Which replacement furnace for '72 Trade Wind?

[asmetana@kar]

I've been watching the forums for the last few months and finally picked up my 1972 Trade Wind. After reviewing the forums it looks like I should probably replace the furnace in my 'stream. It has the notorious NT-22 and even if it wasn't a cause for concern I'd want to replace it for an electronic ignition model.

With that said, I've been reviewing different furnaces and I'm wondering if there is anything on the market that lines up with the existing ducting and intake/exhaust? If not, does anyone have suggestions as to how best to handle the lack of alignment?

[PizzaChop]

Nothing will line up perfectly but a newer model will come close. I think that a Suburban NT-24 is what would be the closest replacement.

I have replaced the furnace twice, once in a '72 Overlander and also in the '73 Sovereign that I have now. I did have to build a small frame for it to sit on (it ducts down in front) and had to move it just slightly to the right (aft 3/4" from original mount position) to make the exhaust/intake line up).

Here are some pics of my furnace and I have others as well. (I am starting to forget exactly how I did it though, so hopefully the pics will be self-explanatory.) There's also a good thread on it and I posted some pics along with some other members.

[lewster]

Originally Posted by asmetana@kar

I've been watching the forums for the last few months and finally picked up my 1972 Trade Wind. After reviewing the forums it looks like I should probably replace the furnace in my 'stream. It has the notorious NT-22 and even if it wasn't a cause for concern I'd want to replace it for an electronic ignition model.

With that said, I've been reviewing different furnaces and I'm wondering if there is anything on the market that lines up with the existing ducting and intake/exhaust? If not, does anyone have suggestions as to how best to handle the lack of alignment?

One note of caution when choosing a replacement furnace. Each new furnace has a specific requirement for the area of the outlet ducts to guarantee a sufficient heated air flow. More is OK, less is a NO NO as insufficient heated air output will cause the furnace to short cycle and overheat.

Check the combined area of all of your furnace air outlets and be sure that they meet the minimum stated in the furnace installation manual. After that, it's just a matter of choice.

BTW, I find the Suburbans easier to service than the Atwood models.

[asmetana@kar]

Thanks for the recommendations and tips, Ron & Lew. Sounds like the NT-24 and a day of fabrication will be in order!

Aron