FURNACE CHECKUP
One LP gas appliance that gets overlooked during warm-weather camping trips is the RV furnace. Most of the service requirements for the furnace need to be accomplished by a reputable RV service center, but there are a few things we, as owners can do to prepare the RV furnace for cold-weather operation.
Inspect the furnace ducting above floor level for any damage, like crushed ducting. Repair or replace any damaged ducts prior to using the furnace. Inspect all furnace vents for obstructions that could affect the operation of the furnace. Keep the furnace vents clean. Make sure the furnace air return is not blocked or restricted. Test the operation of the furnace before you actually need it when you are camping.
INSPECT YOUR RV BATTERIES
Now it’s time to give the batteries a good once-over inspection. The RV battery plays an important role in the proper operation of the furnace. Keeping lead-acid batteries watered and fully charged will prevent lots of furnace-related problems. Wearing gloves and eye protection, check the electrolyte level in each cell and add distilled water as needed.
To add the proper amount of water, look closely in one of the battery cells and you will see plastic skirting extending down about one inch into the cell. This is the fill or vents well. You only fill a battery cell to 1/8 inch below the vent well in the cell. Overfilling battery cells can cause battery acid to overflow and cause corrosion.
Tip: Distilled water should only be added after the battery is fully charged unless the water level is already below the plates. The plates need to be covered at all times.
CHECK THE CHARGE
A discharged or partially-charged battery can interrupt your camping trip. Test the battery state-of-charge and charge any battery that is at or below an 80 percent charge. Use a digital voltmeter to measure the voltage for a quick picture of the batteries’ depth of discharge.
Tip: A 12-volt battery that is fully charged should read 12.7 volts. Readings less than 12.5 indicate the battery state of charge is below 80 percent and the battery needs to be charged. A fully charged 6-volt battery should read 6.37 volts. Readings below 6.25 indicate the battery state of charge is below 80 percent and the battery needs to be charged.
INSPECT ALL SAFETY DEVICES
Now that the batteries and furnace are ready to go, let’s turn our attention to the safety devices in the RV. Always remember carbon monoxide is deadly. It is called the silent killer because it is colorless, odorless, and tasteless. Test the CO detector, LP-gas leak detector, and smoke alarm for proper operation prior to using your RV. Instruct other campers on symptoms, and what to do if they are exposed to carbon monoxide, or if they hear the LP gas leak detector alarm. Make sure you have a fully charged fire extinguisher on hand and that you and other adults know how to use it.
PLAN FOR NON-USE
If you don’t plan to use your RV over the fall and winter months, winterize the plumbing system to prevent freezing, and prepare all of the other systems for short or long-term storage.
There are other checks you could make, but this is a good start to preparing your RV for some cold-weather camping.