Bigfoot 17 Furnace replacement

[hoppy1962]

I need to put a new Furnace in my 1990 Bigfoot. But they no longer make the Atwood 7812 Furnace . Does anybody know what a good replacement model would be for my 89 Bigfoot

Thanks
Tom

[Tom Y]

I've also looked for a direct replacement and could not find one that did not require relocation of the exhaust.
I was able to rebuild mine, turns out most parts are available, I replaced the motor and regasketed the heat exchanger. As long as the heat exchanger is still in good shape it was worth doing.
Now I'm good for years to come!
Tom Y, 1986 Bigfoot TF20 5th wheel.

[MAP 56]

As for me a diesel cab heater about a 5k one .hear at -40 lp is dodgy at best .i put a diesel heater in a midsize motor home. works grate. i have a 17' boler and my tow unit Jeep is diesel fule as well.

[bobblangley]

The heater in my 17' Bigfoot currently works fine. Nonetheless, I am considering replacing it with a catalytic heater with no blower.

https://www.etrailer.com/RV-Heaters/Camco/CAM57331.html

[ZachO]

When did they stop making the Everest II? The 8012 model was a direct replacement for the model you should have (whether your trailer's an 89 or 90). I was looking just last year and they still sold them...But I sure can't find one now.

I wanted to replace mine, but didn't want to spend almost $800, and I had the same dilemma as Tom. A cheaper Suburban furnace would require cabinet modifications, cutting a new hole in the fiberglass shell and sealing the old one. This is the direct replacement, and I'm not sure why they stopped making it, if that's true.

In the end I did a minor refurbish of my furnace, which I linked in your other thread. For now, it's running great. Not sure what I'll do if I hold onto the trailer long enough to need a new one.

[ZachO]

This place claims to still have them in stock. Might be worth checking if it's not outside your budget.

[Hettinga]

Originally Posted by bobblangley

The heater in my 17' Bigfoot currently works fine. Nonetheless, I am considering replacing it with a catalytic heater with no blower.

https://www.etrailer.com/RV-Heaters/Camco/CAM57331.html

I have been considering this same thing on my bigfoot. Have you done it yet? Are you planning on mounting it somewhere? Or keeping it moveable with some sort of propane hook up? Love to hear your plans or results.

[bobblangley]

Originally Posted by Hettinga

I have been considering this same thing on my bigfoot. Have you done it yet? Are you planning on mounting it somewhere? Or keeping it moveable with some sort of propane hook up? Love to hear your plans or results.

I am planning to mount it permanently but have no idea when I will get to it as it's not the greatest priority. A friend did it in his Airstream and speaks very highly of the results. Also, no fan to draw down the battery.

[Doug Arthurs]

I replaced mine. I just made an stainless plate to go over the old exhaust and drilled a hole for the new one. I got lucky and a local guy that sells surplus rv parts had a couple furnaces to choose from. Brand new and I think I paid $400.

[ZachO]

Yeah the Suburban furnaces are pretty reasonable. The Atwood, not so much.

[Jturcot2]

Anything with no vent in a small trailer seems like a no-no. The drain on the battery with the usual stock heater is prohibitive. I'm looking for a heater that will vent outside but with no fan ... any suggestions anyone ??