does anyone have a gulfstream?

[jennifer293]

We took ours camping over LD weekend and one night it got really cold and when we tried to use our heater we could not figure out how to get it to work. DH looked for pilot lights and all but we found nothing, just wondering what the trick is. Our thermostat is on the wall and it only controls the heater the a/c is separate. We read the owners manual, but it was not very self-explanatory.

HELP!!!!

 

[dblr]

My heater in my camper is just like @ home just set it 2 temp you want and it lights itself. Was the gas turned on? I always ask that 1st, if so sometimes spiders make webs around where your pilot is and clogs the flow of gas,also some times when the regulator is going bad it starves your gas lines and does not allow enough gas to run things like heat & hot water. Just some of the things I would check. good luck.

 

[becky1960]

Besides checking on supply of gas, the camper needs to be level, I found that out from other campers when I was trying to get mine to work. They usually have a self- starter.

 

[John VN]

Could your thermostat also have a small on/off slide switch on the bottom of the thermostat housing?

 

[jennifer293]

Gas was on, camper was level, and we turned on every little switch we could possibly find.

When we turned on the thermostat we heard somthing kick on, but the air was not flowing from the vents. So I am not quite sure what that was.

This was only our second time taking it camping so we are still very new to this whole camper operation thing..

 

[jennifer293]

My heater in my camper is just like @ home just set it 2 temp you want and it lights itself. Was the gas turned on? I always ask that 1st, if so sometimes spiders make webs around where your pilot is and clogs the flow of gas,also some times when the regulator is going bad it starves your gas lines and does not allow enough gas to run things like heat & hot water. Just some of the things I would check. good luck.

I know there was plenty of gas getting to the hot water heater because it was SOOOOO HOT, it burnt my hand when I was washing dishes. I wish it would get that hot in my house..

 

[ftwildernessguy]

Here is how mine works - the click, then the burner ignites, and the fan starts AFTER the furnace comes up to temperature. It does NOT instantly kick on. Never heard the camper had to be level to work - if there is a mercury switch in the thermostat, it may not register accurately as far as temp is concerned, but they seldom do anyway. If I'm cold, I just turn up the temp until it clicks.

If you don't hear that burner ignite, then either a) you don't have the pilot lit (older models) or b) there is something wrong with the ignition for the burner (newer models). Check all fuses, including any inline fuses there may be on your unit. It is a very distinct, kind of a roaring noise when the burner ignites.

 

[John VN]

Might the manufacturer have a web site for help or just give them a call at customer service.

You could also go to www.rv.net and join up then ask fo help on the tech forum. Have heater type and year in post.

Good luck.

 

[jennifer293]

thanks a bunch..stupid me didn't even think that to contact the manufacturer.. DUH!!!!

I will get DH to try all the other things first--thanks ftwildernessguy

 

[Minnie's Mate]

If you have electronic ignition, have your DH clean the contacts on the circuit board. We bought a new Airstream in May and used it several times this summer, 5 times I believe, over Labor Day week end the hot water heater wouldn't ignite. I checked every fuse and every switch. I pulled every connector and noticed that the connectors on the circuit board were a little corroded so I rubbed them with a finger nail file. I didn't have any sand paper with me. I replaced the plug that fits over the connector and turned the hotwater heater on again and it fired right up. You can coat the connectors with a grease that is used on battery terminals that will help prevent them from corroding. I think you can get it at auto supply stores. I haven't bought any yet but will soon.