Thermostat replacement
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Category: R-pod Discussion Forums
Forum Name: Podmods, Maintenance, Tips and Tricks
Forum Discription: Ask maintenance questions, share your podmods (modifications) and helpful tips
URL: http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=2759
Printed Date: 24 May 2025 at 6:18am
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Topic: Thermostat replacement
Posted By: HuronSailor
Subject: Thermostat replacement
Date Posted: 18 Jul 2012 at 5:49pm
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I have a 2009 pod with the mechanical thermostat built into the overhead A/C. The thermostat for the furnace is on the wall. I'd like to replace the furnace thermostat with a digital model that controls both the A/C and furnace. Actually turning the A/C on and adjusting fan speeds would probably best be easiest if left to the existing mechanical switch, so I just need to bypass the mechanical thermostat completely and run the 3 wires over to the new thermostat. Anyone tried this? Suggestions from HVAC folks are appreciated. It seems to be a pretty straightforward mod using a Hunter brand thermostat for less than $20.
------------- .: Mark & Beth :: Silverado 5.3L :: 2018 rPod 180 :. |
Replies:
Posted By: Seanl
Date Posted: 18 Jul 2012 at 7:28pm
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Hi I am not an HVAC guy but I understand electricity. If your thermostat is on the A/C unit your A/C may not have a low voltage thermostat so you may not be able to use a normal low voltage thermostat to replace it. You could replace the thermostat in the A/C with a 12V actuated Relay and run 12 volt wire to the hunter thermostat. I saw on Mod My RV site where I guy did this with a coleman A/C Here is the link. http://www.modmyrv.com/2010/07/21/rv-coleman-mach-iii-thermostat-modification - http://www.modmyrv.com/2010/07/21/rv-coleman-mach-iii-thermostat-modification ------------- Sean, 2011 Rpod RP-173,2009 Jeep Liberty Rocky Mountain Edition 
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Posted By: techntrek
Date Posted: 18 Jul 2012 at 10:06pm
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The relay is what I was going to suggest, shouldn't be too hard. You'll have to connect the coil power input on the relay to the thermostat (make sure you buy one that runs on 12 volts), then ground the other side of the coil. The 120 volt side of the relay will directly replace the thermostat inside the A/C.
------------- Doug ~ '10 171 (2009-2015) ~ 2008 Salem ~ http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=1723 - Pod instruction manual 
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Posted By: HuronSailor
Date Posted: 19 Jul 2012 at 9:08am
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I didn't realize the thermostat relay for the ceiling mount units was line voltage but it makes sense. So the mod will be just a little more complicated than I thought - but I'll probably end up doing it if I can figure out a reasonably neat way to run wires. It actually looks like fun. Sick, I know. The original mechanical thermostat finally failed when the relay stuck, making the A/C run constantly. The replacement works, but doesn't seem to be doing a very good job as is typical of these type of thermostats. I'll know for sure how its working out after our next trip. I think until this summer we only used the A/C once. This year it's been so stinkin' hot we've been using it a lot. Thank you for the link to the mod, I just discovered that web site myself, what a great resource.
------------- .: Mark & Beth :: Silverado 5.3L :: 2018 rPod 180 :. |
Posted By: HuronSailor
Date Posted: 19 Jul 2012 at 10:08am
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I'm looking at the mod and not sure that relay is up to the task. They use a 12A relay, but according to my A/C specs, the compressor and fan draw 15.9A. My A/C has a 20A breaker. I'm thinking I need to find a little more robust relay. ------------- .: Mark & Beth :: Silverado 5.3L :: 2018 rPod 180 :. |
Posted By: techntrek
Date Posted: 19 Jul 2012 at 10:10am
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I agree, a 20 amp relay would be better.
Not sick, I'm of an engineering/tinkering mind, too. I rewired half of our house to a new subpanel which is now driven by a very large UPS, with a 22 kw battery bank. I considered that project a lot of fun. ------------- Doug ~ '10 171 (2009-2015) ~ 2008 Salem ~ http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=1723 - Pod instruction manual
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Posted By: HuronSailor
Date Posted: 19 Jul 2012 at 10:34am
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Found a 20A relay and a nifty plug in base on Grainger that should do the job. If I go forward I'll take lots of photos, if not for other's reference then at least for forensic purposes in the event the pod blows up. ------------- .: Mark & Beth :: Silverado 5.3L :: 2018 rPod 180 :. |
Posted By: HuronSailor
Date Posted: 19 Jul 2012 at 10:34am
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Kidding! ------------- .: Mark & Beth :: Silverado 5.3L :: 2018 rPod 180 :. |
Posted By: Seanl
Date Posted: 19 Jul 2012 at 12:34pm
About finding a relay or about the pod blowing up  ------------- Sean, 2011 Rpod RP-173,2009 Jeep Liberty Rocky Mountain Edition
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Posted By: techntrek
Date Posted: 19 Jul 2012 at 2:17pm
 ------------- Doug ~ '10 171 (2009-2015) ~ 2008 Salem ~ http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=1723 - Pod instruction manual
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Posted By: Keith-N-Dar
Date Posted: 19 Jul 2012 at 2:28pm
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Wow! Pods really are recyclable.
------------- Keith-N-Dar Boris & Betty (Boston Terriers) 2011 R-Pod 177 2010 Ford F-150 |