03 2026 Wayfarer Heating and Air Conditioning
Furnace
The Wayfarer is equipped with a forced-air furnace fuel by LP gas. The furnace is controlled by the wall-mounted thermostats (Figure 3-1) located inside the motorhome. These thermostats control both the heating and air conditioning for the motorhome.
In the gas-heating mode, the furnace heats air which, in turn, is circulated through ductwork in the floor of the motorhome. If any obstruction(s) block the floor vent(s) or air-return register, then the furnace will not function properly. Any items stored under the cabinets should be carefully stowed to prevent damaging or crushing the furnace ducting or blocking the warm-air return.
When a furnace is being used for the first time, there may be an initial off” of manufacturing compounds or residues left on the heat the ductwork which could produce odors, fumes, and possibly some smoke. This is normal and should not cause concern, unless it persists for an excessive amount of time.
To minimize the after-effects of this “burn-off” process, the initial use of the furnace should be done with all the doors and windows open to permit normal air circulation to dissipate these odors and fumes.
For routine operation of the furnace, set the thermostat to the desired temperature setting and then turn the thermostat to gas heat. In about a minute, the furnace should begin to operate and warm or hot air should be coming through the ductwork.
To shut down the furnace, turn the thermostat to the “off” position. Even though the thermostat may be turned “off,” the furnace system will continue to run for about a minute or so to permit a gradual cooldown of the heating system which is normal.
On a regular basis, thoroughly clean the complete furnace and air-tube passageways to remove dust, lint, and any other possible obstructions. Leak-test the entire LP gas system at least annually. Also check and clean the air-blower system annually.
Any access hatches to the furnace are for authorized service personnel only, as there are no user serviceable parts on the furnace. Accordingly, do not attempt to tamper with the interior of the furnace.
Before the beginning of each travel season, the furnace must be thoroughly cleaned and inspected. Any obstructions, debris, or lint, which might obstruct free airflow or impede the operation of the air circulation system, must be removed. For example, accumulated dust or lint could possibly obstruct the orifices for the pilot light or might accumulate on the blower blades and unbalance the operation of the blower. Additionally, any debris in the ductwork, when heated by the furnace, could emit unpleasant odors or possibly become a fire hazard.
The furnace system must be periodically cleaned. Annual cleaning is recommended unless the motorcoach is subjected to dust levels significantly greater than average, in which case more frequent cleaning is recommended. The Owner’s Information Package provides recommended cleaning tips and procedures. When needed, a more thorough cleaning must be performed by a qualified service technician.
Air Conditioning System
The factory-installed air-conditioning system is designed for 120 VAC power supplied either from the external power cord or from the generator. For the best cooling scenarios, park the motorcoach in a shaded location whenever possible and close drapes on the windows exposed to direct sunlight.
The air-conditioned, cooled air is emitted through vents (Figure 3-2), which are in the center of the coach. The return air vents have a filter that prevents dust from flowing back through the air conditioning system. To remove the filter, turn the twist locks on each side of the vent grill, then pull the vent grill (Figure 3-3); down. Note that the vent grills have magnets holding them in place. Once the grill is down, carefully remove the filter out from within the opening. To reinstall the vent grill, align it with the opening and carefully place it back into position. Ensure that the magnets securely hold the grill in place. Then, turn the twist locks on each side of the vent grill to secure it firmly. Double-check that the grill is properly aligned and locked to ensure it remains stable and functional.
Figure 3-3
Thermostat Controls
To regulate the temperature within the motorhome, utilize the Up and Down buttons on the thermostat (Figure 3-4); to select and set your preferred temperature. Adjusting the settings allows you to create a comfortable environment tailored to your specific needs, whether you require a warmer or cooler atmosphere. Please ensure that the thermostat is powered on before making adjustments and verify that the system is functioning correctly to achieve optimal performance. This process ensures precise control of the motorhome's internal climate for maximum comfort during your travels.
For more detailed instructions, please consult the thermostat literature in the Owner’s Information Package.
Heap Pump Controls
To activate the heat optional pump, set the thermostat to ELEC HEAT and select desired temperature.
If the setting on the thermostat and the room temperature are more than five degrees apart, the gas furnace will automatically turn ON with the heat pump. Once the room temperature reaches the desired level specified on the thermostat setting, the furnace will cut off and the heat pump will maintain the heating of the coach.
The heat pump is controlled by the thermostat located in the bedroom area of the motorhome.
If the external temperature falls to 35-38 degrees Fahrenheit, the heat pump will become inoperative, and the gas furnace will begin to operate automatically.
How the Heat Pump Thermostat Works
The RvComfort.HP, the RvComfort.PHP, the Coleman True-air, and the RvComfort.ZC thermostats by RvProducts Inc. are all capable of running not only an Air Conditioning unit, but also an Electric Heat Pump. Frequently we receive calls from customers who do not understand the functions of the Heat Pump Thermostat. This guide is a quick run through of the information already provided in the Thermostat Operation Manual, included with each thermostat.
The Heat Pump is an electric source of heat. It will supply and maintain heat assuming the outside (ambient) temperature is above 40 degrees. This number of course can be slightly higher or lower depending on the humidity. Higher humidity can cause a heat pump to lose efficiency at higher ambient temperature, while lower humidity can cause a heat pump to lose efficiency at a lower ambient temperature.
Since no one wants to wake up to find that the outside temperature has dropped below 40 degrees and it is now 50 degrees in the coach, the Heat Pump thermostats are programmed internally to recognize when the temperature drops five degrees or more from the set temperature to the actual inside room temperature. When the temperature exceeds five degrees or more between the two, the thermostat will default to the next available heat source.
The thermostat, upon sensing a temperature split of five degrees or more in the electric heat mode will bring the gas heat on to assist the electric heat. This is the first strike. A strike is created by the thermostat having to change modes (or run dual modes to sustain a temperature split). The electric heat and gas heat will continue to run together until the thermostat reaches the set temperature and satisfies. When the electric heat comes back on. It will be in electric heat only at that point. If the temperature again drops five degrees or more from the set point, the thermostat will again bring on the gas heat to assist. This is strike two. The system will then go through the above stated procedures. If the temperature should drop five more degrees from the set point or a third time, the thermostat will give up the electric heat, lock the electric heat out for two hours (showing either DIFF on the display or FLASHING GAS HEAT on the display) and default to GAS heat only. You WILL NOT be able to run any Electric Heat during this two hour lockout.