Digital 12v Thermostat for RV furnace

[FD5]

Anybody know who makes a 12v digital thermostat for an RV furnace? My furnace and A/C are seperate. Can't find one.

 

[RustyJC]

You might check over at http://www.iRV2.com and run a search for "Thermostat". I know there's been some discussion over there on this subject - several individuals report success with retrofitting a digital thermostat they picked up at Lowe's or Home Depot.



Rusty

 

[klenger]

Here it is.



http://www.klenger.net/arctic-fox/hunter-tstat/index.html

 

[TowPro]

I checked out this page and it seems like it would work, my only consern is "is there a time delay built into the AC circuit?"



If you turn the AC off, then back on, the head pressure is high and the compressor will draw large amounts of power trying to restart. In my last unit I did this and took out the relay inside the AC unit. Of course it was on the 2nd day of a 10 day trip down the OuterBanks in the middle of summer. I was lucky enough to find a replacment I could "supersede" into the unit that was stronger then the old one.



Of course this ain't very good for your AC compressor either!



I think I have seen 12V time delays in McMaster Cars book.

Originally posted by RustyJC

You might check over at http://www.iRV2.com and run a search for "Thermostat". I know there's been some discussion over there on this subject - several individuals report success with retrofitting a digital thermostat they picked up at Lowe's or Home Depot.



Rusty

 

[klenger]

TwoPro:



According the the manual for the Hunter T-Stat, there is a 4 minute delay before restarting the A/C compressor. I have verified it's operation after installation.

 

[FD5]

Furnace only

Looked at the pictures and it looks like the Hunter is for A/C and furnace. I need furnace only if possible, otherwise will have to hook up Hunter furnace side only. Anyone know if there is a furnace only 12v digital thermostat?



Thanks,

John Hatch

 

[RJOL]

John,



I took a look at the Hunter site and these are for 24V systems (like in your house). What some have done is to modify the installation to make it work for your RV 12V systems (see "installation instructions"). You might be able to get a home "heater only" thermostat and modify it for your particular needs...

 

[klenger]

RJOL:

The Hunter T-stat doesn't care what type of system it's hooked to (except 115 vac line electric heaters) as long as the current is low enough. The T-Stat uses relays to turn on the furnace and/or A/C, and the electronics is powered by internal batteries. The T-Stat is fully functional with no external power at all.



FD5:

I think that you will find that most all digital T-stats will have an A/C function. If you don't have A/C, just don't hook up that part. The price is only $20, so you won't save anything by buying a heat only T-stat.

 

[Bill Stockard]

klenger,



I looked at your set-up on the Hunter thermostat install and have a couple of questions.



What did you do about using the 2 speed fan and the heat strip?



I have a Dometic thermostat, Dometic Penquin A/C-Heat Strip, and combination thermostat which also controls the furnace. I run the heat strip on the low fan speed. In the summer, I'll need to operate the A/C on the high fan speed.



Since the Hunter thermostat doesn't need the 24 VAC, what powers the digital readout on the Hunter thermostat? Is it the back-up batteries?



Just curious... ... .....



Bill

 

[klenger]

Bill:



The Hunter T-stat is totally powered by the batteries, including the display. I suppose one could make a 3v regulator and power it from the RV battery, but I don't think that's necessary.



About the 2 speed fan switch. I do not have a heat strip. I wired the fan in hi speed only. I haven't even used the AC yet since I just got the camper in August, and we usually dry camp anyway. Check out page three of this article to see what others have done for the hi/lo switch. If you have any more questions, ask.

 

[Bill Stockard]

klenger,



Thanks... I understand



Bill