Suburban Furnace Question in Scamp

[Bill L in PA]

Hi, Friends,

I have a 2005 Scamp 16 with a Suburban furnace. When inspecting the furnace recently, I saw that a 3 inch "punch out" on the sheet metal box surrounding the furnace had shaken loose, leaving a hole on the left side of the furnace box. I would like to do some early spring camping using the furnace but am concerned that because of that hole there is no "heat shield" protecting what is behind it. Is it safe to run the furnace with this kind of opening in the furnace box?

Thanks for any advice!

[Paul O.]

My Scamp is 2004 and I just looked at it from the cabinet on the left side. I saw a round, about 3 inch "punch-out" that I think is what you refer to. I am pretty sure the outer, thin sheet metal box does not get very warm. If you have kept that punch out, tape it back in place with duct tape. Otherwise I would expect that the cabinet will get more heat from the furnace and the living space will get less. To be sure, check on the temperature when you are spring camping, or while still at home.

[Bill L in PA]

Thanks for the advice, Paul! I will tape this back in place (maybe we that metalized HVAC duct tape) and will definitely do a test run at home before taking it out.