Fixing Your RV's Heater: Common Problems and Solutions

RV heaters are an important component of any recreational vehicle, providing warmth and comfort during cold weather. However, like any mechanical devices, heaters can sometimes stop working or malfunction. If your RV's heater is not turning on, there are a few steps you can take to try and diagnose and fix the problems.

FIXING YOUR RV'S HEATER: COMMON PROBLEMS AND SOLUTIONS

Step 1: Check the circuit breaker
The first thing you should do when your RV's heater is not turning on is to check the circuit breaker. The heater is typically connected to a dedicated circuit breakers, which can trip if there is an overload and/or short circuit. If the circuit breaker has tripped, simply reset it and see if the heater starts working again. If the circuit breaker continues to trip, there may be an issue with the heater itself that needs to be addressed.


Step 2: Check the power sources
If the circuit breaker is not the issue, the next thing you should check is the power source. If the RV is not connected to a power source (e.g., generator, shore power), the heater will not be able to turn on. Make sure that the power source is on and functioning properly, and that the RV is properly connected to it.


Step 3: Reset the thermostat
If the circuit breaker is not the issue and the power source is working, you can try resetting the thermostat to see if that fixes the problem. Depending on the make and model of your thermostat, there may be a reset button or you may need to follow a specific sequence of button pressess to reset it. Consult the owner's manual for instructions on how to reset the thermostat.


Step 4: Check the heating element
If the heater still does not turn on after resetting the thermostat, the next thing you should check is the heating element. The heating element is responsible for generating heat, and if it is not functioning properly, the heater will not work. To check the heating element, you will need a multimeter. With the heater turned off, set the multimeter to the ohms setting and touch the leads to the heating element terminals. The reading should be within the range specified in the owner's manual. If the reading is not within this range, it could mean that the heating element is faulty and will need to be replaced.


Step 5: Bring in a professional
If you are unable to diagnose and fix the problem yourself, you may need to bring your RV to a professional mechanic or RV repair shop for assistance. They will be able to diagnose the problem and make any necessary repairs to get your heater working again.


Checklist for troubleshooting an RV heater:

• Check the circuit breaker
• Check the power source
• Reset the thermostat
• Check the heating element with a multimeter
• Bring in a professional if necessary