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01-17-2025, 11:51 PM
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#1
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1 Rivet Member 
2022 19' Caravel
Fort Collins
, Colorado
Join Date: Jun 2023
Posts: 18
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Furnace shuts off after a few seconds
First night in our 2022 Caravel and the furnace was running, then cut off as it felt like we reached the temp we wanted. Started getting cold so I bumped up the temp. Now it runs a few seconds then cuts right off. Inside temp shows 58. Poor Shih Tzu is gonna die first night out.
The stove is working so I’m guessing we have gas. Voltage shows 12.6, we’re not on shore power. Any help greatly appreciated….
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01-18-2025, 06:01 AM
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#2
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19’ Bambi Flying Cloud
2017 19' Flying Cloud
Airstream Coach - Other
Husqvarnia
, Husqvarnia
Join Date: Feb 2024
Posts: 783
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Quote:
Originally Posted by mcjohn
First night in our 2022 Caravel and the furnace was running, then cut off as it felt like we reached the temp we wanted. Started getting cold so I bumped up the temp. Now it runs a few seconds then cuts right off. Inside temp shows 58. Poor Shih Tzu is gonna die first night out.
The stove is working so I’m guessing we have gas. Voltage shows 12.6, we’re not on shore power. Any help greatly appreciated….
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There are several possibilities, but the “sail switch” is what I would check first. It could just be dirty, or may be defective/damaged.
__________________
2017 Bambi 19 Flying Cloud
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01-18-2025, 06:04 AM
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#3
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19’ Bambi Flying Cloud
2017 19' Flying Cloud
Airstream Coach - Other
Husqvarnia
, Husqvarnia
Join Date: Feb 2024
Posts: 783
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This thread has some info and photos of the sail switch:
https://www.airforums.com/forums/f42...30-256704.html
__________________
2017 Bambi 19 Flying Cloud
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01-18-2025, 07:36 AM
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#4
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2 Rivet Member 
2021 19' Bambi
Latham
, New York
Join Date: Apr 2021
Posts: 72
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Brand new trailer? So guessing its not the sail switch but could be a gas supply issue as it is trying to start but shuts down when it doesn't start. Here's what happened to me -
The stove and hot water were working fine so started tracing the propane supply line to the furnace and found the propane hose hooking up to the furnace had gotten kinked. un-kinked it and supported it with bungees so it wouldn't kink again and the furnace has been running fine for a few years. (I may have started the kink when I had to get at the water pump which is near the furnace).
Another gas supply issue I've dealt with is the propane metering valve. Twice on our '21 Bambi I noticed the hot water temp was going down from the set point. The instant hot water was firing up but not maintaining the set temperature. Stove was working. Another round of headaches and found that tweaking the tiny orifice valve at the gas hookup fixed it but happened again a couple years later. Could be dirt creating a a clog but how do you clean it? Will buy a replacement valve/hose setup and keep it on hand for the next time it happens.
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01-18-2025, 10:04 AM
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#5
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Half a Rivet Short
2017 30' Classic
2022 Interstate 24X
Carlisle
, Pennsylvania
Join Date: May 2017
Posts: 16,726
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Hi
This is a 2022 trailer. If it's your first time out, I'd *guess* you are not the first owner. If you are and it's been on a lot somewhere for several years ... hmmm ....
You never quite know what somebody might have done while they owned a trailer. You also never quite know who may have worked on it. That "past history" can be very useful working out something like this.
I'd check for some sort of "critter nest" in the vent pipe ....
Bob
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01-18-2025, 10:49 AM
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#6
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2 Rivet Member 
2020 20' Caravel
Pinehurst
, North Carolina
Join Date: May 2020
Posts: 41
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Furnace issued
Unfortunately I find the sail switch to be incredibly sensitive to contaminants (long hair in particular). I have similar problems with the furnace and removal and cleaning of the switch restored proper operation.
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01-18-2025, 10:58 AM
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#7
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3 Rivet Member 
2021 16' Caravel
Fullerton
, California
Join Date: Dec 2020
Posts: 128
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Quote:
Originally Posted by mcjohn
The stove is working so I’m guessing we have gas. Voltage shows 12.6, we’re not on shore power. Any help greatly appreciated….
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Our 2021 Caravel 16 experienced the same thing during a winter trip two years ago, fortunately during a break in a big storm. Worked fine on a two week trip until the last night.
1. Make sure BOTH propane tanks have gas, well at least the one you’re actually using.
2. Pull the sail switch (easy to remove, two screws). Gently wipe off any lint and dust, put back in and try again (I did this 3 times, still didn’t work, but it’s very necessary).
3. Pull it again and spray the contact switch with contact cleaner, or WD40, or silicone. You need to carry lubes with you, for lots of reasons. Reinstall and try it again. This worked for me (used silicone at the time, best option I had that night), and it has continued to work since without a hitch.
