The full-time RV community is the most generous knowledge-sharing group I’ve ever been part of. Someone has already fixed the exact problem you’re dealing with, documented it in a forum thread, and answered follow-up questions for free. This guide pulls together the best of that collective experience into one place. When your Crossroads Redwood’s furnace starts clicking endlessly without lighting — or goes completely silent on a 28-degree night — the culprit is almost always a failed igniter or a burned-out control board, and waiting on a mobile tech or dealer can mean days without heat that you simply don’t have. I’ve done this repair myself in a campground parking lot with basic hand tools, and once you understand how these two components work together, you’ll see it’s completely manageable — and a lot cheaper than the service estimate you’d otherwise be handed.
Parts & Tools You’ll Need
- Suburban/Atwood RV furnace replacement unit
- Furnace igniter electrode assembly
- Furnace sail switch
- Furnace circuit board / control board
- Furnace high-limit switch
- Furnace blower motor (12V DC)
- Propane/CO combo detector alarm
- Digital multimeter (auto-ranging)
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Step-by-Step Repair Guide
Step 1: Diagnose Furnace Failure and Safety
Begin by verifying your Crossroads Redwood furnace isn’t igniting by listening for the characteristic click of the igniter electrode when you turn on the heat. Turn off all power to the furnace at the RV’s main electrical panel and propane supply, then allow the unit to cool completely before proceeding with any repairs.
Step 2: Remove Furnace Access Panel
Locate the furnace access panel on your Redwood model, typically found in a bedroom or storage compartment, and remove all fasteners using your appropriate wrench or socket set. Take a photo of the wire connections before disconnecting anything to ensure accurate reassembly later.
Step 3: Disconnect Power and Propane
Unplug the furnace’s 12V DC power connector from the main control board and locate the propane shutoff valve near the furnace inlet, turning it clockwise until fully closed. Verify the propane is shut off by attempting to smell propane near the supply line—you should detect no odor.
Step 4: Replace Igniter Electrode Assembly
Remove the two mounting bolts securing the old igniter electrode assembly to the furnace burner box and carefully pull the electrode out, noting its exact orientation. Install the new igniter electrode assembly in the same position, ensuring the ceramic insulator doesn’t contact any metal parts, then tighten both mounting bolts securely.
Step 5: Install New Circuit Control Board
Disconnect the old circuit board by carefully removing all wire connectors and the mounting bracket screws holding it to the furnace frame. Position the new control board in the exact same location, reconnect all wires according to your reference photo, and secure it with the mounting bracket bolts.
Step 6: Reconnect Furnace Components
Reattach the 12V DC power connector to the new control board and verify all other connections including the sail switch, high-limit switch, and blower motor are firmly seated. Turn the propane supply valve counterclockwise to restore propane flow and reinstall the furnace access panel with all fasteners.
Step 7: Test System and Verify Operation
Turn the main electrical power back on, set your thermostat to heat mode, and listen for the igniter electrode clicking followed by a soft whoosh as the burner ignites within 10 seconds. Use your digital multimeter to confirm 12V DC power is reaching the control board and verify the propane/CO combo detector alarm shows no alerts during a 5-minute heating cycle.
Recommended Parts
| Part | Link |
|---|---|
| Suburban/Atwood RV furnace replacement unit | View on Amazon |
| Furnace igniter electrode assembly | View on Amazon |
| Furnace sail switch | View on Amazon |
| Furnace circuit board / control board | View on Amazon |
| Furnace high-limit switch | View on Amazon |
| Furnace blower motor (12V DC) | View on Amazon |
| Propane/CO combo detector alarm | View on Amazon |
| Digital multimeter (auto-ranging) | View on Amazon |