Where Is the Furnace Located in a Forest River RV

Locating the furnace in a Forest River RV is essential for maintenance, troubleshooting, and safe operation. This guide explains common furnace locations by model, how to access components, safety tips, and troubleshooting steps to help owners quickly find and service their furnace systems.

Forest River Model	Typical Furnace Location	Access Notes
Forest River Rockwood	Under Sofa/Closet Or Exterior Compartment	Often behind interior panel; exterior access panels common
Forest River Wildwood	Under Dinette Or Rear Storage Compartment	Check under dinette seating and exterior pass-through
Forest River Salem	Front Lower Compartment Or Interior Closet	Front belly or lower side panel access
Forest River Flagstaff	Under Sofa Or Exterior Service Door	Service panels usually labeled

How Furnace Location Varies By Forest River Model

Forest River places furnaces based on floorplans, weight distribution, and serviceability. In travel trailers and fifth-wheels, the furnace often sits along one side in the lower cabinet area. In Class A and C motorhomes the furnace may be in an exterior compartment or under a dinette.

Smaller models typically have the furnace in a compact interior compartment to conserve space. Larger coaches place the furnace in the underbelly or an exterior compartment for easier venting and maintenance.

Common Interior Locations

Interior placements are frequent when the furnace serves multiple living areas without extensive duct runs. Typical interior locations include under sofas, under dinette benches, inside closets, or behind cabinetry in the front lower bay.

When inside, the furnace often connects to a flue plate that vents through the floor or sidewall. Interior access panels may be unmarked; owners should look for removable panels with screws or spring clips.

Common Exterior Locations

Exterior locations simplify venting and service access. Exterior furnaces are usually located in a lower side compartment, often labeled with a service sticker or small access door. These are common on travel trailers with insulated underbodies or fifth-wheels with belly storage.

Exterior access benefits include easier troubleshooting, reduced interior noise, and simpler replacement. Exterior furnaces still require interior duct connections and return air pathways.

Identifying Your Furnace By Model Number

Finding the furnace model number often reveals its typical placement and requirements. The furnace label is usually on the unit’s casing and lists brand, model, serial number, and electrical/gas specs.

Common RV furnace manufacturers used by Forest River include Suburban, Dometic, and Atwood. A quick online search of the furnace model can provide manuals and diagrams showing exact mounting and venting instructions.

How To Safely Locate The Furnace

Start by consulting the owner’s manual or the Forest River model-specific guide. The manual commonly includes diagrams indicating furnace location and access points. If the manual is unavailable, inspect the lower side exterior for labeled doors and interior cabinets for service panels.

When probing interior panels, ensure the LP gas is turned off and electrical power is disconnected to avoid accidental ignition. Use a flashlight and wear gloves to protect from sharp edges.

Visual Cues And Sounds That Indicate Furnace Location

Visual cues include flue outlets, vent grills, and return air openings. A metal flue or small exhaust vent on the exterior sidewall often aligns with an interior cabinet containing the furnace.

Operational sounds help locate the furnace. The blower motor creates a steady hum when running; the burner ignition produces clicking or whooshing sounds during startup. Listening while a helper cycles the thermostat can pinpoint the unit.

Accessing The Furnace For Routine Maintenance

Routine maintenance includes cleaning the vent, checking the burner assembly, replacing the air filter, and inspecting the vent cap. Access methods vary: remove interior panels or open exterior service doors depending on installation.

Always follow the furnace manufacturer’s maintenance schedule. Replace filters annually or more often with heavy use; clean heat exchanger and burner assemblies at recommended intervals to maintain efficiency and safety.

Step-By-Step: Finding The Furnace In a Forest River Travel Trailer

Begin at the exterior: walk around the trailer scanning lower side panels for service doors or vents. Look for a stamped metal plate indicating “furnace” or manufacturer branding.

If no exterior access is found, search the interior under seating areas, in front lower cabinets, and inside closets. Remove access panels carefully and note fastener types for reassembly.

Step-By-Step: Finding The Furnace In A Fifth-Wheel Or Toy Hauler

In fifth-wheels the belly area and front lower storage are common furnace locations. Inspect the pass-through storage and lower belly access panels first. Many fifth-wheels also route furnace vents to the exterior near the rock guard.

Toy haulers may house furnaces behind interior cabinets or in dedicated exterior compartments to free interior space and simplify ducting for garage areas.

Step-By-Step: Finding The Furnace In Motorhomes

Class C motorhomes often place furnaces under dinette seats or in front lower bays. Class A units may locate furnaces in curbside lower compartments or under steps. Check service bay doors for labeled panels that conceal furnace access points.

