Furrion RV Oven Problems: Gas Oven Won’t Light

In this article, I will discuss Furrion RV oven problems, how to troubleshoot them, and the most common ways to address them. I have also included a video for visual learners.

Let’s Talk About RV Ovens

If you live in an RV, you know that RV products differ from those in a regular home. RV’s are smaller, so refrigerators and ovens are smaller as well. The RV industry packs a lot into a small space, typically using compact, space-saving appliances.

One of the big appliance brands in the RV world is Furrion. I wanted to create this blog to address some of the most common Furrion oven problems. I will discuss each problem and then provide some step-by-step solutions.

These Furrion gas ovens are compact little ovens that can accomplish a lot in a small space. They are a lot different from your traditional home gas stove, and they can be tricky to use if you aren’t used to them.

These Furrion products are more minor and cook differently than larger ones. I use my Furrion oven multiple times a day. At first, there were some learning curves, but it got easier once I got the hang of it. 

The great thing about RVs is that most appliances are similar regardless of brand. So, if your RV oven is a different brand, these tips apply to it. 

RV ovens use liquid propane gas (LPG). Gas appliances in an RV are the oven, water heater, furnace, etc. Most propane appliances require a pilot light to work. RV ovens usually need you to light the stove pilot light manually.

Lighting your RV oven – Step-by-Step

Don’t be intimidated by lighting a pilot light. It is a straightforward process. Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you get started:

1. Ensure the propane tank is connected, open, and has sufficient fuel. Test that your fuel is working by lighting one of the stovetop burners.

2. Open the oven door and locate the pilot light. Some units have an electric start, while others require manual ignition. Follow your unit’s instructions for lighting the pilot light.

3. If you have a manual start, turn the oven temperature knob to the pilot light setting and hold it in.

*The first time you light this pilot light, you may have to hold the temperature knob in for over 30 seconds before it will light.* 

4. Continue holding in the knob for a few seconds and rotate the pilot igniter knob until the pilot lights. The igniter knob will click with each turn.

5. Once the pilot light is on, hold the control knob for about 15 seconds to warm up the thermocouple. Holding the knob will help the thermocouple heat up to sustain the flame.

6. Turn the oven knob to get the gas flowing, adjust the flame height and the cooking temperature.

6. Turn the oven knob to get the gas flowing, adjust the flame height and the cooking temperature.

7. Close the door to the oven and wait for it to preheat.

Different RV ovens may have slight variations in their ignition process. Always refer to the instruction manual. 

Troubleshooting Your Furrion RV Oven

I want to discuss people’s common concerns with their Furrion RV oven. Let’s troubleshoot!

Furrion Oven Pilot Light Won’t Light

The pilot light can be tricky unless you know where to look. It is under the oven burner at the back of the oven. You can squat down to look in the oven or use the reflection from the glass door. To use the reflection, you must angle the door correctly until you see the small blue light. 

The most common problem with the Furrion oven is that the pilot light won’t stay lit. This issue can be caused by the thermocouple not heating up enough. Another cause of this is improper oven venting.

To resolve this, once the pilot light has a flame, hold the knob for 15 seconds. This trick allows the thermocouple enough time to get hot.

It could be a ventilation issue if that does not fix your problem. Fire needs oxygen to sustain a flame. Try leaving your oven door cracked open for a few minutes after lighting the pilot light. After a few minutes, close the door and preheat the oven as needed.

When you turn the oven knob to the off position, this typically extinguishes the flame. This safety feature keeps your LPG appliances from accidentally turning on while the RV moves. Double-check to see if you have accidentally turned the knob off.

What Is A Thermocouple?

A thermocouple is a device made from two different wires that measure temperature. This safety device automatically shuts off the gas flow if the pilot flame goes out. It is one of many safety features in an RV and is critically important in preventing gas leaks.

Thermocouples consist of two metals joined together and positioned near the pilot light. When the flame burns, the wires generate an electrical current in the thermocouple. This current goes to the control valve that supplies propane to the oven. If the pilot light goes out, the thermocouple’s current drops and shuts the supply valve.

Problems lighting the RV oven are often due to the thermo coupler not getting hot enough. Holding the knob for 15 more seconds can ensure the thermocouple has enough time to heat up. 

Troubleshooting RV Pilot Light Issues

If your Furrion oven stops working, there are some common things you can check for:

Fuel Source & Gas Flow:

Always start with the most manageable problem first. I also like to go to the fuel source first. Verify that you have adequate propane levels. Verify that your gas valve is open. Double-check for the smell of gas. Look for any leaks at the propane hookups and supply line. 

Check for the odor of propane. Also, you can spray soapy water on the propane lines. Focus on the connections first. Bubbles will appear if a leak is present. 

Another way to check for fuel is to see if the gas range burner lights. These are easier to observe and light. Look for a normal blue flame. 

Electric Fuse:

Check if your oven light and knob lights work if you have an electric oven. If they are not, there may be an electrical issue. 

Electric pilot lights usually have an ignition button that you hold down. When this button is engaged, there will be a series of clicks. If the clicks are not present, it could be an electrical issue. Check your power supply circuit breaker panel for a stove fuse.

