R-pod Owners Forum : heating and cooling options? https://www.rpod-owners.com/ This is an XML content feed of; R-pod Owners Forum : Reviews and General Information : heating and cooling options? Copyright (c) 2006-2009 Web Wiz Forums - All Rights Reserved. Fri, 28 Aug 2026 01:38:22 +0000 Sun, 26 Oct 2014 22:54:41 +0000 http://blogs.law.harvard.edu/tech/rss Web Wiz Forums 9.64 360 https://www.rpod-owners.com/RSS_post_feed.asp?TID=5464 R-pod Owners Forum https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_images/web_wiz_forums.png https://www.rpod-owners.com/ heating and cooling options? : Good Point Furpod. https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=5464&PID=53258#53258 Author: dsmiths
Subject: 5464
Posted: 26 Oct 2014 at 10:54pm

Good Point Furpod.]]> Sun, 26 Oct 2014 22:54:41 +0000 https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=5464&PID=53258#53258 heating and cooling options? : I have said it before and believe... https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=5464&PID=53238#53238 Author: furpod
Subject: 5464
Posted: 26 Oct 2014 at 10:30am

I have said it before and believe to be an absolute truth..

It's much better to have a great dealer than a great camper, one can be fixed...
]]> Sun, 26 Oct 2014 10:30:25 +0000 https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=5464&PID=53238#53238 heating and cooling options? : Well said and great advice. https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=5464&PID=53225#53225 Author: green18
Subject: 5464
Posted: 25 Oct 2014 at 2:24pm

Well said and great advice.]]> Sat, 25 Oct 2014 14:24:13 +0000 https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=5464&PID=53225#53225 heating and cooling options? : Originally posted by green18...... https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=5464&PID=53215#53215 Author: Luv2Q
Subject: 5464
Posted: 25 Oct 2014 at 4:04am

Originally posted by green18

 
...
  If they would have just said "let me find out" or "yes we specifically order this type" instead of "i don't know what your problem is, this is the only setup Forest River offers".  Like I said, maybe just a little touchy from my last really bad experience.  This is one more reason I really like the r-pods...the strong community to tap into.

It would be nice to develop a relationship with a dealership where you could really trust in the answers you were given.  Sadly, that seems pretty uncommon.  In fact, product knowledge by most of the RPod sales people we encountered seemed very limited.  We learned to just dig & dig for answers.   There are plenty of great resources, including this forum.  No need to rely on, or be disappointed by, a sales person who's less than pro.  
]]> Sat, 25 Oct 2014 04:04:25 +0000 https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=5464&PID=53215#53215 heating and cooling options? : Just stay away from that dealer... https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=5464&PID=53186#53186 Author: techntrek
Subject: 5464
Posted: 24 Oct 2014 at 1:20pm

Just stay away from that dealer in the spring!]]> Fri, 24 Oct 2014 13:20:16 +0000 https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=5464&PID=53186#53186 heating and cooling options? : Haha, now they say if I want the... https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=5464&PID=53183#53183 Author: green18
Subject: 5464
Posted: 24 Oct 2014 at 12:37pm

Haha, now they say if I want the digital they have one of those in the older exterior colors.  Amazing after being told there was no other type.  I realize it really doesn't matter and I am not going to get hung up on it any longer but I think I will just step back for a few months and start the hunt again after the first of the year.  Thanks again for the sounding board!]]> Fri, 24 Oct 2014 12:37:10 +0000 https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=5464&PID=53183#53183 heating and cooling options? : Originally posted by Cankicker... https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=5464&PID=53180#53180 Author: CharlieM
Subject: 5464
Posted: 24 Oct 2014 at 11:18am

Originally posted by Cankicker


"The heater had the cheap Grope and Hope control which I immediately replaced with an inexpensive digital unit".
[/QUOTE]

Can you please tell me what you used? Is it a standard home unit?

[/QUOTE]

I used a LuxPro PSD010BF thermostat, but they are now superseded and hard to find. However, any digital non-programmable battery operated single stage heat thermo rated for 12-24 volt systems will work. A newer model, LuxPro DMH110, is available at Amazon, Lowes, HD, etc for 20-30 dollars. It has a fan switch, but that will not be functional with your heater. Other brands like Honeywell have similar models so it becomes an issue of personal preference and availability. The interface to the heater is a simple two wire 12 volt circuit. The heater contains its own relay, fan control, and cycle logic. Even an old style mechanical thermo will work, but then that's what we're replacing :)
]]> Fri, 24 Oct 2014 11:18:32 +0000 https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=5464&PID=53180#53180 heating and cooling options? : Thanks furpod....I thought I... https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=5464&PID=53178#53178 Author: green18
Subject: 5464
Posted: 24 Oct 2014 at 9:56am

Thanks furpod....I thought I read a thread where people tried to upgrade their thermostat to digital and it was not an easy thing to do on the AC with controls?  I also thought I read impressions that stated the newer units were a little quieter (i realize it is all relative, its going to be noisy) than the older units.  I sort of assumed the older units would be the one with the controls but maybe I am wrong.  I wish I could compare them but that seems highly unlikely.  If you are suggesting there is no real difference in performance, noise, etc. I believe you and it is probably as close as I will get to a comparison.

