Hydro Flame 33126 Blower Wheel Kit Review

The Hydro Flame 33126 Blower Wheel Kit: Is It Really That Good?

The Hydro Flame 33126 Blower Wheel Kit promises to be a simple, effective solution for reviving or repairing your Atwood/Hydro Flame furnace’s blower. Hydro Flame, a respected name in RV and mobile home components, aims to deliver a quality replacement part with this kit. This kit is designed for the 8500 III & IV series furnaces, and boasts easy installation.

My family and I were planning a late-season camping trip in the Rockies. Knowing the nights could get brutally cold, a working furnace was non-negotiable. Upon firing up the furnace for a pre-trip check, all I got was a pathetic wheeze, the blower wheel clearly shot.

The Hydro Flame 33126 Blower Wheel Kit was the solution I landed on after a frustrating search for compatible replacement parts. Several universal blower motors were available, but the thought of hacking away at the housing or jury-rigging a mounting solution wasn’t appealing, to say the least. I wanted something that promised a straightforward swap.

My initial reaction upon unboxing was relief; the Hydro Flame 33126 Blower Wheel Kit looked like a solid, well-molded piece of equipment. The black plastic felt robust, not flimsy, and it seemed true to size, matching the dimensions of the defunct blower wheel I removed from the furnace. The build quality seemed better than a generic aftermarket part I had seen online.

Two other options I considered were a complete furnace replacement, which was overkill and expensive, and sourcing a used blower motor from an RV salvage yard. A new furnace would have cost hundreds, and the salvage part was of dubious quality. The Hydro Flame 33126 Blower Wheel Kit offered a cost-effective middle ground.

I was cautiously optimistic. Furnace repairs can be fiddly, and the difference between a perfectly fitting part and one that requires extensive modification can be the difference between a warm cabin and a miserable, frozen weekend. My hope was that the “quick and simple installation” claim would hold true.

Real-World Testing: Putting Hydro Flame 33126 Blower Wheel Kit to the Test

First Use Experience

My testing ground was, effectively, my driveway. I performed the blower wheel replacement and furnace test before hitting the road. The initial installation took about 30 minutes, and while not entirely “quick and simple,” it was considerably less painful than I anticipated.

The real test came when I fired up the furnace. The blower sprang to life with a noticeable hum, pushing warm air through the vents within seconds. No strange noises, no vibrations, just consistent airflow, even when I cranked up the thermostat. I tested it multiple times with the outside temperature around 45 degrees Fahrenheit.

There were no immediate issues. I did notice a slight plastic smell during the first few minutes of operation. It quickly dissipated, but was something to note. The initial results, however, were encouraging; the Hydro Flame 33126 Blower Wheel Kit had seemingly breathed new life into our furnace.

Extended Use & Reliability

After a solid month of usage, including that chilly camping trip in the Rockies, the Hydro Flame 33126 Blower Wheel Kit has performed admirably. We ran the furnace for extended periods each night, sometimes for hours on end, to combat the mountain chill. The blower motor remained consistent, with no signs of weakening airflow or increased noise.

So far, there are no visible signs of wear and tear on the blower wheel itself. The plastic hasn’t warped or cracked, and the bearings seem to be holding up well. Maintenance has been virtually non-existent. I plan to periodically inspect the blower wheel for dust and debris buildup, but there has been no need for cleaning thus far.

Compared to our previous experiences with the failing, original blower motor, the Hydro Flame 33126 Blower Wheel Kit is a vast improvement. The furnace is now quieter and more efficient, providing consistent heat throughout the RV. It has definitely outperformed expectations, considering the price.

Breaking Down the Features of Hydro Flame 33126 Blower Wheel Kit

Specifications

• The Hydro Flame 33126 Blower Wheel Kit is designed specifically for Atwood/Hydro Flame 8500 III & IV series furnaces. This compatibility is critical, ensuring a proper fit and functionality.
• The kit includes a single black blower wheel, constructed from a durable plastic composite. The material choice is vital for withstanding the heat and stress of continuous operation within a furnace.
• Designed for quick and simple installation, although a basic understanding of furnace components is recommended. This feature aims to reduce downtime and minimize repair costs.

These specifications matter because they directly influence the ease of installation, the reliability of the furnace, and the overall user experience. A properly fitting, durable blower wheel is essential for efficient and safe furnace operation. Improper fitment can cause furnace failures.

Performance & Functionality

The Hydro Flame 33126 Blower Wheel Kit performs its job exceptionally well, restoring proper airflow to the furnace. The furnace now heats up quickly and maintains a consistent temperature.

The kit’s main strength lies in its precise fit and ease of installation, significantly reducing the time required for repairs. A minor weakness could be the initial plastic smell, although it is short-lived and doesn’t affect performance. The kit exceeds expectations, providing a cost-effective and reliable solution to a common RV furnace problem.

Design & Ergonomics

The build quality of the Hydro Flame 33126 Blower Wheel Kit is commendable. The plastic composite feels robust and well-molded.

The design is simple and functional, prioritizing ease of installation. The average RV owner will likely be able to complete the installation with basic tools.

Durability & Maintenance

Based on a month of heavy usage, the Hydro Flame 33126 Blower Wheel Kit appears to be durable. The plastic construction seems resilient to heat and continuous operation.

Maintenance is minimal. Periodic inspections for dust and debris buildup are recommended to ensure optimal performance.

Accessories and Customization Options

The Hydro Flame 33126 Blower Wheel Kit comes with the blower wheel itself. There are no additional accessories included in the kit.

There are no customization options available or necessary for this product. It is a direct replacement part designed for a specific furnace model. The blower wheel can be carefully balanced using strategically placed tape.

Pros and Cons of Hydro Flame 33126 Blower Wheel Kit

Who Should Buy Hydro Flame 33126 Blower Wheel Kit?

Perfect for: RV owners, mobile home residents, and DIY enthusiasts who need to repair a failing blower motor in their Atwood/Hydro Flame 8500 III & IV series furnace.
The kit is an ideal solution for those looking for a cost-effective and relatively straightforward repair option.

Who should skip this product? Individuals who are uncomfortable working with electrical components or lack basic mechanical skills might want to consult a qualified RV technician. It’s also not a solution if the motor itself is damaged beyond just the fan.

Must-have accessories or modifications? Basic hand tools (screwdrivers, pliers), a shop vacuum for cleaning the furnace compartment, and a multimeter to verify power to the motor are essential. A can of electric contact cleaner will also aid in the installation.

Conclusion on Hydro Flame 33126 Blower Wheel Kit

The Hydro Flame 33126 Blower Wheel Kit is a solid replacement part that effectively restores airflow to Atwood/Hydro Flame 8500 III & IV series furnaces. It’s a great alternative to replacing the entire furnace.

The price of $44.39 is justified, considering the cost savings compared to a full furnace replacement or professional repair service. It is especially valuable considering the potential damage from burst pipes caused by freezing due to a broken furnace.

I would definitely recommend the Hydro Flame 33126 Blower Wheel Kit to anyone facing a failing blower motor in their compatible furnace. For a relatively small investment and a bit of elbow grease, you can get your furnace back up and running, ensuring a comfortable and safe environment in your RV or mobile home. Don’t let a broken blower ruin your camping trip or leave you shivering through the night; grab the Hydro Flame 33126 Blower Wheel Kit and get your furnace humming again!