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[GMCnet] GMC furnace [message #169145] Thu, 10 May 2012 13:52 Go to next message
Rick is currently offline  Rick   United States
Messages: 36
Registered: September 2010
Location: Ft. Worth
Karma: 0
Member
I'm new to this forum and to the GMC so I hope this makes sense.
My new(old) '74 Painted Desert has a bad furnace (located under the kitchen sink).
I'm not sure what the brand or model it is, though I suspect it is a Suburban.
What brand and model would be the best replacement? And is there anything special required to compensate for the curved exterior wall.

Regards,
Rick D.


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Rick Does Ft. Worth Tx 1976 Glenbrook "Some Assembly Required"
Re: [GMCnet] GMC furnace [message #169146 is a reply to message #169145] Thu, 10 May 2012 14:03 Go to previous messageGo to next message
ljdavick is currently offline  ljdavick   United States
Messages: 3548
Registered: March 2007
Location: Fremont, CA
Karma: -3
Senior Member

Rick,

It sounds like you've been lurking for a while! GMCMotorhome.info is your friend. Check out these notes about replacing the furnace...

<http://gmcmotorhome.info/heat.html#solaire>


Larry Davick
Fremont, California
The Mystery Machine
'76 (ish) Palm Beach

----- Original Message -----
From: "Rick" <rsdahbugeye@gmail.com>
To: gmclist@temp.gmcnet.org
Sent: Thursday, May 10, 2012 11:52:20 AM
Subject: [GMCnet] GMC furnace

I'm new to this forum and to the GMC so I hope this makes sense.
My new(old) '74 Painted Desert has a bad furnace (located under the kitchen sink).
I'm not sure what the brand or model it is, though I suspect it is a Suburban.
What brand and model would be the best replacement? And is there anything special required to compensate for the curved exterior wall.

Regards,
Rick D.

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Larry Davick
A Mystery Machine
1976(ish) Palm Beach
Fremont, Ca
Howell EFI + EBL + Electronic Dizzy
Re: [GMCnet] GMC furnace [message #169153 is a reply to message #169146] Thu, 10 May 2012 14:56 Go to previous messageGo to next message
Rick is currently offline  Rick   United States
Messages: 36
Registered: September 2010
Location: Ft. Worth
Karma: 0
Member
Thanks!

Sent from my iPad

On May 10, 2012, at 2:03 PM, Larry Davick <ljdavick@comcast.net> wrote:

>
> Rick,
>
> It sounds like you've been lurking for a while! GMCMotorhome.info is your friend. Check out these notes about replacing the furnace...
>
> <http://gmcmotorhome.info/heat.html#solaire>
>
>
> Larry Davick
> Fremont, California
> The Mystery Machine
> '76 (ish) Palm Beach
>
> ----- Original Message -----
> From: "Rick" <rsdahbugeye@gmail.com>
> To: gmclist@temp.gmcnet.org
> Sent: Thursday, May 10, 2012 11:52:20 AM
> Subject: [GMCnet] GMC furnace
>
> I'm new to this forum and to the GMC so I hope this makes sense.
> My new(old) '74 Painted Desert has a bad furnace (located under the kitchen sink).
> I'm not sure what the brand or model it is, though I suspect it is a Suburban.
> What brand and model would be the best replacement? And is there anything special required to compensate for the curved exterior wall.
>
> Regards,
> Rick D.
>
> _______________________________________________
> GMCnet mailing list
> Unsubscribe or Change List Options:
> http://temp.gmcnet.org/cgi-bin/mailman/listinfo/gmclist
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Rick Does Ft. Worth Tx 1976 Glenbrook "Some Assembly Required"
Re: [GMCnet] GMC furnace [message #169156 is a reply to message #169146] Thu, 10 May 2012 15:00 Go to previous messageGo to next message
Rick is currently offline  Rick   United States
Messages: 36
Registered: September 2010
Location: Ft. Worth
Karma: 0
Member
So I'm thinking of getting a Suburban NT30 (SP?) any thoughts?