I had a really, really bad experience at a dealer when I bought my toy hauler so I might be overthinking this a little bit but I just really wanted it to be a good experience this time.  If they would have just said "let me find out" or "yes we specifically order this type" instead of "i don't know what your problem is, this is the only setup Forest River offers".  Like I said, maybe just a little touchy from my last really bad experience.  This is one more reason I really like the r-pods...the strong community to tap into.
]]> Fri, 24 Oct 2014 09:56:42 +0000 https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=5464&PID=53178#53178 heating and cooling options? : There won't be any difference... https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=5464&PID=53173#53173 Author: furpod
Subject: 5464
Posted: 24 Oct 2014 at 9:02am

There won't be any difference beyond the placement of the controls. In fact, the housing where the controls are on the a/c, is exactly the same as the housing on the ones with a wall mounted thermostat, minus 2 holes and 2 stickers.

I agree though, my bet is the dealer is ordering without a/c then adding it, either to save money, or because a large enough percentage of buyers in Iowa don't want a/c in the first place...

I would be bothered way more by the "not really sure" type answer to your question, then the control location. Unless it's some GINORMOUS dealership, everyone there knows whats what.

When you buy a replacement, or new, a/c unit, you buy the unit itself, and the inside panel, separately..
]]> Fri, 24 Oct 2014 09:02:21 +0000 https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=5464&PID=53173#53173 heating and cooling options? : Originally posted by techntrekI... https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=5464&PID=53170#53170 Author: green18
Subject: 5464
Posted: 24 Oct 2014 at 8:34am

Originally posted by techntrek

I think 2011 was the last year for the analog thermostats.  I prefer it, like you said, simplicity.

I can see that.  I am sure it works well and might even be preferable.  I just want to dig in and see if I can figure out if there are other differences between the actual units (noise, etc.) before I move forward and this late in the year I might as well wait until spring.  Thanks again.
]]> Fri, 24 Oct 2014 08:34:01 +0000 https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=5464&PID=53170#53170 heating and cooling options? : "The heater had the cheap... https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=5464&PID=53169#53169 Author: Cankicker
Subject: 5464
Posted: 24 Oct 2014 at 7:45am

[/QUOTE]
"The heater had the cheap Grope and Hope control which I immediately replaced with an inexpensive digital unit".
[/QUOTE]

Can you please tell me what you used? Is it a standard home unit?

]]> Fri, 24 Oct 2014 07:45:09 +0000 https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=5464&PID=53169#53169 heating and cooling options? : I think 2011 was the last year... https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=5464&PID=53167#53167 Author: techntrek
Subject: 5464
Posted: 24 Oct 2014 at 7:41am

I think 2011 was the last year for the analog thermostats.  I prefer it, like you said, simplicity.]]> Fri, 24 Oct 2014 07:41:37 +0000 https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=5464&PID=53167#53167 heating and cooling options? : Our 2011 RP-172 has the non digital... https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=5464&PID=53163#53163 Author: dsmiths
Subject: 5464
Posted: 23 Oct 2014 at 10:51pm

Our 2011 RP-172 has the non digital wall mounted thermostat. It has a slide button on the right to set the temp and a selector button on the left for AC , OFF, Heat. blower on the AC can be set to Auto or On. Simplicity. Never had a problem with it. Set it, Forget It.]]> Thu, 23 Oct 2014 22:51:02 +0000 https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=5464&PID=53163#53163 heating and cooling options? : I am going to hold off and revisit... https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=5464&PID=53157#53157 Author: green18
Subject: 5464
Posted: 23 Oct 2014 at 9:21pm

I am going to hold off and revisit in the spring.  Really bummed out that I am not joining the club yet but it was probably my last weekend to camp (iowa).  Thanks again...I will be on the forums because I am getting an r-pod...I just don't like the smoke and mirrors.]]> Thu, 23 Oct 2014 21:21:31 +0000 https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=5464&PID=53157#53157 heating and cooling options? : Definitely a bad vibe with them,... https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=5464&PID=53156#53156 Author: techntrek
Subject: 5464
Posted: 23 Oct 2014 at 9:04pm

Definitely a bad vibe with them, especially since they are flat-out lying.]]> Thu, 23 Oct 2014 21:04:35 +0000 https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=5464&PID=53156#53156 heating and cooling options? : Thanks again everyone. I don't... https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=5464&PID=53147#53147 Author: green18
Subject: 5464
Posted: 23 Oct 2014 at 6:52pm

Thanks again everyone.  I don't think it is that big of a deal and their prices are good but I don't think I am getting any sort of break over a unit that has the digital.  At the end of the day if they were saying they order it this way to keep prices down I would understand and adjust my mindset.  They seem shocked that I would suggest there are any other options out there and it just leaves me with a bad vibe.  I mean the brochures in the lobby show a different AC and thermostat.  I understand the digital can be a little wonky to figure out but I really liked the one-stop location for heating and cooling in my toy hauler.]]> Thu, 23 Oct 2014 18:52:45 +0000 https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=5464&PID=53147#53147 heating and cooling options? : Originally posted by green18........ https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=5464&PID=53140#53140 Author: CharlieM
Subject: 5464
Posted: 23 Oct 2014 at 3:57pm

Originally posted by green18



..... the controls are on the A/C because it is not ducted....  When I again questioned it they said "I don’t really see what your problem is regarding the AC and thermostat. This is EXACTLY as the latest production from R-POD, otherwise you can get the older unit."   


