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RiskIt · 10-05-2004, 10:07 AM

I am trying to replace my Suburban NT22 A, furnace and wanted to know what unit to buy. I'd like to keep as much of the duct work if possible that is already there, so I would like something to "drop in/slide in" it place. I have a 72 TradeWind, Landyacht with the double bed layout if that helps.... thanks a bunch.

Lee Pace · 10-05-2004, 12:56 PM

Just curious. Why are you replacing it?

Don Pace
69 Overlander
WBCCI 7287

RiskIt · 10-05-2004, 01:12 PM

[QUOTE=Don Pace]Just curious. Why are you replacing it?

The PO had it just sitting in the back of the trailer. It looks pretty rough, I've redone almost everything else and I figure I'd just suck up the cost and know it'll last. I've downloaded a service manual but haven't looked it over.

thenewkid64 · 10-05-2004, 02:31 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by RiskIt

I am trying to replace my Suburban NT22 A, furnace and wanted to know what unit to buy. I'd like to keep as much of the duct work if possible that is already there, so I would like something to "drop in/slide in" it place.

The NT22A is still a valid model made by Suburban. Look at www.rvcatalog.com for pricing. They seem to have the best prices going on most stuff.

This would slide/drop in and not require any real modification. The gas line hookup will be the hardest part.

Lee Pace · 10-05-2004, 02:45 PM

Brett,

You are truly a fountain of knowledge. I am looking for the thermostat that goes on the unit itself. I will check this place out.

Thanks,

Don Pace
69 Overlander

mcneon · 10-05-2004, 10:05 PM

One thing to keep in mind when you're replacing an older furnace (at least a Suburban, don't know about others) is old vs. new furnace rating methods. Early RV furnaces were rated by output, while modern ones are rated by input.

Consider two furnaces rated 24,000 btus, one from the '70s and one new. The old Suburban 24 puts out 24,000 btus of usable heat while consuming about 30,000 btus worth of propane. (The waste heat goes out the flue.) The modern 24,000-btu-rated equivalent uses 24,000 btu worth of propane, but produces 76% of that in usable heat, or 18,240 btu. Check your old furnace's data plate and the specs for new furnaces and you'll see what I mean.

I don't know when the change in rating systems was done or why. I guess if you're trying to calculate propane usage rates, the input figure is more useful. If you're not aware of it, though, you could be in for a chilly surprise!

Bob McKeown

RiskIt · 10-06-2004, 07:35 AM

I don't see the "22" listed anywhere, or at any other site. I do see a listing for a "24"...? I have no problem getting a bigger or newer version but just wanna keep it as close as possible to the old layout. And even that only because of the duct work going through my back closet door and off the kitchen sink. I also don't understand what the letters after the model number mean. Mine has an "A" new ones have a "SP" after the size. Also when I look at a pic. of them they have "round" ex. holes, where mine now uses rectangle duct work. Can you all tell I really don't know much about the furnace???????
Thanks for any help

mcneon · 10-06-2004, 07:42 AM

If you look at that website that thenewkid64 mentioned, you'll find that all of the Suburban furnaces from 12,000 to 40,000 btu are the same physical size. They change gas jets and, I'm sure, heat exchangers and blowers, but otherwise one size fits all! Whichever replacement you choose, you'll probably have some amount of duct rework to do.

Bob

RiskIt · 10-06-2004, 08:48 AM

Good point, didn't look at that. Any idea what the last letters mean? I would think something about how they light or something like that. I'm gonna email them and see what they say.

RiskIt · 10-06-2004, 08:59 AM

Just got off the phone with Suburban.... Informed that the NT22SP is the one to use. The older 22 is @ 15x15" and the new 24 is @ 12.5x12.5 and I'll need to raise it up but the duct work will line up as well as the exit from the trailer. Told that if thermo works it will work with new unit. Ordering it today and will let you know how I make out.....

Keyholeren · 10-15-2004, 03:39 PM

I'll be anxious to see how this works out. I have a 69 Safari and I believe I have the same furnace in need of replacement. Mine is a NT22A. It appears to be a downflow in front where it connects to the floor ducts. Good luck.

mcneon · 10-15-2004, 09:53 PM

If anyone needs a Suburban NT-24SP furnace, I have one with very low hours for a very reasonable price. PM me for details.

Bob McKeown

RiskIt · 10-16-2004, 01:43 AM

It's do in this week. I'll let ya know how it works out. I pd something like $450.00 I also bought a toilet and some Thetford stuff so not sure. I do know that I think I'm spending about 5-600$ a week on this thing. Don't get me wrong I'm going alittle crazy, but redoing an older trailer is VERY expensive. I guess thats why a new one is 40grand.
night.

53flyingcloud · 10-16-2004, 01:50 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by RiskIt

It's do in this week. I'll let ya know how it works out. I pd something like $450.00 I also bought a toilet and some Thetford stuff so not sure. I do know that I think I'm spending about 5-600$ a week on this thing. Don't get me wrong I'm going alittle crazy, but redoing an older trailer is VERY expensive. I guess thats why a new one is 40grand.
night.

RiskIt,
Don't forget, you're doing all this yourself...
(Try factoring in a decent wage for the work you're doing for free...

)
And, yes, it then makes sense..
Good luck on your project~
ciao
53FC