On May 10, 2012, at 2:03 PM, Larry Davick <ljdavick@comcast.net> wrote:

>
> Rick,
>
> It sounds like you've been lurking for a while! GMCMotorhome.info is your friend. Check out these notes about replacing the furnace...
>
> <http://gmcmotorhome.info/heat.html#solaire>
>
>
> Larry Davick
> Fremont, California
> The Mystery Machine
> '76 (ish) Palm Beach
>
> ----- Original Message -----
> From: "Rick" <rsdahbugeye@gmail.com>
> To: gmclist@temp.gmcnet.org
> Sent: Thursday, May 10, 2012 11:52:20 AM
> Subject: [GMCnet] GMC furnace
>
> I'm new to this forum and to the GMC so I hope this makes sense.
> My new(old) '74 Painted Desert has a bad furnace (located under the kitchen sink).
> I'm not sure what the brand or model it is, though I suspect it is a Suburban.
> What brand and model would be the best replacement? And is there anything special required to compensate for the curved exterior wall.
>
> Regards,
> Rick D.
>
> _______________________________________________
> GMCnet mailing list
> Unsubscribe or Change List Options:
> http://temp.gmcnet.org/cgi-bin/mailman/listinfo/gmclist
_______________________________________________
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Unsubscribe or Change List Options:
http://temp.gmcnet.org/cgi-bin/mailman/listinfo/gmclist



Rick Does Ft. Worth Tx 1976 Glenbrook "Some Assembly Required"
Re: [GMCnet] GMC furnace [message #169157 is a reply to message #169146] Thu, 10 May 2012 15:08 Go to previous messageGo to next message
Bruce Hart is currently offline  Bruce Hart   United States
Messages: 1500
Registered: October 2011
Location: La Grange, Wyoming
Karma: 5
Senior Member
Also check out the pricing at PPL RV supplies. Specify for ducted furnaces.

http://www.pplmotorhomes.com/parts/rv-furnaces/trailer-heater-dimensions.htm

On Thu, May 10, 2012 at 1:03 PM, Larry Davick <ljdavick@comcast.net> wrote:

>
> Rick,
>
> It sounds like you've been lurking for a while! GMCMotorhome.info is your
> friend. Check out these notes about replacing the furnace...
>
> <http://gmcmotorhome.info/heat.html#solaire>
>
>
> Larry Davick
> Fremont, California
> The Mystery Machine
> '76 (ish) Palm Beach
>
> ----- Original Message -----
> From: "Rick" <rsdahbugeye@gmail.com>
> To: gmclist@temp.gmcnet.org
> Sent: Thursday, May 10, 2012 11:52:20 AM
> Subject: [GMCnet] GMC furnace
>
> I'm new to this forum and to the GMC so I hope this makes sense.
> My new(old) '74 Painted Desert has a bad furnace (located under the
> kitchen sink).
> I'm not sure what the brand or model it is, though I suspect it is a
> Suburban.
> What brand and model would be the best replacement? And is there anything
> special required to compensate for the curved exterior wall.
>
> Regards,
> Rick D.
>
> _______________________________________________
> GMCnet mailing list
> Unsubscribe or Change List Options:
> http://temp.gmcnet.org/cgi-bin/mailman/listinfo/gmclist
>



--
Bruce Hart
1976 Palm Beach
Milliken, Co
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Bruce Hart 1976 Palm Beach 1977 28' Kingsley La Grange, Wyoming
Re: [GMCnet] GMC furnace [message #169175 is a reply to message #169157] Thu, 10 May 2012 18:32 Go to previous messageGo to next message
carnutbill is currently offline  carnutbill   United States
Messages: 65
Registered: February 2004
Location: Rochester N.Y.
Karma: 0
Member
Check out THE GMC MOTORHOME PHOTO ARCHIVE at http://www.gmcmhphotos.com/photos/ if you haven't already.

http://www.gmcmhphotos.com/photos/g4654-suburban-sf30-furance.html


75pb
Re: [GMCnet] GMC furnace [message #169180 is a reply to message #169157] Thu, 10 May 2012 19:01 Go to previous messageGo to next message
armandminnie is currently offline  armandminnie   United States
Messages: 864
Registered: May 2009
Location: Marana, AZ
Karma: 2
Senior Member
When I redid my interior I converted my very poorly ducted furnace to a non-ducted one by altering the front cover and blocking the duct holes. Now it just blows out from the toe-kick on my cabinet. We have camped with temps in the upper 30F range and it worked plenty well. So, if you are not up for all of the effort to convert old duct work to a new furnace it can work.

Armand Minnie
Marana, AZ
'76 Eleganza II TZE166V103202
visit my gmc blog
click here to visit gmcws.org
Re: [GMCnet] GMC furnace [message #169193 is a reply to message #169145] Thu, 10 May 2012 19:41 Go to previous messageGo to next message
mike miller   United States
Messages: 3576
Registered: February 2004
Location: Hillsboro, Oregon
Karma: 0
Senior Member
Rick wrote on Thu, 10 May 2012 11:52

I'm new to this forum and to the GMC so I hope this makes sense.
My new(old) '74 Painted Desert has a bad furnace (located under the kitchen sink).
I'm not sure what the brand or model it is, though I suspect it is a Suburban.
What brand and model would be the best replacement? And is there anything special required to compensate for the curved exterior wall. ...