Pilot Assembly is Dirty:

Pilot lights can accumulate grime over time. This problem is especially true for cooking appliances. If your pilot light is sluggish to start or not lighting at all, look at the pilot assembly. If it is grimy, it’s a straightforward fix.

• Remove any oven shelves or heat shields that are in the way.
• Use a brush or rag to clear away any burnt grime.
• For greasy, sticky messes, a kitchen sponge may be necessary. Make sure to dry it afterward.
• Put everything back in place.
• Light your pilot light.

Loose Connections: Thermocouple Nut

Sometimes, a loose thermocouple nut can cause pilot light issues. RVs are mobile, and things sometimes loosen over time. If you’ve identified the thermocouple as the issue, try tightening the thermocouple nut before buying a new part. 

To access this nut, remove the cooktop grates and base. This connection point will typically be towards the front right section of your range stove top. 

Try tightening this nut to see if it resolves the issue before buying a thermocouple replacement.

Bent Thermocouple:

The thermocouple may become bent away from the pilot light. A bent thermocouple would be a rare circumstance, but it is possible. I have known people who store things in their RV oven when not used. Bent parts can happen whenever you use the oven for something other than cooking. 

The thermocouple needs to be close to the flame to heat up. If the thermocouple has bent away from the pilot, it may not reach the appropriate temperature to keep the pilot lit.

If this is the case, you can gently bend the thermocouple back into position by hand. Only do this if the surfaces in the oven have cooled. Be careful not to apply too much force. Bend the thermocouple so the wire is in the middle of the pilot light flame.

If this doesn’t solve the problem, and you’ve checked the connection nut, it may be time to replace the thermocouple.

If you have exhausted all diagnostics and cannot keep your pilot light on, it may be time to replace your thermocouple. Refer to your owner’s manual to ensure you purchase the correct part for your oven.

Thermocouple Replacement

Replacing the thermocouple connection is a manageable task for a DIYer. Follow the following steps:

1. Check your owner’s manual for the repair parts. Then, order the appropriate part. 
2. Before you start, turn the propane off from the outside. Shutting down the propane will prevent gas from flowing into the RV during the replacement.
3. A clip holds the thermocouple in place. Press the clip to release it. Then, you can disconnect the thermocouple.
4. Reverse the steps to install the new thermocouple. Make sure to tighten all bolts.
5. Test the oven to ensure the pilot light stays lit after the replacement.

If you are uncomfortable with replacing the thermocouple, seek assistance from a qualified RV technician.

RV Oven Flame Keeps Going Out

If your pilot light is working but it keeps shutting off, here are a few things you can check:

• Always start with the gas supply. Check your propane tanks. 
• Check if one of the stove top range burners will light.

It could be a well-known Furrion oven problem if both check out. Furrion recommends the following workaround:

1. Light the oven as usual and set the temperature to 400 degrees.
2. Leave the oven door open a few inches and let it run for about three minutes.
3. After running with the door slightly open, close it, allow the oven to preheat, and operate it normally.

These extra steps may seem like an inconvenience, but they work. The basis for this solution is air ventilation. When the door is left slightly open, the flame has adequate oxygen. Remember:

• A fire needs oxygen, fuel, and heat to burn. 
• If the propane tank is full and the lines are working, it isn’t a fuel problem. 
• If the pilot light is sparking and lighting, it isn’t a heat problem.
• That leaves oxygen as the problem.

RV Oven Temperature Issues

RV ovens take time to master. They are smaller than typical ovens and do not maintain temperature consistently. This inconsistency makes cooking a dynamic adventure.

Furrion states that the temperatures in these ovens can vary by up to ten degrees per 100. That means if you sent the temp at 400, it could be as low as 360. 

There are some things you can do to stabilize the temperature.

Always Preheat Your Oven: Preheating your oven for at least 15-20 minutes usually results in a more even temperature. If you do not preheat your oven, there is a good chance you will have uneven heating.

Buy An Oven Thermometer: If you want to know exactly how hot your oven is, the best thing to do is buy an oven thermometer. This will ensure accurate results.

An oven thermometer will help you better understand how hot your oven needs to be to achieve the desired temperature. 

Use A Cooking Stone: An easy way to combat uneven cooking in an RV oven is to use a cooking stone or a pizza stone. Ceramic stones absorb heat and maintain consistent temperatures. 

These stones are easy to use. You can just put the stone right on the oven rack. Many RVers enjoy using pizza stones because they cook evenly. Just make sure you buy a stone that fits in your oven. 

Use Heavy Duty Bakeware: Heavy bakeware retains heat and transfers it evenly to food. I love using a Dutch oven for this very reason. Just make sure your heavy-duty cookware will fit in your oven.

Rotate Food As It Cooks: Nothing is worse than having one side of a dish burnt and the other uncooked. The best way to avoid this is to rotate the dish as it cooks. If you do this, your RV oven will do a better job.

Other RV Furrion Issues – Flame Quality

Changes in your flame quality can indicate a fuel source problem. If your flame is orange or popping/hissing/sputtering, this means an issue with your Propane Tank Regulator.

Follow along with Dusty Trail RV for more RV tips for beginners and beyond. Dusty Trail RV is your source for what works for your new RV life, from which RV outdoor speakers to get to select a washer/dryer combo and the best RV awning sun shade.