4. I now carry two spare sail switches just in case, purchased from Amazon. It will be faster to install a new clean switch when it’s cold and raining/snowing than performing maintenance on a dirty switch.
Hope this helps.
Bob
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01-18-2025, 12:55 PM
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#8
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Rivet Master 
2006 25' Safari FB SE
Spokane
, Washington
Join Date: Sep 2009
Posts: 2,007
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mcjohn, I would like to add my vote for the sail switch and offer up an explanation. First of all, a new trailer will likely not have a sail switch that would go "bad" so early. The switch itself is most likely working as designed. The switch is connected to an arm that is a light strip of metal. It is flimsy by design and sits in the air flow path. When you turn on the furnace the fan comes on and the sail switch, sitting in the path of airflow will move up, activate the switch so that the gas will ignite. If the sail part gets contaminated by lint, dirt, hair or anything else it is too heavy to move far enough to activate anything. No switch, no propane and it all shuts down. Now, one more thing. If you are going to spray the connection make sure you don't spray the sail part of the switch. It has to be kept clean so stuff won't stick to it.
I am jealous when I read accessing your sail switch is easy. On my older 2006 25FB I think you have to take the furnace out to get to the switch. I have looked for mine to no avail.
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01-18-2025, 12:59 PM
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#9
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Rivet Master 
2006 25' Safari FB SE
Spokane
, Washington
Join Date: Sep 2009
Posts: 2,007
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Forgot. I have a 2006 unit we purchased in 2009 and have used it a lot. Never had trouble with my sail switch. My furnace wouldn't start up one time and acted like it was a sail switch issue. I took it in and they found that some wires had come loose. They checked everything, tightened everything up and I haven't had any trouble since. We do keep our trailer clean though and don't have any pets.
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01-18-2025, 01:24 PM
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#10
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2 Rivet Member 
1991 34' Limited
Tucson
, Arizona
Join Date: Nov 2014
Posts: 85
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Limit Switch.
Air blows properly for up to 30 seconds. Sail switch is okay in that case.
Unit checks the limit switch to see if it’s closed before turning on the gas. If it’s open, I.e. bad, the unit shuts down.
Likely the previous heating session caused the switch to open after reaching the proper temp and then it didn’t close properly.
I’ve had this happen 3 times, twice on an SOB and on my Airstream. I carry an extra just in case.
BTW - if you can short the leads to the limit switch and the unit works properly then you’ll know the problem. However, it’s not safe to leave it that way. Could overheat and cause a fire.
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01-18-2025, 01:26 PM
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#11
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1 Rivet Member 
2015 23' FB Flying Cloud
Sioux Falls
, South Dakota
Join Date: May 2017
Posts: 8
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Quote:
Originally Posted by mcjohn
First night in our 2022 Caravel and the furnace was running, then cut off as it felt like we reached the temp we wanted. Started getting cold so I bumped up the temp. Now it runs a few seconds then cuts right off. Inside temp shows 58. Poor Shih Tzu is gonna die first night out.
The stove is working so I’m guessing we have gas. Voltage shows 12.6, we’re not on shore power. Any help greatly appreciated….
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Hi there. I had the same issue 2 weeks ago in Colorado where temps were down to 10°F mornings, now 0°. I put my multimeter to use checking ignition circuit board, sail switch, limit switch, and all the connections plus propane presssure. I discovered something.
Condition: Fault light 1 flash in 3 secs = limit switch/air switch (aka sail switch).
I found 12vdc in all points required.. pins on board, sail switch, etc.
Most interesting is I found 12vdc on one side of limit switch not other. I should be closed unless temps have reached 190°F then it should be open.
I jumped the two blue wires to simulate closed limit switch... reset circuit breaker switch to restart ignition and BINGO we have Fire!
Bought the limit switch at local RV parts store and now life is toasty. Especially, since temp are down to -3°F now. Sail switch is not the only switch to check
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01-18-2025, 02:08 PM
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#12
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3 Rivet Member 
2023 19' Caravel
Queensbury
, New York
Join Date: Feb 2016
Posts: 186
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Quote:
Originally Posted by BikeCamper
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X2 …… sail switch …..not hard to replace
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01-18-2025, 05:02 PM
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#13
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1 Rivet Member 
2020 27' Globetrotter
FALL CITY
, Washington
Join Date: Dec 2021
Posts: 19
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I had a Bad sail switch on my new trailer
We had to have Dealer replace our Sail Switch after three weeks after delivery from the Mothership, so maybe “unlikely”, but it happens.
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01-19-2025, 08:18 AM
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#14
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Rivet Master 
2019 25' International
Washington
, Washington, D.C.