Welcome to the nut-house! Twisted Evil

As you stated in another message, the Suburban "NT" models are almost direct replacements for the original furnace. The newer furnaces need some modifications to fit. BUT as the are a little smaller, so it is easier than it could be.

As for BTU size, it has been argued that bigger is not always better due to furnace cycling issues. You might get better results with a smaller (BTU) model over a larger one... besides being cheaper to buy.

Yes, there is "special requirement" to compensate for the curved exterior wall. The "NT" models are designed to be placed directly against the wall for cooling air-flow reasons. You can mount it on a slanted base (tilting it to match the wall) or put a metal "back" on the new furnace. (I understand Suburban makes a kit for this.) I have done it both ways and think the level mounting with metal back is the better way to go -- due to space usage and ease of furnace servicing. (I could NOT take my Birch's furnace out due to the tilted mounting.)

If you do NOT tilt the furnace, make sure the final intake and exhaust tubes are long enough to make a good seal.

Here are pictures:

This is someone else's with a nice angled base (much better than mine):
<http://www.gmcmhphotos.com/photos/g6020-suburban-furnace-replace.html>

This is my '73 with a homemade metal back on a level base (You might notice that I am a wood butcher... and not a metal worker. But you get the idea...)
<http://www.gmcmhphotos.com/photos/g3995-furnace.html>


Mike Miller -- Hillsboro, OR -- on the Black list
(#2)`78 23' Birchaven Rear Bath -- (#3)`77 23' Birchaven Side Bath
More Sidekicks than GMC's and a late model Malibu called 'Boo' http://m000035.blogspot.com
Re: [GMCnet] GMC furnace [message #169205 is a reply to message #169145] Thu, 10 May 2012 20:33 Go to previous messageGo to next message
GeorgeRud is currently offline  GeorgeRud   United States
Messages: 1380
Registered: February 2007
Location: Chicago, IL
Karma: 0
Senior Member
I believe that Jim Bounds has also been installing Atwood furnaces as replacements, with the controls and access available from a removable panel on the outside of the coach.

I will eventually get around to replacing the original furnace in my coach, and like the ease of hookups and maintenance from the removable outside panel, without having to fool around under the cabinets.


George Rudawsky
Chicago, IL
75 Palm Beach
Re: [GMCnet] GMC furnace [message #169262 is a reply to message #169193] Fri, 11 May 2012 14:36 Go to previous messageGo to next message
Rick is currently offline  Rick   United States
Messages: 36
Registered: September 2010
Location: Ft. Worth
Karma: 0
Member
Thanks for all the recommendations!
I picked up a Suburban NT30SP today and look forward to making it fit. The project photos you linked are going to be a great help, some real creative ideas there.

Rick



On May 10, 2012, at 7:41 PM, Mike Miller <m000035@gmail.com> wrote:

>
>
> Rick wrote on Thu, 10 May 2012 11:52
>> I'm new to this forum and to the GMC so I hope this makes sense.
>> My new(old) '74 Painted Desert has a bad furnace (located under the kitchen sink).
>> I'm not sure what the brand or model it is, though I suspect it is a Suburban.
>> What brand and model would be the best replacement? And is there anything special required to compensate for the curved exterior wall. ...
>
>
> Welcome to the nut-house! :twisted:
>
> As you stated in another message, the Suburban "NT" models are almost direct replacements for the original furnace. The newer furnaces need some modifications to fit. BUT as the are a little smaller, so it is easier than it could be.
>
> As for BTU size, it has been argued that bigger is not always better due to furnace cycling issues. You might get better results with a smaller (BTU) model over a larger one... besides being cheaper to buy.
>
> Yes, there is "special requirement" to compensate for the curved exterior wall. The "NT" models are designed to be placed directly against the wall for cooling air-flow reasons. You can mount it on a slanted base (tilting it to match the wall) or put a metal "back" on the new furnace. (I understand Suburban makes a kit for this.) I have done it both ways and think the level mounting with metal back is the better way to go -- due to space usage and ease of furnace servicing. (I could NOT take my Birch's furnace out due to the tilted mounting.)
>
> If you do NOT tilt the furnace, make sure the final intake and exhaust tubes are long enough to make a good seal.
>
> Here are pictures:
>
> This is someone else's with a nice angled base (much better than mine):
> <http://www.gmcmhphotos.com/photos/g6020-suburban-furnace-replace.html>
>
> This is my '73 with a homemade metal back on a level base (You might notice that I am a wood butcher... and not a metal worker. But you get the idea...)
> <http://www.gmcmhphotos.com/photos/g3995-furnace.html>
>
> --
> Mike Miller -- Hillsboro, OR -- on the Black list
> (#1)'73 26' exPainted D. -- (#2)`78 23' Birchaven Rear Bath -- (#3)`77 23' Birchaven Side Bath
> http://m000035.blogspot.com
> _______________________________________________
> GMCnet mailing list
> Unsubscribe or Change List Options:
> http://temp.gmcnet.org/cgi-bin/mailman/listinfo/gmclist
_______________________________________________
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Unsubscribe or Change List Options:
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Rick Does Ft. Worth Tx 1976 Glenbrook "Some Assembly Required"
Re: [GMCnet] GMC furnace [message #169277 is a reply to message #169262] Fri, 11 May 2012 16:16 Go to previous message
Mr ERFisher is currently offline  Mr ERFisher   United States
Messages: 7117
Registered: August 2005
Karma: 2
Senior Member
and here are a few that may have been linked
http://gmcmotorhome.info/heat.html#solaire

