Dave Solberg

Heating System Fundamentals

with Dave Solberg

While most RV owners purchase their rig to use during the summer months or to escape the cold weather and “snow bird” in the south, there are still times when the heating system comes in handy.

You may not camp in below freezing weather for months at a time, but depending on your location, you can still encounter cold weather in just about any month of the year.

So, a well maintained and efficient heating system will make your trips much more enjoyable!

In this class, your instructor Dave Solberg will show you the fundamentals of an RV heating system, how to maintain and keep it running efficiently, and how to troubleshoot some common problems you may see.

Most RVs utilize either a simple forced air heater providing heat directly off the furnace, or a ducted system routed to vents throughout the coach. Almost all heaters run on efficient and clean-burning liquid propane (LP).

Just like in your home, the furnace is controlled by a thermostat mounted to the wall in the living room or kitchen area. Some have zone capabilities, allowing for different temperatures in the bedroom vs. the living room area.

One thing different about an RV heating system and a residential system is that there is limited air circulation in an RV. There’s typically only one cold air return, so there can be “pockets” of cooler air. This situation can be supplemented with auxiliary heaters such as electric units which demand a lot of 120-volt power. These are not the best alternative. You’ll learn about a safer and more efficient auxiliary heater to use.

Troubleshooting an inefficient or non-working heating system is easy once you understand how the system operates and are familiar with the main safety switches that can detect proper airflow, flame, and temperature. You’ll see step-by-step ways to check key elements of your system, to diagnose and resolve common problems.

In addition to the detailed video instruction you’ll receive, this class provides you with some downloadable resources and helpful information to print and keep, including: A detailed Class Guide you can follow and use as a reminder for the key points of the class instruction; and a few resource documents that will help you keep your heating system running smoothly.

  • 10 Sessions
  • 1h 34m
Dave Solberg

Dave Solberg

Dave Solberg is the Managing Editor of the RV Repair Club. For over 25 years, Dave has conducted a wide range of RV maintenance and safety seminars, developed dealer and owner training programs, written RV safety and handyman articles, authored an RV handbook reference guide and logged over 100,000 miles on the road in an RV.

Bonus materials available after purchase

Class Guide PDF

Download this detailed supplement and keep as a reference for the key aspects of your RV heating system

Furnace Basic Operation PDF

Use this printable reference to understand the basic operation of an RV furnace

Furnace Troubleshooting PDF

Use this short diagnostic list if your heating system isn’t operating properly

Testing LP Pressure PDF

Print this 1-page sheet for the simple steps to check the pressure of your LP gas

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Can I print out Class details?

For any Bonus Material that is a PDF Download, yes you can. Just click on the icon/button for the Bonus element you want, and print with your local printer.

What are PDF downloads?

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Are there any system requirements to view the Class video content?

Your Class video content is best when viewed on a computer manufactured in the past couple of years with a good broadband Internet connection (not dialup). We also highly recommend using the latest version of Firefox, Safari, or Chrome as your Internet Browser, though recent versions of Internet Explorer will work as well. The recommended screen resolution is 1024 x 768 or larger.

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Because you’ll have full access to all the materials and content that is presented in the Class immediately, we can’t offer a refund after purchase. Please review the Class Preview video and the various written descriptions of the Class and each Session before you purchase, so you have a good understanding of the Class content.

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If your question is about the Class content, please use the Class Discussion benefit to ask your question online – and you'll receive feedback from the Class Instructor. Even your fellow Class participants may jump in to offer tips and advice from their experience. If you have other questions or need help, you can email us at RVRepairClub@program-director.net. or call us toll-free, at 1-855-706-3536. Service Representatives will be available Monday-Friday, from 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM Central time, excluding normal holidays.

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Heating System FundamentalsPurchase this class for $39.99.