When your RV furnace stops lighting or burns unevenly, the burner head is often the culprit. The NBK Parts 20494 is a purpose-built direct replacement for Atwood/Dometic 7900, 8000, 8500, AFMD, and AFSD series furnaces -- restoring consistent, efficient combustion without modifications or adapter fittings.
The gas burner head is the heart of your forced-air furnace's combustion chamber. Over time, burner heads can crack, warp, or corrode from repeated heat cycling, leading to ignition failures, uneven flame distribution, or yellow/lazy flames that signal incomplete combustion. Replacing a worn burner head is one of the most cost-effective furnace repairs you can make.
NBK Parts (SKU 41-0059, vendor part 20494) is an established aftermarket supplier of hard-to-find RV furnace components. This burner head matches the OEM form, fit, and function for the listed Atwood/Dometic furnace series, so no drilling or fabrication is needed.
Matches original mounting dimensions and flame port pattern for 7900, 8000, 8500, AFMD, and AFSD series furnaces. Drop-in replacement with no modification.
Machined flame ports promote even heat distribution across the heat exchanger, supporting efficient BTU output and clean combustion.
At just 0.35 lbs and only 1" tall, the burner head fits within the tight confines of a typical RV furnace cabinet with ease.
NBK Parts backs this component with a limited 2-year warranty, providing confidence in the replacement's quality and durability.
This burner head is confirmed for use in the following Atwood (now Dometic) furnace series:
If you are unsure whether your furnace falls into one of these series, check the rating plate on the furnace cabinet -- it will list the full model number, which begins with one of the series codes above.
Common symptoms that point to a failed or degrading burner head include: furnace lights but shuts off on limit switch, visible cracks or scale on the burner body, uneven or yellow flame, and soot deposits inside the combustion chamber. Swapping in a fresh burner head often resolves these issues without replacing the entire furnace.
Replacing the burner head is a straightforward job for an owner comfortable working on propane appliances. The general process involves:
This listing includes one (1) NBK Parts 20494 gas burner head only. The burner orifice, electrode assembly, and mounting hardware are not included. Reuse your existing hardware if it is in serviceable condition, or source replacements separately.
While the furnace is apart, inspect the electrode gap (typically 1/8" on Atwood-series furnaces), the sail switch operation, and the condition of the combustion air tube. Addressing these items at the same time avoids a second teardown later in the season.