gene


On Fri, May 11, 2012 at 12:36 PM, Rick <rsdahbugeye@gmail.com> wrote:

> Thanks for all the recommendations!
> I picked up a Suburban NT30SP today and look forward to making it fit. The
> project photos you linked are going to be a great help, some real creative
> ideas there.
>
> Rick
>
>
>
> On May 10, 2012, at 7:41 PM, Mike Miller <m000035@gmail.com> wrote:
>
> >
> >
> > Rick wrote on Thu, 10 May 2012 11:52
> >> I'm new to this forum and to the GMC so I hope this makes sense.
> >> My new(old) '74 Painted Desert has a bad furnace (located under the
> kitchen sink).
> >> I'm not sure what the brand or model it is, though I suspect it is a
> Suburban.
> >> What brand and model would be the best replacement? And is there
> anything special required to compensate for the curved exterior wall. ...
> >
> >
> > Welcome to the nut-house! :twisted:
> >
> > As you stated in another message, the Suburban "NT" models are almost
> direct replacements for the original furnace. The newer furnaces need some
> modifications to fit. BUT as the are a little smaller, so it is easier
> than it could be.
> >
> > As for BTU size, it has been argued that bigger is not always better due
> to furnace cycling issues. You might get better results with a smaller
> (BTU) model over a larger one... besides being cheaper to buy.
> >
> > Yes, there is "special requirement" to compensate for the curved
> exterior wall. The "NT" models are designed to be placed directly against
> the wall for cooling air-flow reasons. You can mount it on a slanted base
> (tilting it to match the wall) or put a metal "back" on the new furnace.
> (I understand Suburban makes a kit for this.) I have done it both ways
> and think the level mounting with metal back is the better way to go -- due
> to space usage and ease of furnace servicing. (I could NOT take my Birch's
> furnace out due to the tilted mounting.)
> >
> > If you do NOT tilt the furnace, make sure the final intake and exhaust
> tubes are long enough to make a good seal.
> >
> > Here are pictures:
> >
> > This is someone else's with a nice angled base (much better than mine):
> > <http://www.gmcmhphotos.com/photos/g6020-suburban-furnace-replace.html>
> >
> > This is my '73 with a homemade metal back on a level base (You might
> notice that I am a wood butcher... and not a metal worker. But you get the
> idea...)
> > <http://www.gmcmhphotos.com/photos/g3995-furnace.html>
> >
> > --
> > Mike Miller -- Hillsboro, OR -- on the Black list
> > (#1)'73 26' exPainted D. -- (#2)`78 23' Birchaven Rear Bath -- (#3)`77
> 23' Birchaven Side Bath
> > http://m000035.blogspot.com
> > _______________________________________________
> > GMCnet mailing list
> > Unsubscribe or Change List Options:
> > http://temp.gmcnet.org/cgi-bin/mailman/listinfo/gmclist
> _______________________________________________
> GMCnet mailing list
> Unsubscribe or Change List Options:
> http://temp.gmcnet.org/cgi-bin/mailman/listinfo/gmclist
>



--
Gene Fisher -- 74-23,77PB/ore/ca
“Give a man a fish; you have fed him for today --- give him a URL and
-------
http://gmcmotorhome.info/
Alternator Protection Cable
http://gmcmotorhome.info/APC.html
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