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Can you run your RV furnace while driving?
I’m taking my RV from Seattle up to Anchorage this fall. The temperatures are frigid, and I’m going to be with my wife and daughter, who both get cold rather easily. Can I run the heater in my RV while driving?
Eric Schad · Updated on
Reviewed by Shannon Martin, Licensed Insurance Agent.
What an exciting trip! The good news is that you can run your RV furnace while driving, provided you follow some simple safety tips.
First, you should know whether your furnace runs on electricity or on propane. If your furnace runs on electricity, you need to make sure that your alternator is in tip-top condition.
While you drive, your alternator is what recharges your battery. So whether you use your main battery to power the furnace or a secondary battery, ensuring that your alternator is in proper working order can save you from disaster.
If your alternator breaks down, you might be in a remote area with few repair options, especially if you don’t have roadside assistance or
towing and labor coverage
. That’s why you should make sure to have a mechanic check your alternator and replace it as necessary before your drive.If your RV furnace uses propane, running the heater while driving is at the center of a heated debate (pun intended). Some RV enthusiasts find that running a propane-powered furnace is no issue. Other RV owners consider using a propane furnace dangerous while driving.
If left unchecked or if the propane connection becomes damaged, you risk a fire within the cabin or carbon monoxide poisoning if the pilot light goes out. You must check the pilot light and propane line regularly for these reasons. Install an emergency shut-off valve and a carbon monoxide detector as a failsafe, too.
And since you’re planning a long journey, make sure that you have the proper insurance to keep you protected by using the
Jerry
app. Jerry is a licensed insurance broker that can comparison shop top-rated insurance companies to find the best rates.After you find a great rate, Jerry can help you buy insurance and cancel your old policy. Customers save an average of nearly $900 per year.
MORE: Best road trips in Alaska
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