Dometic Furnace Redesign - No More Sail Switch?

[Selkirk]

It sounds like the Dometic will be releasing an updated furnace design that eliminates the problematic sail switch.

Dometic Unveils Next-Generation Furnace - RV News

Dometic launched its newest innovation in RV climate control: the Dometic 35K Furnace Essential. The next-generation furnace returns to the market with major upgrades.

www.rvnews.com

I imagine that this model will find its way into new builds in the next year or two, potentially saving future owners much grief.

 

[edlynnrich]

Now we need one of the wizards on this forum to design a Hall Effect sensor to replace our sail switches.

 

[Centex]

Now we need one of the wizards on this forum to design a Hall Effect sensor to replace our sail switches.

Just FYI this thread discusses a mod developed and implemented by Johnny Hung to eliminate / replace the sail switch:

Modify Furnace to use Pressure Switch?

Has anyone attempted to replace the traditional cane type sail switch with a pressure switch? Looking for something less prone to failure and fouling. In theory if you could find the right pressure switch it should be a functional replacement.

www.escapeforum.org

 

[Thrak]

Now we need one of the wizards on this forum to design a Hall Effect sensor to replace our sail switches.

Sooo... It sounds like the sail switch is a "frequent failure" item. I see that a new in-the-box switch came along with our recently purchased trailer. Guess I'll have to look into how to do a replacement when/if needed. Nice that the previous owner was being prepared.

 

[Selkirk]

After two seasons of somewhat frequent use, I sometimes think that I'm the only owner that has not yet encountered an issue with the infamous sail switch or control board.....knock wood!

I'm also a fan of the old-school mechanical thermostat supplied by ETI and have no plans to upgrade it....which I also think is rare.

 

[SRS]

On my 4th season and the heater always works. While the sail switch may be part of the problem, IMO restricted air flow caused by several factors is the primary culprit. Fan speed too low and flexible duct restricting air flow may cause more problems. I think bending the sail switch sometimes works because it may catch the moving air better. Like others, I do carry an extra sail switch.

 

[Mike Lewis]

IMO restricted air flow caused by several factors is the primary culprit.

Yes. I reached the same conclusion. On my 1st gen trailer the furnace is inside one of the rear dinette bench compartments. Four years ago I cut a hole for a 4x8 vent to increase the airflow and I have not have furnace problems since. I have put 35,000 miles on my trailer since then.

 

[John in Santa Cruz]

my furnace was funky when I first got it... I took it apart, I found a nice long curly strand of insulation hung up on the sail... removed that, vacuumed any additional left over insulation from the vicinity, and 8 years later, its still working fine.

 

[splitting_lanes]

I bent the sail, just enough so you can hear it clicking against the fan when it’s spinning down. That did the trick.

This year, I replaced the flex duct with tin, blows harder now. Still clicks when it spins down.

 

[Thrak]

I thought bending the sail was a huge no-no because it's a safety feature. (Not that I've never done anything that was against "official guidelines"...)

 

[Bobbie54]

After two seasons of somewhat frequent use, I sometimes think that I'm the only owner that has not yet encountered an issue with the infamous sail switch or control board.....knock wood!

I'm also a fan of the old-school mechanical thermostat supplied by ETI and have no plans to upgrade it....which I also think is rare.

I haven't had to replace mine but I did once have a problem with the furnace. I gave up, planned to heat (in the daytime) with a Mr. Buddy, but then driving to the campsite solved the problem and the furnace worked. Good thing as it was a 15 and the furnace was only accessible from outside. Now my furnace problem is the switchover regulator not working- but once I replace that I hope it is good.