Motorhomes have complex duct systems; follow duct routes from the furnace to identify distribution points and return air grilles for troubleshooting.

Typical Furnace Components And Where They Are Located

Key components include the burner assembly, heat exchanger, blower motor, gas valve, thermostat wiring, and exhaust flue. The burner and heat exchanger are inside the steel cabinet; the blower sits behind the heat exchanger connected to ductwork.

The gas valve and thermostat connections are often accessible through the service panel. The flue exits through the sidewall or floor; identifying the flue location on the exterior helps confirm the furnace position.

Venting Considerations And Exterior Fixtures

Furnaces require proper venting for combustion gases. Look for a small round or rectangular flue outlet on the sidewall, typically near the furnace access panel. Vent caps protect against rain and pests.

Ensure vents are clear of debris, snow, and close-fitting skirting. Blocked vents can cause carbon monoxide buildup and appliance failure. Never run the furnace with restricted ventilation.

Common Problems With Locating The Furnace

Some owners struggle with locating the furnace due to missing manuals, atypical floorplans, or aftermarket installations like moving a unit during a remodel. Another common issue is factory concealment behind cabinetry without exterior markings.

When the furnace has been replaced or serviced by a previous owner, documentation may not match the current installation. In such cases, visual inspection and following ductwork help determine location.

Troubleshooting Tips Once The Furnace Is Located

Start with obvious checks: ensure LP gas supply and breaker are on, thermostat batteries are fresh, and safety switches or RV slide-outs are in the correct position. Inspect the furnace filter and clear any debris from vents.

If the furnace won’t ignite, listen for the clicking ignition sequence and watch for the gas valve opening. If the blower runs but no heat is produced, the heat exchanger or gas valve may be faulty and require professional service.

When To Call A Professional

Call a certified RV technician for gas leaks, persistent ignition failures, damaged heat exchangers, or carbon monoxide concerns. Furnace removal, heat exchanger repairs, and gas line work should only be handled by professionals with proper certifications.

Routine maintenance that involves cleaning and filter replacement can be performed by owners, but annual inspections are recommended to ensure safe operation.

Preventive Measures And Safety Checks

Owners should install a working carbon monoxide detector and smoke alarm near living areas. Test detectors regularly and replace batteries as recommended. Visually inspect exhaust vent caps and flue routing before each camping season.

Keep combustible materials away from air vents and the furnace access panel. Periodically check for pest nests in vents and service openings that could block airflow.

Documentation And Parts Replacement

Keep the furnace manual and manufacturer contact information with other RV documents. If replacement parts are needed, use OEM specified parts to ensure compatibility and safety. Serial numbers on the furnace label are crucial for ordering correct components.

For discontinued models, salvage suppliers and RV forums can be valuable resources for locating compatible parts and repair advice.

Resources For Forest River Furnace Owners

Useful resources include the Forest River owner portal, furnace manufacturer websites (Suburban, Dometic, Atwood), and certified RV service centers. Online forums and owner groups often share model-specific location tips and visual guides.

Many furnace manuals are available as PDFs online; searching the furnace model number along with “manual” yields maintenance and installation instructions.

Key Takeaways For Quickly Locating A Forest River Furnace

• Check exterior lower side panels for service doors and vent caps first.
• Inspect under seating and in closets if no exterior access is visible.
• Identify furnace model by reading the unit label for manuals and diagrams.
• Follow ductwork and listen for blower sounds during operation to pinpoint the unit.
• Prioritize safety by turning off gas and power before opening panels and by using CO detectors.

FAQ

How To Tell If My Forest River RV Has An Interior Or Exterior Furnace

Exterior vents and service doors usually indicate an exterior-mounted furnace. If vents appear only inside under seats or cabinets, the furnace is likely interior-mounted. Checking the owner’s manual provides definitive placement.

Can The Furnace Be Relocated

Relocation is technically possible but complex due to venting, gas lines, and ductwork. It is not recommended unless performed by a licensed RV technician and may affect warranty and safety certifications.

How Often Should The Furnace Be Serviced

An annual professional inspection is recommended, with owner-performed cleaning and filter replacement more frequently depending on use. Heavy use in cold climates may require more frequent checks.

Where To Buy Replacement Parts

Purchase replacement parts from authorized dealers, manufacturer websites, RV parts suppliers, or reputable salvage sources. Use the furnace model and serial number to ensure compatibility.

Forest River furnace locations vary by model and floorplan, but methodical inspection, use of manuals, and attention to venting cues will help owners locate and maintain these critical systems safely.