Thermostat

[miketrav03]

I am looking to upgrade my analog thermostat to a digital thermostat in my 2018 Rockwood mini lite 2509s. Does any one recommend a good digital thermostat that has heat and air conditioning?

[rsdata]

I have used this resource...
lots of variety at a reasonable cost...

https://www.glowshiftdirect.com/

[67L48]

I just went with the drop-in replacement for $50. Coleman Mach 8330-3862. There are better units out there, but I liked that this one requires no mods.



Good luck.

[Wiscampsin]

I put in a Hunter Digital in 2 of our previous campers. You can get it at Home Depot, Menards, etc. Easy swap and works well. I don't know if they still have the same model #'s available but the links below will get you started.

Hunter Thermostat

RV Digital Thermostat Upgrade | ModMyRV

RV.Net Open Roads Forum: Replacing old thermostat with a digital one (with pictures)

[rockfordroo]

If you've got the Coleman-Mach, here's a wiring diagram of my change to a Honeywell RTH111. It doesn't have two fan speeds, so you either have to pick one or add a SPDT switch to the T-stat choose fan speeds, which is what I did.

But I'm planning to replace the tiny little SPDT I used with a standard RV rocker switch mounted next to the T-stat this year. (JR Products model # 12625.)

Here's what the Honeywell looks like:


Here's the little Radio Shack SPDT mounted in the T-stat:


By the time you buy the Honeywell and a switch, you're probably into it for about $40. So you should probably see how cheaply you can get the digital Coleman-Mach and then decide which way you want to go.

[SmilinBeard]

Originally Posted by 67L48

I just went with the drop-in replacement for $50. Coleman Mach 8330-3862. There are better units out there, but I liked that this one requires no mods.



Good luck.

x2. The swap out was a piece of cake.

[david_reaves]

Originally Posted by SmilinBeard

x2. The swap out was a piece of cake.

x3. Easy swap and works well. I like the smaller range on start and stop. Keeps from freezing or roasting.

[Freedom1955]

Originally Posted by david_reaves

x3. Easy swap and works well. I like the smaller range on start and stop. Keeps from freezing or roasting.

X4.

[5picker]

X5

[Mdaniels4]

Will this one work for a dual ac system? I'd guess in other words, both ac's would come on and turn off at the same time? I absolutely abhor the dometic programmable 2 zone thermostat.

[67L48]

The model I posted is a single zone system for the smaller trailers that have a single furnace and a single AC unit. I would expect that there are other units from Coleman Mach that accommodate multiple zones, if you choose to go that path. You'd have to search on that, though.

Good luck.

[Mdaniels4]

Thanks so much. I'll look into their dual zone.

[rockfordroo]

Originally Posted by Mdaniels4

Will this one work for a dual ac system? I'd guess in other words, both ac's would come on and turn off at the same time? I absolutely abhor the dometic programmable 2 zone thermostat.

Originally Posted by 67L48

The model I posted is a single zone system for the smaller trailers that have a single furnace and a single AC unit. I would expect that there are other units from Coleman Mach that accommodate multiple zones, if you choose to go that path. You'd have to search on that, though.

Good luck.

Yes, zones complicate things further. But also, Dometic systems work differently with respect to power even for single zone systems. For the Coleman-Mach, the battery/converter provides 12VDC to the thermostat, which then sends it to the furnace or AC and it's fan to turn them on and it reached ground at that component (the furnace or the AC). It is my understanding that on Dometic systems, the AC (and furnace, I believe) receive 12VDC from the battery/converter. So the thermostat's contacts actually receive this power from the AC/furnace rather than from the battery/converter. I'm not sure if the ground side of the contacts is returned to the AC/furnace or just goes to ground at the thermostat. But I think ultimate difference between the two is is similar to positive switching and negative (ground) switching in some cars. So replacing a Dometic is a bit tougher. Do some googling of Dometic T-stat if you need to go that route.

If you don't understand any of this, best to go with a same-make digital plug and play.

[Skyliner]

Don't get the Honeywell home thermostat for your RV. The batteries require you to remove it and each time you do that you risk the a bent pin when putting it back together. Also, the pins overtime from road vibration will loosen and fall out. I got tired of resoldering the pins and my thermostat popping off whenever I towed on a non-improved road.

Here is what I got several years ago and has been 100% perfect: https://www.amazon.com/Hunter-42999-...ct_top?ie=UTF8

I did not use a small switch mounted onto the thermostat for the low/high fan speed for the air conditioning. Instead, I mounted an RV wall switch in the wall instead and perfect!


If I need to replace the batteries, I do not have to remove the thermostat from the wall,just open a panel and done!

If you can't get the Hunter, another identical option is https://www.amazon.com/Supco-43054-E...32J0A90N85WEKX

[rockfordroo]

I've had zero problems with my Honeywell in 3 years. I pop it off 2x/yr: Once in spring to put new batteries in it, once in fall to take them out. Did the same for 3 years in my Roo 19.

No pin issues. Maybe you're doing it wrong??

Actually, my home t-stat is designed very similarly. You have to remove it to change the batteries that keep it's brains intact during a power failure. In fact, being programmable, the instructions tout removing it, sitting down in your easy chair, programming it, and putting it back back on the wall. Batteries need changing about every 2-3 years. No pin problems in 18 years.

But to each his own.

[WannaBcamping]

Hubby found a video on YouTube showing installing the Honeywell FocusPro Non-programmable digital thermostat. It is backlit which is what we liked. So we've just ordered one from Amazon.ca. He says install looks really easy. Couldn't find the model you used rockfordroo. At least not for sale up here in Canada.

[rockfordroo]

Originally Posted by WannaBcamping

Hubby found a video on YouTube showing installing the Honeywell FocusPro Non-programmable digital thermostat. It is backlit which is what we liked. So we've just ordered one from Amazon.ca. He says install looks really easy. Couldn't find the model you used rockfordroo. At least not for sale up here in Canada.

Got mine at Home Depot. $25.

https://www.homedepot.com/p/Honeywel...11+%7Brest%7D+

Don't remember if it's backlit. I don't think so.

[WannaBcamping]

This is the model we bought. Honeywell FocusPro 5000 - backlit which is something we wanted.

https://www.amazon.ca/gp/product/B00...?ie=UTF8&psc=1

~$60 Canadian = approx. ~$47. USD

[Hollywoodgt]

My buddy and I just put in a Ness T stat so he could turn on his a/c or heat when heading to the camper and also make sure the heat doesnt go off. You do have to use some diodes and a small curcuit board do to the voltage issue being different.

Oh he also leaves a hot spot for internet and runs two cameras on the system

[rockfordroo]

Originally Posted by Hollywoodgt

My buddy and I just put in a Ness T stat so he could turn on his a/c or heat when heading to the camper and also make sure the heat doesnt go off. You do have to use some diodes and a small curcuit board do to the voltage issue being different.

Oh he also leaves a hot spot for internet and runs two cameras on the system

I think you meant "Nest"