Furnace blower fan

[vwii]

We have a 2014 28 foot RBQ. A couple of nights ago the furnace stopped working. After popping open the cover, I found a bunch of plastic pieces (like popsicle sticks)... Long story short, the blower fan is breaking into pieces. Inasmuch as the trailer is parked for extended periods of time in the Phoenix heat, I can understand how the plastic deteriorated. Would some other factor play into the fan breaking apart? I did find that we can get a replacement, some folks have asked if they can get a metal one but apparently not. It's an Atwood/Dometic 8531. Fortunately we found a Walmart with a small ceramic space heater so we didn't have to run the very noisy and inefficient heat pump.Wouldn't mind replacing the furnace altogether but doesn't look like there's an easy swap. TIA for any insights.

[CBWELL]

Quite likely the fan came loose on the shaft and contacted the housing. An allen screw holds the fan onto the shaft. It is a couple of hours job to replace the fan, as the motor and combustion fan all have to come out. If you are handy and have tools it is not bad job.

[JJTX]

Space heater would probably use more power than the AC heat pump, speaking of inefficient. Never mind the fire hazards of those things.

Depending on the MFG and model some of those blowers are pretty accessible. I know on mine you can get to the blower from the outside and the whole thing disconnects and slides out the side. I would check a few videos it might not be as hard as you imagine. The most critical is getting the propane connection right and not over tighten it and use the proper thread sealant.

[CBWELL]

There is no reason to disconnect the propane as JJTX indicates. Everything is serviceable from the outside without removing the furnace. I have done this myself, without looking at video's! The control board must be removed, and then everything comes apart, but it is tight. Order the blower fan and have it before doing any removal Go to the Atwood site and get the part number, and often Amazon can supply it. The best information is from somebody that has done the repair!

[vwii]

Thanks everyone for your advice and counsel. I ordered a new fan from Amazon for $30 and change. Haven't decided whether to install it myself or have a tech do it when I take the trailer in for other service.

BTW the space heater pulls 10 amps at the 1,500 watt setting. The Dometic heat pump pulls 10-15.