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Old 06-18-2019, 10:29 PM   #1
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Installing a new Thermostat

I have a 2005 Forest River Cardinal. It has an what I call an old style thermostat. I'm wanting to install a new digital thermostat, but I'm unsure if it will work or not. Is the thermostat in these campers a 24volt or what? When I ordered the new thermostat it said it would work in an RV. Is there any one out there that can give me some insight please? I've attached a couple of pictures with the stats on the new thermostat. Thanks in advance. Click image for larger version

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Old 06-18-2019, 10:49 PM   #2
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I suspect that you will have to run that stat on batteries. It's my understanding that RVs run on 12 volt.


FWIW, I replaced my Coleman-Mack analog thermostat with a Coleman-Mack Digital. Was a wire for wire replacement and works well. Doesn't have as wide a temp swing between cycling on/off on both heat and cool settings.



My original looked like this one:
https://www.campingworld.com/thermos...20group%20%231


The replacement looks like this one, not sure it is the exact one I used: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0...odtag104471-20
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Old 06-19-2019, 08:15 AM   #3
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I've installed digital T-stats on 4 out of 5 of our campers. One came with it already installed. Although I've never installed one like in the picture it's a very simple thing to do. All wires are color coded so just follow the wiring diagram in the directions. BIG TIP - when you remove you current T-stat make sure don't lose the wires behind the wall.

Although not for the particular T-stat you Here's a couple links that might help:

http://www.rverscorner.com/hunterstat.htm

http://www.modmyrv.com/2008/07/14/rv-digital-thermostat

https://www.rv.net/forum/index.cfm/f...d/24108995.cfm
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Old 06-19-2019, 08:41 AM   #4
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The 24V is A/C from the furnace/unit and not "generated" by the stat. Some/most digital stats use the 1.5V batteries to make the switches, operate the light and display and hold the settings...if applicable.

I personally prefer an RV stat as you have full function with the fan, but others may not. I think some of the newer units may not function with a "universal" stat. JMO
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Old 06-19-2019, 09:44 AM   #5
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Wiscampsin View Post
I've installed digital T-stats on 4 out of 5 of our campers. One came with it already installed. Although I've never installed one like in the picture it's a very simple thing to do. All wires are color coded so just follow the wiring diagram in the directions. BIG TIP - when you remove you current T-stat make sure don't lose the wires behind the wall.

Although not for the particular T-stat you Here's a couple links that might help:

http://www.rverscorner.com/hunterstat.htm

http://www.modmyrv.com/2008/07/14/rv-digital-thermostat

https://www.rv.net/forum/index.cfm/f...d/24108995.cfm
Thanks for your help. This is good information.
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Old 06-19-2019, 09:44 AM   #6
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Originally Posted by Iwannacamp View Post
The 24V is A/C from the furnace/unit and not "generated" by the stat. Some/most digital stats use the 1.5V batteries to make the switches, operate the light and display and hold the settings...if applicable.

I personally prefer an RV stat as you have full function with the fan, but others may not. I think some of the newer units may not function with a "universal" stat. JMO
Thanks for your help.
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Old 06-19-2019, 09:57 AM   #7
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That thermostat should work with your unit. However, to be any kind of specific help we'll need to know the make and model of the old thermostat. Is it a Dometic or Coleman?

Dometic systems are funny in that they switch the negative wire instead of the positive wires.

I can't find a copy of the manual for it online, but if you can post a copy of it, or a link to where I can find it I'll be happy to help you figure out how to wire it.
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Old 06-19-2019, 10:03 AM   #8
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Originally Posted by Bama Rambler View Post
That thermostat should work with your unit. However, to be any kind of specific help we'll need to know the make and model of the old thermostat. Is it a Dometic or Coleman?

Dometic systems are funny in that they switch the negative wire instead of the positive wires.

I can't find a copy of the manual for it online, but if you can post a copy of it, or a link to where I can find it I'll be happy to help you figure out how to wire it.
Thanks, it's a Dometic Duo-Therm.
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Old 06-19-2019, 10:03 AM   #9
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You'll need to run it on battery power. Your trailer won't have 24v available.
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Old 06-19-2019, 12:23 PM   #10
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Can you post a pdf or picture of the wiring diagram in the manual for the H701 thermostat. It's the one I can't find online.

However, it should hook up pretty much like the diagram below.

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Old 06-19-2019, 12:52 PM   #11
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Digital Thermostat in RV

I can't see your unit well, but I have installed conventional digital home thermostats in several RV's. MUCH improved performance and temperature control.

The main difference is that the household thermostat is normally operated by internal batteries, so does not need the RV 12 volt for operation.

I'm sorry, but I no longer have the reference diagrams, but the main difference I recall is no 12V ground or neutral connection since thermostat operating power is internal.

Other connections then become simple on/off switches for the furnace and AC control circuits. Sometimes you will have to forgo AC fan speed control.

Do a google search for digital thermostats in RV's and you should find a wiring diagram.

Might be a minor hassle to install, but you will be pleased with the result.
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Old 06-19-2019, 02:45 PM   #12
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Dometic makes a digital thermostat conversion kit too, for converting analog to digital
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Old 06-19-2019, 07:27 PM   #13
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24 Vac

Quote:
Originally Posted by Iwannacamp View Post
The 24V is A/C from the furnace/unit and not "generated" by the stat. Some/most digital stats use the 1.5V batteries to make the switches, operate the light and display and hold the settings...if applicable.

I personally prefer an RV stat as you have full function with the fan, but others may not. I think some of the newer units may not function with a "universal" stat. JMO
24Vac is only in Park Models.

Larry
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Old 06-19-2019, 09:52 PM   #14
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Originally Posted by Larry-NC View Post
24Vac is only in Park Models.



Larry


Referring to the OPs first post
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Old 07-02-2019, 03:18 PM   #15
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Thanks goes out to everyone who replied to my post. I successfully installed the thermostat I was referring to, using the information that I received from y'all. It works great. I even added the high speed fan switch to it. Thanks again!!!
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Old 07-02-2019, 03:43 PM   #16
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Originally Posted by orabun View Post
Thanks goes out to everyone who replied to my post. I successfully installed the thermostat I was referring to, using the information that I received from y'all. It works great. I even added the high speed fan switch to it. Thanks again!!!
You're welcome!
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Old 07-02-2019, 05:40 PM   #17
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Originally Posted by orabun View Post
Thanks goes out to everyone who replied to my post. I successfully installed the thermostat I was referring to, using the information that I received from y'all. It works great. I even added the high speed fan switch to it. Thanks again!!!
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Old 08-15-2019, 12:04 AM   #18
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Wiscampsin View Post
I've installed digital T-stats on 4 out of 5 of our campers. One came with it already installed. Although I've never installed one like in the picture it's a very simple thing to do. All wires are color coded so just follow the wiring diagram in the directions. BIG TIP - when you remove you current T-stat make sure don't lose the wires behind the wall.

Although not for the particular T-stat you Here's a couple links that might help:

http://www.rverscorner.com/hunterstat.htm

http://www.modmyrv.com/2008/07/14/rv-digital-thermostat

https://www.rv.net/forum/index.cfm/f...d/24108995.cfm
I had that thermostat installed on my Jayco I traded for. Runs on 2 AA and comes with a cool remote. [emoji16]
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