2016 - 21C Heater Issues

[jtischer]

Escape Forum
Greetings from Jim& Judy Tischer camped at Demotte CG near the North Rim of the Grand Canyon. Views are spectacular but heater performance last night is not.
We have a 2016 Escape 21 whose heater has performed flawlessly to this point.
Last night however, temps dropped to 28 outside, 44 inside and heater only came on briefly when set at 60 and then turned off and wouldn’t restart. All other propane appliances are working fine. Demotte is a dry campground so no utilities.
Checking the owners manual I see no access points or troubleshooting tips on how to resolve issue. Unlike the newer 21’ models, there is no access point outside or inside that I can find.
Any guidance from other Escape owners would be greatly appreciated.
Regards
Jim, Judy & Tucker
Demotte CG
NOTE
Only cell service is here at GC Lodge 25 miles from Demotte. I’ll pick up replies later today or tomorrow.

 

[Rockhead]

Try cleaning you sail switch

 

[HABBERDABBER]

Could it be you're too high?

Elevation at Demotte is 8,760 feet. That's up there for our finicky furnaces. I hazily recall that 9,000 feet was a cut-off for reliable furnace use.

See more here:

https://www.google.com/search?q=elevation+&+furnace+&sitesearch=escapeforum.org

 

[Mary F]

How’s your battery level? The fan draws a fair amount of power and if your battery doesn’t have enough charge, the furnace can shut down.

 

[jtischer]

Thanks Rickhead.
How do I access the sail switch in a 2016 - 21’?
Jim Tischer

 

[jtischer]

Thanks Hanberdabber
Would never have thought that would be an issue.
Fellow travelers Paul & Kristina in a 2019 - 21’ are not having any problems.
We’ll see if the problem resolved at lower altitudes
Thanks again
Jim Tischer

 

[jtischer]

Hi Mary
Thanks for the response. Batteries are good. We have solar
which brings batteries back up to 100% from 94% by 10:00 am each day.
Per Habbetdabber, we’ll see if moving to a lower elevation solves the problem.
Thanks again
Jim & Judy Tischer

 

[Jill-ESC]

We had a similar problem with our furnace. RV repair tried replacing the sail switch and determined that it needed a new motor. Here's a link to the discussion: https://www.escapeforum.org/forums/...random-problem-with-the-fan-blower-24301.html

 

[Rossue]

I do remember that Tammy said the first thing one should try to remove lint on a sail switch is to blow compressed air into the exhaust tube. Those heaters without the external cover and access to the sail switch require removal to actually change the switch which isn't that easy.

 

[vermilye]

Thanks Rickhead.
How do I access the sail switch in a 2016 - 21’?
Jim Tischer

Unfortunately, you must remove the furnace.

 

[jtischer]

Good News on Heater!!!

Good Morning Folks
Good news on the 2016 heater front.
Traveled from North Rim GC to Kayenta AZ 2 days ago, elevation drop of 8,800’ to about 6,000’. The heater worked just fine at the lower elevation.
Habberdabber was spot on that elevation was the issue in this case.
Thanks to all that replied with helpful suggestions. Much appreciated.
Currently camped at Mesa Verde RV Park and taking a 10:30 am Cliff House tour. Spectacular.
Again, thank you all.
Regards
Jim & Judy Tischer & Tucker
Woodland CA