Essential Guide to Understanding Your RV Heating System

Master Technicians share essential tips to help you understand and effectively operate your RV's heating system. Knowing the differences between heating in an RV and a traditional home can make a big difference in comfort while camping, especially during colder weather.

Types of Furnace Ducting in Keystone RVs

Keystone RVs feature two types of furnace ducting systems:

• Floor Ducting: Built directly into the RV floor, this system efficiently distributes warm air.
• Flexible Ducting: Adaptable to fit different RV layouts, this system enhances airflow throughout the cabin.

Keystone RVs are constructed with a chassis specifically designed for each floor plan, allowing heating, plumbing, and electrical systems to be strategically placed to minimize inefficiencies.

Key Differences Between RV and Home Heating

1. Insulation in Walls

• RV Walls: RVs are designed with 1” to 2.5” insulation in the walls, floors, and roof.
• Home Walls: In a traditional home, insulation can be 4”-6” thick in walls, with roofs containing additional blown-in insulation, creating greater R-value and temperature regulation.

2. Air Vents and Return Air

• RV Airflow: RV furnaces pull return air only from the area surrounding the furnace, requiring airflow throughout the cabin. This means passage doors to bedrooms and bathrooms should be left open to maintain balanced temperatures.
• Home Airflow: Homes typically have return air vents in each room, drawing air directly back to the furnace, making it easier to maintain even temperatures with closed doors.

3. Keeping Doors Open

• In a home, it’s common to sleep with bedroom doors closed. In an RV, keeping doors open allows for better airflow, which prevents rooms from becoming too cold and helps the furnace run efficiently. Blocking or closing floor ducts is also not recommended, as it can impact the furnace’s performance and lifespan.

4. Using RV Fireplaces

• Fireplaces are becoming more common in RVs and can be beneficial for both primary and supplementary heating. In mild temperatures, the fireplace alone might be enough to keep the RV warm.

Additional Considerations for Cold-Weather Camping

If you’re planning to camp in colder weather, consider supplemental heating methods to support your RV's furnace. Due to the range of extreme temperatures that RVs may encounter, it’s helpful to have additional heating options or accessories, which are available through Keystone dealers. They can recommend suitable heating solutions based on your specific needs.

More Information

For more details about heating and airflow in your Keystone RV, refer to the Owner’s Manual. By understanding your RV's heating system, you’ll stay comfortable and enjoy a cozy camping experience, regardless of the weather.

Disclaimer: The information contained in this article is deemed to be true and accurate at the time of publication. However, due to the evolving nature of our products and services, there may be changes or updates that occur after this article was published. We encourage users to verify the contents and consult with their dealer or Keystone RV for the most current information. If you have any questions or require further clarification, please do not hesitate to contact your dealer or reach out to Keystone RV directly.