The fireplace is the heater in your RV that add warmth and ambiance to your interior. It improves your winter camping experience because it can keep you warm and cozy.
Why is My RV Fireplace Not Working? RV fireplace not working can be due to faulty outlets, low propane levels, bad pilot lights, voltage supply issues, tripping of internal overheat protection, low batteries of the remote, burnt light bulb, faulty thermostat, burn-out heating elements, faulty motors, and obstructed vents.
The fireplace runs on an electricity source and takes power from the batteries of your RVs. In addition, you can also save electricity and run them on propane gas because it is a more economical option.
| Reasons | Solutions |
| Issue with outlets | Insert switch of the fireplace in another outlet |
| Low propane levels | Check propane levels in the tank |
| Pilot light issues | Clean pilot light with a bristled brush |
| Voltage supply issue | Check the circuit breaker and fuses |
| Tripping of internal overheating protection | Turn off the fireplaces for 15 to 20 minutes |
| Low batteries of remote | Add new batteries to remote |
| Burnt light bulb and motor | Replace the motors |
| Burnt-out heating element | Replace the heating element |
| Obstructed vents | Install fireplaces away from walls |
Issue with RV outlets
Most people prefer to add an electric fireplace in their RVs interior instead of a gas type because of their reliability. You have to connect their switch to nearby power supply outlets and turn them on.
These do not turn on because of faulty power outlets and power cords. The damaged and frayed power cords do not provide enough electric current to the lightbulbs and motor for ignition.
In addition, the issue also comes because of broken and loose connections of wall outlets. The wall outlets do not provide sufficient power when the batteries of your RVs are dead.
You can check the electric current in wall outlets with a voltage tester. It is better to insert their switch in other wall outlets to check the functioning of the batteries.
Recharge the batteries if your RV fireplace does not turn on after inserting the switch in other outlets.
Low propane levels
People also use propane gas to run various electric appliances in their RVs, including refrigerators, air conditioners, and fireplaces.
The large containers filled with propane gas supply the power for the functioning of these appliances. Propane gas ignites the pilot light to turn on the RV fireplace and maintain the interior temperature.
You cannot turn them on when the propane level decreases in tanks. These tanks contain the shut-off valve controlling the respective parts’ gas supply.
Sometimes the shut-off valve gets stuck in the off position and restricts the propane supply. People often turn them off and then forget to turn them on.
Check the propane level in the tank when using these heaters on the propane source. Ensure that shut-off valves are in the open position and supply gas correctly.
Pilot light issues
Propane gas ignites the pilot light to turn on these electric logs. Sometimes the pilot lights do not ignite, and you cannot turn on the fireplace.
The pilot lights do not ignite the burner when there is an insufficient and restricted gas supply. These lights do not function when gas valves are off and become faulty.
In addition, the issue also comes because of soot buildup on these pilot lights. Furthermore, dirt and dust accumulate on their surfaces, which do not ignite properly.
Use the soft-bristled brush to remove the dirt and soot buildup from their surfaces. I do not prefer damp cloth because water can enter inside and cause problems. Ensure that gas valves are open and supply lines are not clogged.
Voltage supply issue
Circuit breakers are the safety components in most RVs to prevent the respective components from electricity-related damages. These circuits cut off the electric current supply when circuits are overloaded and high voltage currents pass through them.
Circuit breakers are important in these vehicles because of fluctuations of electric currents like your home circuits. Batteries over and undercharging lead to circuit breaker tripping because of fluctuating current supply.
The fireplace stops functioning because tripped circuit breakers cut down the electric current flow. The issue comes when you turn on the high-current drawing appliances in your RVs.
These electric heaters also contain a fuse to protect them from power surges. Fuses can also blow out because of the fluctuating voltage supply, which restricts the current flow.
Check the circuit breakers, which are mostly in the storage compartment. Change the position of the switch buttons if these are down and reset them.
Check the burnt-out fuse in the box and replace it with a new one.
Tripping of internal overheating protection
RV fireplace contain the protection mode and automatically shut off because of overheating. Overheat protection is the safety system in these electric heaters to prevent fire-related hazards.
It turns off the system automatically when the internal temperature becomes too high and causes fire accidents. The overheating issue comes when you are using them for a longer time.
Moreover, dust and debris buildup on their different components leads to overheating problems. The issue also comes when logs and vents are obstructed with dust.
Turning them off and removing their switch from the power outlets is necessary. Leave them for at least 15 to 20 minutes for cooling, then turn them on after resetting.
Low batteries of remote
RV fireplace is remote-operated, and you can operate it by pressing the remote button. In addition, you can also increase or decrease their temperature depending on the outside weather.
You cannot operate these heaters because of the low batteries of the remotes. You can hear the beep sound, which represents the remote-control system’s low batteries and poor signaling.
Replace the remote batteries when you hear the beep sound. Check the size, model, and specifications of the old batteries of the emote and select the new ones according to them.
Burnt light bulb and motor
Most new models of fireplaces that are installed in your RVs use light bulbs and motors. These motors and light bulbs ignite them to produce heat.
Motors are connected with different wires to supply sufficient electric current. You can face the problem because of broken and loosely connected wires of the motors.
High temperature and overheating can also lead to burnt-out fan motors. You can hear the beeping sound from these heaters because of the burnt-out motors.
Replacing the motors on your own is not suitable because it is a complex procedure and needs safety measures during the replacement procedure.
Turn off the RV fireplace, remove the switches, and call the expert for a motor inspection.
Burnt-out heating element of fireplace
The heating element is the integral component of the fireplaces that triggers heat production. It utilizes the fan motors to produce heat and warm up the interior.
Heating elements convert the mechanical energy from the electric fans to heat energy to make your RV interior cozy and warm in snowy weather.
Heating element issues come because of overheating of the system. Damage to the heating elements is also common because of their age, and you can feel cold air coming from the electric heaters.
You can also see random tripping of these devices because of a faulty thermostat. You can replace the heating elements in a few electric fireplaces, depending on their model. It is also necessary to check their warranty while disassembling them for heating element replacement.
A warranty check is necessary because disassembling voids the warranty of these heaters.
Obstructed vents
RV fireplace contains vents on the upper side to improve airflow and reduce overheating issues. Sometimes different materials block these vents and hinder their functioning.
The blocked vents cause the 88 code to come on its screen. The error code comes on these heaters to alert the users about their malfunction.
Blockage of air vents triggers the protection system to shut off the heaters. Blockage issue comes when fireplaces are located close to your RV walls.
In addition, dust from outside can also accumulate on the opening of their vents. It is necessary to install them away from the walls and not add anything on their upper side.
Maintain a distance of at least 6 to 8 inches while adding different things on their upper side.
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