The Suburban 232683 is a replacement blower motor assembly for Suburban SF-42, SF-42F, and SFV-42 RV furnaces with serial numbers above 012305199. This 12V DC motor features a dual-shaft design that simultaneously drives both the room air blower wheel and the combustion air wheel.Suburban12V DC3" Motor
The motor is the heart of your RV furnace – when the thermostat calls for heat, the control board sends power to the motor, which spins up both attached wheels. The room air wheel circulates heated air into your RV while the combustion wheel supplies air to the burner and exhausts combustion gases outside.
Long Shaft (Interior Side): • Connects to the Room Air Blower Wheel • Circulates heated air into your RV Short Shaft (Exhaust Side): • Connects to the Combustion Air Wheel • Supplies air to burner and exhausts gases outside Both wheels spin together whenever the motor runs, providing coordinated heating and ventilation.
This motor fits the following Suburban SF-42 series furnaces (42,000 BTU):
This motor (232683) is ONLY for SF-42 furnaces with serial numbers ABOVE 012305199 (manufactured 2001 or later). If your furnace has a serial number BELOW 012305199, you need the older 233103 (2.5-inch motor) instead. How to read Suburban serial numbers: Furnaces manufactured after January 1990 have 9-digit serial numbers. The first 2 digits indicate the year of manufacture. • S/N 012305199 = manufactured in 2001 • S/N 992000060 = manufactured in 1999
This 3-inch motor is specifically for SF-42 series furnaces. Different motors are required for other models: • SF-20, SF-25, SF-30: Use motor 232682 • SF-35: Use motor 232684 Using the wrong motor can result in improper airflow, sail switch problems, and furnace malfunctions.
The motor is central to the furnace's operation sequence:
Before replacing the motor, check these common issues: • Power supply: Verify 12V DC at motor (min 10.5V required) • Fuse: Check furnace fuse – often shared with other appliances • Wiring connections: Inspect for loose, corroded, or damaged wires • Control board: May not be sending power to motor • Relay: Time delay relay may have failed • Blower wheels: Seized wheel can prevent motor from spinning Quick Test: Apply 12V DC directly to motor terminals. If motor runs, problem is upstream (board, relay, wiring). If motor doesn't run, motor needs replacement.
1. Disconnect all power – turn off furnace and disconnect 12V supply 2. Shut off propane – close tank valve 3. Remove exterior access panel – expose motor assembly 4. Disconnect motor wires – note polarity or take photo 5. Remove blower wheels – loosen set screws, slide off shafts 6. Remove old motor – typically 2-4 mounting screws 7. Install new gasket – included with motor assembly 8. Mount new motor – align and secure mounting screws 9. Reinstall blower wheels – room air wheel on long shaft, combustion wheel on short shaft 10. Verify wheel clearance – spin by hand, ensure no rubbing 11. Reconnect wiring – match original polarity 12. Test operation – verify proper startup and airflow
Higher BTU furnaces require higher RPM motors to move more air for proper heating and combustion.
Minimum: 10.5V DC Nominal: 12V DC Maximum: 13.5V DC Low battery voltage is a common cause of furnace problems. If voltage drops below 10.5V, the motor may not run at proper speed, causing sail switch issues and ignition failures.
All Suburban serial numbers manufactured after January 1990 are 9 digits. The first 2 digits indicate the year of manufacture. Example: S/N 912000060 = 1991 S/N 012305199 = 2001 Even though 912000060 is numerically higher, it represents an earlier date due to the year digits.
Suburban Manufacturing (A division of Airxcel, Inc.) Dayton, TN USA Suburban furnaces operate on 12V DC power, making them ideal for RV use with battery or converter power.