Ducting has only a minor third order relationship to the type and placement of the thermostat. That said, my Camplite came exactly as you describe and the A/C works OK, but I would have preferred the digital control. The heater had the cheap Grope and Hope control which I immediately replaced with an inexpensive digital unit. As for the rest of their reply, I could climb on my soapbox about dealers, but you've probably heard it before Angry. I'd still recommend contact and/or confirmation from FR. And, there are other dealers who might appreciate you business more.
]]> Thu, 23 Oct 2014 15:57:42 +0000 https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=5464&PID=53140#53140 heating and cooling options? : yes, one thermostat controls... https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=5464&PID=53139#53139 Author: hogone
Subject: 5464
Posted: 23 Oct 2014 at 3:11pm

yes, one thermostat controls both. hogone]]> Thu, 23 Oct 2014 15:11:23 +0000 https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=5464&PID=53139#53139 heating and cooling options? : Thanks so much for the feedback!... https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=5464&PID=53137#53137 Author: green18
Subject: 5464
Posted: 23 Oct 2014 at 2:28pm

Thanks so much for the feedback!  Sorry I didn't see the reply on the other one...running out of time before the deal so thought I might get more eyeballs here.

Their exact reply was that this is how they come from the factory and the controls are on the A/C because it is not ducted.  When I again questioned it they said "I don’t really see what your problem is regarding the AC and thermostat. This is EXACTLY as the latest production from R-POD, otherwise you can get the older unit."    I am sort of taking pause for the exact reason you are saying...I have never had as much luck with the dials right on an A/C.  My current camper has the dometic and I enjoy the operation.  I am also nervous about having an A/C different from everyone else on here because that immediately limits my support group.  I have no idea whether it is just as good or worse or what.

For those of you with the digital thermostat, I assume the one thermostat controls both furnace and A/C?  
]]> Thu, 23 Oct 2014 14:28:17 +0000 https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=5464&PID=53137#53137 heating and cooling options? : Something seems bogus here.... https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=5464&PID=53133#53133 Author: CharlieM
Subject: 5464
Posted: 23 Oct 2014 at 2:02pm

Something seems bogus here. I'd try to contact Forest River by phone and get a definitive answer. Don't take " I think" for an answer. I suspect the units came from FR that way (but see Techntrek's comments), but you need to know why. Are they changing the design, and if so, why? Are they just temporarily out of digital thermostats? What's up?

The Dometic digital thermostats have been cussed at length, but mostly just misunderstood. They generally work well and are easier to set than the A/C mounted or cheaper heater controls. I call the slider controls "grope and hope" since they have no real calibration. Also, stats work better when mounted on the wall away from the heater or A/C.

Have patience when trying to contact FR and let us know what you find out.
]]> Thu, 23 Oct 2014 14:02:48 +0000 https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=5464&PID=53133#53133 heating and cooling options? : Just replied to you on the... https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=5464&PID=53132#53132 Author: techntrek
Subject: 5464
Posted: 23 Oct 2014 at 2:01pm

Just replied to you on the FR forum.  I'll repeat the answer here.
 
The digital controls have been on all models for years, and the dial controls right on the A/C were only used in the first model year (2009).
 
What I didn't add on the other forum, is if those really are 2015 models it is possible the dealer is ordering them w/o A/C from FR, then is installing old used A/Cs into his models to save a buck, or old but new stock (therefore cheaper).  I would be very suspicious of the dealer.  2015s come with digital thermostats, period.
]]> Thu, 23 Oct 2014 14:01:48 +0000 https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=5464&PID=53132#53132 heating and cooling options? : I am wondering if anyone can help... https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=5464&PID=53129#53129 Author: green18
Subject: 5464
Posted: 23 Oct 2014 at 1:39pm

I am wondering if anyone can help me out.  I am close to purchasing a new r-pod.  Every unit on their lot has a standard slide dial for the furnace and the a/c is controlled by dials on the a/c itself.

Every picture i have seen on the web site and every other r-pod I have seen for sale has the dometic digital thermostat and a different looking air conditioner (that i don't believe has controls on the a/c itself).

The dealer tells me this is how they come from the factory and the controls are on the A/C itself because it is not ducted.  I realize it wouldn't be ducted but I am still confused why the setup looks different than every other new unit i have seen.  I am just trying to make sure I am not getting an inferior setup.  They claim Forest River's web site must just not be updated but i am looking at the new brochure with new colors.  In all my research I have never seen any mention of different options for the cooling system.

Help?
]]> Thu, 23 Oct 2014 13:39:09 +0000 https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=5464&PID=53129#53129