a while but no one was interested except myself.well preserved in florida with the usually related old vehicle malodies but minor and totally tolerable and restorable.fine running condition 350 w/ barn doors. dubed blue benny.royal blue w/ white top.

My 72 Burb had the 402 w/ tailgate/liftgate, front and rear A/C, three bench seats with Avocado Highlander cloth, auxilliary mid-seat heater, white top spruce green middle and white rockers

Frederic