How to Light Water Heater and Furnace In a RV

by Chris Weinkauf
(Lloydminster SK, Canada)

How do I light the pilot for the water heater and furnace on my 30 ft 1999 Fleetwood Terry Trailer?

ANSWER: Hi Chris based on the year of your RV both your Water Heater and Furnaceicon should have electric ignitions to start them, so there is no need to light a pilot light.

The first thing you need to do is make sure that the main propane valve for your RV is turned on. The main shutoff valve is usually located at the Propane Tanks.

To turn on your RV Furnace, you will use your RV's Thermostat. Make sure that the thermostat is set to heat and adjust it to the desired temperature and the furnace or furnaces should automatically kick on and off to maintain the proper temperature.

Good Sam Extended Service Plan is mechanical breakdown insurance for your RV, 5th Wheel, Trailer, and Tow Vehicle! FREE Quote

For the Water Heater the first thing you have to do is make sure that it has water in it and that it has not been bypassed when the RV was Winterized.

Somewhere in your RV possibly on the RV control panel you will find a switch to turn on your water heater. If you have a dual propane/electric water heater you will normally have two switches for the water heater one to use the water heater on Propane and one to operate the Water Heater on 120 Volt electricity when plugged into shore power.

I hope this helps.

Do you have any suggestions or comments on this topic? You can add them to this page by clicking on the "Click Here To Post Comments" link located near the bottom of this page.

Happy RVing

RVing Al

Comments for How to Light Water Heater and Furnace In a RV

Average Rating starstarstarstarstar

Click here to add your own comments

Rating
starstarstarstarstar 		Water Heater Pilot Light
by: Anonymous

how do i light pilot light on a 2004 wilderness advantage 5th wheel?
Rating
starstarstarstarstar 		starting the furnace
by: Anonymous

I have a full propane tank, hot water heater is working, but I can't get the furnace to come on, just the fan. How do I check the pilot light on my furnace on my 1994 Newmar Kountry Aire?
Rating
starstarstarstarstar 		Cold Heater
by: Rebecca

Hello, similar problem as above. Refilled the propane tanks, heater came back on fine, when the first ran out, we switched from one to the other and now all I get is COLD air from the vents. We are currently using the oven and an electric heater to keep warm. Did I miss something? Please help. (1997 Fleetwood Terry 255D)
Rating
starstarstarstarstar 		Im lost
by: Anonymous

Can't find anywhere there was a propane tank
Rating
starstarstarstarstar 		furnance wont work
by: randy

k my hot water tank is electric and i hooked up the propane and the stove works but i dont now how to start the furnance i tried just turning on the thermostate but nothing
Rating
starstarstarstarstar 		Furnace
by: Anonymous

My furnace blows air but not getting the ignition to kick start. Any thoughts?
Rating
starstarstarstarstar 		Heater is broke?
by: 2014 heartland north trail

If anyone has knowledge of how to help me with my heater i click it on and no heat I would greatly appreciate it 8014716454 is my number I'm a first time rv owner and just want to get some heat for and my baby had to go buy electric heaters for now thanks guys...
Rating
starstarstarstarstar 		pilot light
by: randy

i have a 1989 34ft, bellar havent got a clue where the pilot light is and the hot water tank plugs in does anybody got a clue
Rating
starstarstarstarstar 		1985 fleetwood southwind
by: Anonymous

cannot find a switch anywhere. I have tried looking in the owners manual online and still can find nothing does anyone have any idea where the switch is?
Rating
starstarstarstarstar 		Switches
by: Anonymous

How do you tell if the on/off switch is bad
Rating
starstarstarstarstar 		Thanks Al
by: The Conners

We'll give it a go next time out - again, thanks for all you do! Happy RVing!
Rating
starstarstarstarstar 		Light Water Heater in RV
by: The Conners

Hi Al - sorry to pester you but what about a 2003 Coachmen Aurora - when we bought it in February this year, the mechanic that gave us the "tour" specifically showed us how to light the pilot light for the water heater. While the furnace (much to our delight and surprise) works by simply turning it on, we do remember our hesitation about the water heater. There is a panel on the outside of the RV where the pilot is housed but we simply did not pay enough attention when the guy showed us (thinking it wasn't that hard to do) or just not worth the risk (us being brand new to RVing). Any help you can give us so that we can either, (a) be more comfortable with lighting it and (b) taking a shower in the "wild" would be very much appreciated. Keep up the good work with the site; I've shared it with many and enjoy reading it!

Comment From RVing Al: Depending on the brand and the model of the Water Heater there should be a knob on the Water Heater. On that knob there will be markings such as "Off", "On or Run" and "Pilot or Light".

Turn the knob to the pilot or light position and depress the knob and light the pilot. Keep the knob depressed once the pilot comes on for about a minute then move the knob to the On or Run position and the water heater should work.

Do not forget to turn it to the off position before departing the campground.

Hope this helps.

Click here to add your own comments

Return to Ask an RV Question.

LEARN HOW TO RUN 2 RV A/Cs ON A 30 AMP CONNECTION