How to use the furnace in a 1973 Airstream?

[Silver Threads]

I got the invoice out and I was wrong on the shipping and the furnace price, the furnace was $320.00 and the shipping was $25.00 through UPS. Our total was $345.00.

[Alwhisman]

The 73 had a manual pilot ignition didn't it? A square silver push above the pilot pull knob (gas)

Can you post a picture of the furnace with the cover off? I'm sure they didn't upgrade the furnace by the sound of things...

Al

[Dieselgrin]

I put a catalytic heater in mine. I don't need no stinkin' fan. Depending on where the rural camper is (how cold t gets) and how often you use it, there are other heat options.

[Moonstruck]

Please excuse the panic-stricken tone of the title. But I fear it just might be true!

I've just invested in a 1972, 23ft Safari Trade Wind. It's a very clean trailer but, taking nothing for granted, I started my research. I found this thread and I found it somewhat alarming. I do not want to import this trailer into the UK if it comes with ANY risk of death!

My question is, what would be a suitable, modern replacement for the factory furnace?

[cameront120]

Moonstruck, don't panic. From the various threads on this very topic, you'll see how other people have replace the furnace with a new version, the NT30. It seems to be a fairly straightforward procedure. However, I too have a 1972 Tradewind with the same furnace and it runs flawlessly with no issues. I can only assume that the previous owner had the problem addressed when the recall came out. You may have such a unit. Once it arrives, try it out with all the necessary safety precautions, such as the gas and co2 detectors, etc. operating. If there's a problem, remove it and replace it with a new unit. It shouldn't be a deal breaker!

[Moonstruck]

Thanks Cameron.

It was never a deal breaker. It's far too nice a trailer to pass up. I am concerned to keep things safe and simple. I have the NT30* in my 86 Sovereign and flicking the thermostat to ON is a lot less hassle than putting a lit match into a combustion chamber!

But, knowledge is everything. The instructions are very clear and I'll get a gas fitter to test it before deciding what to do.

Thanks again.

*NT 30?! All that heat! It would be a travelling sauna!

[RichHog]

Also have a 72 Tradewind twin beds 25' and the furnace doesn't fire. I'll be replacing with the NT30 myself when I can find one at a good price. I have a heat strip in the Carrier 5 AC unit but who knows when travel will be to locations without electric.

[pickerdd]

Originally Posted by Lumatic

I used a NT30. The process is pretty well explained in a thread by Pizza Chop. We both salvaged the NT20 base to use the ductwork. We both also had to raise the NT30 about an inch up and an inch over to line up the outside inlet/exhaust vents.

Sorry to bother, but does anyone happen to have a link to the thread mentioned above on installing a new Suburban furnace? I just purchased one from Palomino RV to replace the furnace in our '71 Safari.

Thanks!

[azflycaster]

Take a look at post #22 in this thread
furnace starts and stops

[pickerdd]

Thanks!