Electric heating in the A/C unit?
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Forum Name: Podmods, Maintenance, Tips and Tricks
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URL: http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=3114
Printed Date: 25 May 2025 at 6:50pm
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Topic: Electric heating in the A/C unit?
Posted By: TIDALWAVE
Subject: Electric heating in the A/C unit?
Date Posted: 26 Nov 2012 at 11:34am
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My Pod came with an A/C manual. The manual states that there is a heating element in the A/C roof unit if the A/C control knob says "Heat". The manual also states that if the control knob does NOT have a heat position, there is no electric heating element in the unit.
However, after setting the control knob to 'heat' I have never been able to get any heat out of the unit...the fan comes on but no heat. Is there any way to check on whether or not my A/C does have a heating element? By the way, the fan is so noisy that I use a portable electric heater. I probably will never use the A/C heat...but just wanted to find out if the Pod A/C actually had heat. UPDATE: I received a couple of emails from members warning me that the heating element in the roof A/C might be a fire hazard. Heat rises but with the element up in the A/C...if there was an electric cutoff (fuse blown, etc.) the element could potential cause a ceiling fire, if the fan accidently shut off. I will stay with my portable heater. ------------- TIDALWAVE |
Replies:
Posted By: this_is_nascar
Date Posted: 27 Nov 2012 at 6:48am
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I'm not sure I've ever heard of anyone actually having that roof heat.
------------- "Ray & Connie" - 2017 R-Pod RP-180 - 2007 Toyota Tacoma TRD-Off Road |
Posted By: David and Danette
Date Posted: 27 Nov 2012 at 7:09am
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We have a 2009 171 with the AC unit we have heat on the control knob too but no heat. You can buy a heating element thats plugs in to a connector inside the AC unit. I have heard some reports that you need to be careful on how you place the heating element that nothing is near the element to start a fire. " You Need To Be Careful ". If you check some of the RV parts companies you can find the heating element. It does noy have that much wattage so it doesn't produce a lot of heat. If you do a search on the Rpod Owners forum you can find more information. ------------- 2018 Vista Cruiser 19BFD (2018- 2012 Vibe 6503 (2014-2019) 2009 r-pod 171 (2009-2014) Middle Tn 2014 Ram 1500 Quad cab |
Posted By: coopercdrkey
Date Posted: 27 Nov 2012 at 8:40am
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I think it would probably be cheaper, and apparently a whole lot safer, just to go with a compact ceramic electric heater. I got ours at WallyWorld for about $17. Heat from the A/C, unless it is by means of reverse cycle, just means a heat strip, IMO. ------------- Bob and Joyce Jennifer and Baxter, the Campin' Cocker Spaniels RP 177 "Key Pod" Chevrolet Silverado 1500 LT / Z71 |
Posted By: David and Danette
Date Posted: 27 Nov 2012 at 10:50am
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The price of the heating element when I checked a few years back was more than a ceramic heater. And that is why we decided to go with a portable ceramic heater and you get more heat if needed and too I think they would be safer. ------------- 2018 Vista Cruiser 19BFD (2018- 2012 Vibe 6503 (2014-2019) 2009 r-pod 171 (2009-2014) Middle Tn 2014 Ram 1500 Quad cab |
Posted By: techntrek
Date Posted: 27 Nov 2012 at 4:39pm
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I've read multiple reports over the years of people that had the heat strips and never felt they got enough heat from them - not to mention you must use that loud-as-a-jet fan like you mentioned.
As coopercdrkey said, just get a $15 electric heater. Much quieter and more useful. ------------- 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: pugspod
Date Posted: 27 Nov 2012 at 5:08pm
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On my Dometic wall control the switch reads Cool, Off, Furnace. The propane furnace starts up when I set it to Furnace. The fan runs first and then the heat comes in under the bed. We just use that on very cold nights and for a short time. An electric heater is the best bet, I think.
------------- Steve & Joy & Harley the pug |
Posted By: sfish
Date Posted: 28 Nov 2012 at 11:07am
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I read that they were a fire hazard as well. I stopped looking for one when I read that. ------------- sjf |