Join Date: Oct 2014
Posts: 1,320
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My sympathies - I just went through living with an unreliable furnace while on the road for three months. The first RV tech said it was a dusty circuit board. The second RV tech replaced the sail switch (which was not dirty). The third tech - an owner of a Trane / American Standard HVAC business in Little Rock, AK - is the one who zeroed in immediately on the problem - a defective limiter switch. What I discovered with these guys is they diagnose, one part at a time i.e. sail switch dusty? Oh - that was the problem. Replace sail switch and they leave. Circuit board dusty/dirty - 'do you have dogs (I do not)' - oh, that's the problem, dust it off and they leave. After the 3rd repair tech (HVAC guy) explained what the limiter switch does, I finally understood why the furnace sometimes worked and sometimes didn't. Here's my copy and paste from google of the function of a limiter switch in the furnace: "The limiter switch monitors the temperature and shuts down the burners if the furnace starts to overheat. A blower fan activates to cool the system down to a safe temperature. After the furnace is at a safe temperature again, the limit switch triggers the burners to repeat the process." A defective limiter switch, then, will sporadically work correctly. The HVAC guy did not have a limiter switch with him but said he could remove the old one so I would have heat that night but due to possibility of a fire, I said no and made do with my ceramic heater. He was back the next day early with a new switch. Furnace has worked flawlessly ever since.
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01-19-2025, 11:11 AM
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#15
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1 Rivet Member 
2022 19' Caravel
Fort Collins
, Colorado
Join Date: Jun 2023
Posts: 18
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it was the ground wire
Thanks for all the responses. Turns out my ground wire wasn’t connected very well. I pushed it on a little further and the furnace started working again. It’s been working since then!!! Whoop whoop. Gets cold fast in these campers when the temps are below freezing.
Few lessons learned. Check the ground first, could be that simple. You only need to remove the outer screws for the furnace cover on the 2022 Caravel at least, not the screws on the heat vent. The aluminum plate on the cover is not where the cover assembly separates from the Airstream. The cover assembly separates between the trim ring and the rubber gasket…..
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01-22-2025, 10:17 AM
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#16
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Al Denty
2023 30' Flying Cloud
Livingston
, Texas
Join Date: Sep 2020
Posts: 33
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Quote:
Originally Posted by mcjohn
Thanks for all the responses. Turns out my ground wire wasn’t connected very well.
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I'm glad to hear you got it fixed! That said, I strongly suggest that you still buy and carry a sail switch with you. My sail switch went out on my 2023 Flying Cloud while we were boondocking during a particularly cold week in Shenandoah National Park. It took me an entire day to find one and do a very long roundtrip drive to pick it up. The installation took mere minutes and we were finally warm again.
Now I always carry a sail switch, a furnace controller board, a water pump, and a macerator pump (our toilet won't work without it), along with my supply of rivets, fuses, lubes, etc...
Once a Boy Scout, always a Boy Scout (i.e., Be Prepared)!
__________________
2023 Airstream Flying Cloud 30FB Office
2024 GMC Sierra 2500HD Diesel Ultimate Edition
2022 Ram 2500 Limited Night Edition Diesel 4x4
2021 Airstream Basecamp 16x
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01-22-2025, 10:46 AM
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#17
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1 Rivet Member 
2023 27' Flying Cloud
Bedford
, VA
Join Date: Jul 2023
Posts: 12
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Had a similar issue and replaced the sail switch, didn’t help, replaced the thermostat board, didn’t help, finally replaced the board in the external a/c unit, problem fixed. Yes, the circuit goes from the thermostat to the a/c unit and then to the furnace.
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01-22-2025, 11:49 AM
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#18
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RVATOR
2018 28' International
2023 33' Classic
Dallas
, Texas
Join Date: Sep 2017
Posts: 32
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Quote:
Originally Posted by mcjohn
First night in our 2022 Caravel and the furnace was running, then cut off as it felt like we reached the temp we wanted. Started getting cold so I bumped up the temp. Now it runs a few seconds then cuts right off. Inside temp shows 58. Poor Shih Tzu is gonna die first night out.
The stove is working so I’m guessing we have gas. Voltage shows 12.6, we’re not on shore power. Any help greatly appreciated….
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What Alitude are you at? Had issues replaced sail switch . It was the regulator. Put an upgraded one on and all gas problems went away.
__________________
___________________________________
RVATOR
2018 AS International 28’ RB-Twin
2023 AS Classic 33’ FBQ
RV-7 (N23KT) VANSAIRFORCE.NET
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01-22-2025, 01:37 PM
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#19
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2 Rivet Member 
2019 27' Globetrotter
McKinney
, Texas
Join Date: Mar 2020
Posts: 28
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Furnaces shut off
Check the sail switch (U-Tube it) several years ago, AS installed a batch of electronic boards in trailers that went bad and had to be replaced. My 2018 had one and was replaced and just like that, problem was resolved.
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01-22-2025, 02:21 PM
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#20
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2 Rivet Member 
2017 30' International
Houston
, Texas
Join Date: Oct 2017
Posts: 28
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Sail switch bent or straight?
Having consistency operations issues, and pulled my switch. The sail has a bend approximately 30 degrees but the ones on amazon are straight. Will the straight one work, or should I try to bend the straight one to match?
IMG_0059.pdf
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