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Old 07-18-2015, 06:12 PM   #1
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Can a digital thermostat be added to the AC unit?

More of a curiosity, but can the AC unit be retrofitted up to use the trailers heat and A/C thermostat? Out AC is a 13.5 dometic non-ducted unit with the three speeds and temp controlled by the rheostat switch on the roof.

All this talk of people in the thread about keeping their AC on while out for the day and the temp they set it at had my wondering.
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Old 07-18-2015, 06:19 PM   #2
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Old 07-18-2015, 07:27 PM   #3
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Without extensive work, you can only use one for the heat.
Blast-from--the-Center a/c's, like yours, don't have an easy solutions to this.
That's why we made sure that our trailer had ducted a/c.
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Old 07-18-2015, 08:13 PM   #4
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We have a HW296 was hoping for options.
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Old 07-18-2015, 08:17 PM   #5
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http://www.amazon.com/Dometic-331319...V7GXHVBSB27059

I had a dometic on my last trailer that had this unit. It worked fine. I dont know if it will work with your model or not.
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Old 07-18-2015, 08:35 PM   #6
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Quote:
Originally Posted by firedaniel View Post
http://www.amazon.com/Dometic-331319...V7GXHVBSB27059

I had a dometic on my last trailer that had this unit. It worked fine. I dont know if it will work with your model or not.
Was it a ducted AC or one like the one in our trailer?
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Old 07-18-2015, 08:52 PM   #7
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You can install a wireless stat
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Old 07-18-2015, 09:22 PM   #8
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Originally Posted by Toddupton View Post
You can install a wireless stat
Do you understand the type of a/c the OP has?
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Old 07-18-2015, 09:53 PM   #9
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I've read the OP three times now and the way I read it the OP is asking IF the A/C unit can be retro-fitted:"can the AC unit be retrofitted up to use the trailers heat and A/C thermostat?" I'm wondering if "doc73" is asking about wanting to add a heat strip to his A/C.
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Old 07-18-2015, 09:59 PM   #10
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I took it to mean that the OP wants a digital stat to control the furnace AND the a/c.
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Old 07-19-2015, 09:56 AM   #11
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I have a digital thermostat for the heat and heat only. Ac is just a basic three speed cold and three speed fan with a basic thermostat control. Want to know if it can be changed to use a thermostat to get a better way to set a temp not just use the rheostat to get a ball park idea.

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Old 07-19-2015, 12:01 PM   #12
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Unhappy Digital thermostat...

When I had my 13,500 A/C added to my bedroom I called Advent and was told that a wall mounted thermostat could not be added. To physically compare the guts of the a/c it looks identical to a Dometic. So I would think there would be some way to do it......mine runs all the time and the compressor just comes on and off. But because of the small space, low is just too cold. I would love to have it all come on and off as needed.....
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Old 07-19-2015, 02:02 PM   #13
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Quote:
Originally Posted by doc73 View Post
I have a digital thermostat for the heat and heat only. Ac is just a basic three speed cold and three speed fan with a basic thermostat control. Want to know if it can be changed to use a thermostat to get a better way to set a temp not just use the rheostat to get a ball park idea.

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As I said, I have read about someone doing this conversion, on another RV forum.
But it was extremely complicated and not cheap.
As far as I know, there is no "kit" to do this.
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Old 07-19-2015, 02:56 PM   #14
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Originally Posted by bikendan View Post
As I said, I have read about someone doing this conversion, on another RV forum.
But it was extremely complicated and not cheap.
As far as I know, there is no "kit" to do this.
Yes it could be done but you better have an electrical background like I do. You need to understand controls because you are going to have to disconnect all the control wiring. Then run wiring to the new stat.

I am assuming the OP does not have the background needed or he would not be asking.

Jim
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Old 07-19-2015, 07:57 PM   #15
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You would be correct... No background in it. I am a quick learner and very handy but not that good!
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Old 07-19-2015, 09:13 PM   #16
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You would be correct... No background in it. I am a quick learner and very handy but not that good!
Many years ago I took a 4 year apprenticeship, most of which focused on control circuitry. It came in handy over the years but it is not something you can learn overnight.

Most of what I learned on was mechanical but eventually had to learn the electronics. Didn't really need it on my job with the state so stopped going to school for it about 20 years ago. Needed the mechanical side more and had to keep up with the electrical code.

If I had the drawings for that unit I could tell you how to do it but to be honest I don't think it would be worth it.

Jim
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Old 07-19-2015, 09:43 PM   #17
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This looks like it may be your answer:


http://www.amazon.com/Lux-Heating-Co...hermostat+cool




Super easy if your unit is plugged into a standard 120 volt receptacle. A bit harder if it is hard wired. In that case, you would have to install an plug and socket in the existing line.
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Old 07-20-2015, 09:49 AM   #18
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This looks like it may be your answer:


http://www.amazon.com/Lux-Heating-Co...hermostat+cool




Super easy if your unit is plugged into a standard 120 volt receptacle. A bit harder if it is hard wired. In that case, you would have to install an plug and socket in the existing line.
Nice idea but is only rated for 15 amps. This may not handle the surge from a roof top AC unit.

Jim
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