Atwood vs Suburban

[hamm]

I'm getting ready to put a furnace in my shell model and was seeking advice on which brand to get. I'm going with a 12000 btu model from either Atwood or Suburban. The Atwood I can get a little cheaper and it supposedly has a slightly lower current draw. A friend has had two Atwoods fail on him and swears by Suburban. Any suggestions?

 

[Hayduke]

Hamm. I did the same in my shell. I used the Atwood. Can't remember the model#, but it had the lowest amp draw I could find for a 12k btu output. The unit I have works flawlessly. I have it hooked to a thermostat, and it fires right up everytime. I'm a firefighter and am at work for a couple days, but I'll try to post some photos of my install when I can. Good Luck
Hayduke

 

[hamm]

Thanks for the reply. I'd love to see some pix of the install too.

 

[LAWNMOWERMAN]

Could you list some model #s.Do you know what FWC + ATC use?Ben-Stan?
Thanks LM

 

[Sam]

You can find the brand on the FWC website. They used to use Atwood but I think they now use Suburban and ATC still uses Atwood (I think?). I installed a new Atwood in my "shell" mostly because the camper frame was already welded up for it (2001 model) I think the biggest factor in heater selection is mounting and amp draw. Read all the installation instructions carefully before you purchase to make sure the heater will go where you want it to.

 

[Yukon]

Furnace used on 2008 FWC

Just bought an Eagle shell this year (2008) and FWC installed the Atwood furnace in it. It is model series 8500-IV. Works great and I don't find that it uses a lot of my battery power.

Chris

 

[hamm]

Thanks for the input. I think that I'll go with the Atwood.

 

[Stan@FourWheel]

what year is your shell model ?

I might be able to give you some tips & tricks if I know a little about your camper ahead of time

talk to you soon


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I'm getting ready to put a furnace in my shell model and was seeking advice on which brand to get. I'm going with a 12000 btu model from either Atwood or Suburban. The Atwood I can get a little cheaper and it supposedly has a slightly lower current draw. A friend has had two Atwoods fail on him and swears by Suburban. Any suggestions?

 

[hamm]

I settled on the Atwood for various reasons, mainly price. Now I'm planning my cabinet and propane access. I know that some people here have made their own cabinets and I was wondering if anyone has a source for the LP access door. As usual, FWC has been very helpful and will sell me one but I'm trying to go cheap and maybe buy direct from a supplier. Does anyone have any suggestions?

 

[the fisherman]

Access Door

I bought one last summer to replace one on a Granby that I was working on, it wasn't much as I remember, what about the containment box? are you going to fab. your own, you can try PPL on the web, they have a lot of camper and motorhome parts. Me, I think I'd go to FourWheel for what you need.

 

[Sam]

I tried to "go cheap" and find the right parts used or from online RV suppliers for my heater install. Long story short, I ended up buying the door from ATC and had a box fabricated locally based on specs Ben at ATC emailed me. I am sure FWC could offer the same. FWC does now use a nice plastic/poly box that I wish I would have used. With that said here are some decent links for what you want.

http://www.interstatemetals.com/

http://www.all-rite.com/product_info.php?cPath=21&products_id=312

 

[hamm]

Thanks for the links. According to the prices it may be cheaper going with FWC for the door anyhow. I'll probably fab up the box myself.

 

[Hayduke]

Hamm, sorry it took a while to get back to this post. I believe my Atwood is a model 8012 11 but I'd have to look. It has the lowest amp draw I could find. At work right now, then leaving town for a funeral service tommorrow. If I get the time, I'll try to get some photos of my install soon. I installed on Left side, but the heater sits up, top is level with the cabinets I built. I had limited area for an exhaust. Peeled the inside skin away and visualized the sweet spot where I had room to run exhaust. I have a 1996 or so shell model, so maybe framing is different on yours. Anyhow, the damned thing runs everytime, even after sitting for long periods. I'm happy with it. Thermostat is a must
Take Care
Hayduke