Digital thermostat

**cpaharley2008** · 07-15-2014, 02:40 PM

After using this upgrade over the past 6 months I can say that it really is an improvement over the standard overhead a/c thermostat as well as the stock metal coil thermostat for the furnace. In the winter the furnace setting is exact without the normal heat swings associated with the conventional coil spring set up. It does not run to where you feel it is too hot, switches off and then you feel cold before it starts again, the heat is more even.
For the a/c it really makes it nice, just like at home, it cools down and shuts off completely, then when needed it will restart. The fan does not continue to run like it does with the stock set up. Just wanted to post my observations.

Mob2014 · 07-15-2014, 03:21 PM

Thanks for the update. We ordered it based on your recommendation. Glad to hear it's working out so well.

**rbryan4** · 07-15-2014, 03:39 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by cpaharley2008

After using this upgrade over the past 6 months I can say that it really is an improvement over the standard overhead a/c thermostat as well as the stock metal coil thermostat for the furnace. In the winter the furnace setting is exact without the normal heat swings associated with the conventional coil spring set up. It does not run to where you feel it is too hot, switches off and then you feel cold before it starts again, the heat is more even.
For the a/c it really makes it nice, just like at home, it cools down and shuts off completely, then when needed it will restart. The fan does not continue to run like it does with the stock set up. Just wanted to post my observations.

It's on our build list Jim.

Rossue · 07-15-2014, 03:44 PM

Jim- do you know what make & model A/C was installed?

Scuba55 · 07-15-2014, 03:51 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by cpaharley2008

After using this upgrade over the past 6 months I can say that it really is an improvement over the standard overhead a/c thermostat as well as the stock metal coil thermostat for the furnace. In the winter the furnace setting is exact without the normal heat swings associated with the conventional coil spring set up. It does not run to where you feel it is too hot, switches off and then you feel cold before it starts again, the heat is more even.
For the a/c it really makes it nice, just like at home, it cools down and shuts off completely, then when needed it will restart. The fan does not continue to run like it does with the stock set up. Just wanted to post my observations.

It's on my build sheet as well. Thanks for the update!

**cpaharley2008** · 07-15-2014, 03:52 PM

I got the stock Dometic a/c and furnace with the digital thermostat.

Jrn56 · 07-15-2014, 05:00 PM

Jim, I haven't given up on retrofitting the digital thermostat in my 19. I need to buy the thermostat with the controller kit and run the wires from the thermostat to the AC ceiling assembly.

tractors1 · 07-15-2014, 06:26 PM

Another biggie if you're 6ft tall or more is that the control panel on the bottom of the fridge is different - there are no more protruding knobs to bonk your head on.

Rossue · 07-15-2014, 08:51 PM

Am ordering w/no AC. Wanted digital thermostat but was told it only comes with the AC unit...perhaps they're only sold as a set...gonna keep checking on that. Am aware of two others recently who opted for no AC. For me I wanted to lose 100 lbs and prefer the ceiling without it there. Can always plunk one in later as there is a 14" vent where the AC goes and wiring will be there. Maxx Fan by the bed. Also technology/unit design keeps advancing so who knows? But I'd like that digital thermostat if humanly possible.

gbaglo · 07-15-2014, 08:54 PM

Make sure it's AC Ready. Not just wiring, but roof reinforcement.

**cpaharley2008** · 07-15-2014, 08:57 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Rossue

Am ordering w/no AC. Wanted digital thermostat but was told it only comes with the AC unit...perhaps they're only sold as a set...gonna keep checking on that. Am aware of two others recently who opted for no AC. For me I wanted to lose 100 lbs and prefer the ceiling without it there. Can always plunk one in later as there is a 14" vent where the AC goes and wiring will be there. Maxx Fan by the bed. Also technology/unit design keeps advancing so who knows? But I'd like that digital thermostat if humanly possible.

One can easily install a digital unit for the furnace only after market, it is only a 3 wire set up. But like Glenn said, you have to have the roof reinforced via a a/c shroud. For someone living in the lower 48, it is almost mandatory to have a/c, if you are above the border then I can understand.

bouterse · 07-15-2014, 09:20 PM

If you don't get the digital thermostat, is the location of the knobs on the unit different?

**cpaharley2008** · 07-15-2014, 09:22 PM

Correct, you now have the controls mounted on the a/c in the ceiling.

Rossue · 07-15-2014, 09:36 PM

Hey Glenn & Jim- thanks for watching my back! I was told, but will get it in writing that it is all pre-set to add the AC later. Just still a little confused as to why I cannot have a thermostat upgrade now. Going to check with Dometic tomorrow.

bouterse · 07-15-2014, 09:39 PM

Yes Jim, but are the controls pointing down (a head banger) or are they on the side of the unit?
Jack

**cpaharley2008** · 07-15-2014, 09:43 PM

The digital thermostat is for heating and cooling, you need a digital heat only thermostat if you do not get the a/c. There are separate wires that need to be run to the a/c and an additional controller for the a/c thermostat portion to operate, something that can not be easily done afterwards. Sort of like all or nothing. By the time you have all the extra's done you might as well get the a/c and only have one thermostat instead of two.

**cpaharley2008** · 07-15-2014, 09:44 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by bouterse

Yes Jim, but are the controls pointing down (a head banger) or are they on the side of the unit?
Jack

I believe they are at an angle from the front and if you are tall they are pointy vs the flush non control front.

tractors1 · 07-15-2014, 09:46 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by cpaharley2008

I believe they are at an angle from the front and if you are tall they are pointy vs the flush non control front.

I'm just under 6-1 and my ballcap brushes the control knobs on a 21. Would be real easy to smack the noggin, so I'm going with no knobs (digital thermostat.)

tractors1 · 07-15-2014, 09:48 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Rossue

Hey Glenn & Jim- thanks for watching my back! I was told, but will get it in writing that it is all pre-set to add the AC later. Just still a little confused as to why I cannot have a thermostat upgrade now. Going to check with Dometic tomorrow.

Escape should make a note as to AC ready on your build sheet and send you a new copy. At least they did when I said do NOT delete the step outriggers, but do NOT put in their single step.

Rossue · 07-15-2014, 10:13 PM

Jim- that's essentially what I'm hearing for now: all or nothing. We dry camp 95% of the time and won't haul a generator. Just personal preference to not have that thing sticking out of the ceiling when we'll hardly ever use it. I would like to if possible make it easier/better for a future owner though.

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