AC Thermostat

[SRehberg]

I have a Lance 2005 camper with a Atwood Heater/AC thermostat, with dual fan speeds. I wanted to know if others are experiencing the samething I am. When we turn the thermostat to Heat things are fine. When we turn it to AC, the fan on the AC comes on but there is a 3 min. delay or longer for the compressor. I called the factory wherein they told me it should be just a few seconds. I confirmed the thermostat wasn't calling for the compressor by using a voltmeter on the compressor signal wire. The factory sent a new thermostat but it does exactly the same thing, so now I wonder if it's just a goofy design. If you set it for a specific temp, the range of temperature is pretty wide for cycling so I'm thinking of ash-canning the stat. Anyone else have experience with this particular thermostat?



Thanks

 

[EricBu12]

You might be able to get a digital thermostat that will work with that A/C. . Most are pretty basic like a house Stat... Call a parts dealer and ask alot of questions

 

[Bill Stockard]

I have a '03 Lance camper that has a factory installed Dometic heater/air conditioner thermostat on the wall. It has a Dometic Penquin 13,500 BTU air conditioner instead of a Coleman which Lance uses beginning sometime in '04. The compressor starts immediately when switched on. It's not digital, but works well. The temperature varies about 2 degrees between cycling on and off. There is an automatic setting where the fan and compressor cycle off and on together which saves electricity (fuel) when running the generator.



Bill

 

[SRehberg]

Thanks for the replies, as it confirms what I have always experienced. It's usually right away it brings the compressor in. Along with the 4+ degree temp swing, it makes for an uncomfortable time on hot days. If I put the thermostat on "auto" it will shut the AC down altogether as you mentioned but then it has to go the 4* to come back on with the 3+min delay again. Gets warm.



I may try the factory ONE more time and if no satisfaction, try a household thermostat, it can't be any worse!



Thanks

 

[Bill Stockard]

I think the compressor start delay may be a Coleman "feature". I've owned several RVs with Dometic and only one with a Coleman A/C. I don't recall start delay on the Dometic A/C units when they are switched on the first time.



Bill

 

[SRehberg]

Bill, I think you maybe right. The new 'stat is behaving exactly the same as the first. The factory is no help, they know less than I do about it, plus the warranty is up. It's frustrating when it's hot to have the delay, then the temp spread and the delay again on restart up. I think Coleman/Atwood took a step backwards with this design.



Thanks

 

[Bill Stockard]

I imagine the time delay relay is external on the compressor. If you had a wiring diagram, you might be able to "jumper" around it.



Bill