We love TC, but one thing we have hated as the temps got colder was the Dometic Thermostat that came in it. In my opinion, this thing is just a cheap piece of junk. Trying to set the temperature in a tiny camper with it is like rolling dice. Luckily, this is an easy upgrade. Keep in mind that in campers, the thermostat is simply a switch. It is just making a connection across two wires. That's it, easy peasy.
The original part.
Braxton Creek installs a "Dometic™ Atwood 32300 RV Furnace Temp. Control Thermostat - Black". I am sure these are in abundance, but at their normal cost of ~ $25, they could have gone digital for another $5. But, I suppose, with these manual units there would be far less warranty recalls than doing anything digital as there would be less opportunity for failure.
So what did we pick as a replacement?
We wanted something simple, not expensive to set the heat and know the temperature. The camping season (ours anyway) in North Carolina are pretty widespread from early spring to late fall, so we will use it frequently.
We decided on the "Emerson 1E78-140 Non-Programmable Heat Only Thermostat for Single-Stage Systems". It's not expensive, and has 4.5 stars out of 2500+ reviews on Amazon. It's also a straight forward selection of system on off, temperature, and thermostat setting. The parts link is at the bottom of this post.
So let's get to the install
Pre-Work.... And I strongly suggest this. Check the existing system FIRST. Before you are start the replacement, turn on the heater in the existing configuration. This will ensure everything is working correctly. Should you have issues with the install of this, or any other thermostat, you will KNOW the heater and everything other than the new thermostat is working and it will reduce your troubleshooting time.
Step 1, Out with the Old
The first thing is to remove the old thermostat. 1. Pull the cover on the thermostat.
2. Remove the two screws to expose the back of the thermostat.
3. Disconnect both wires. Make note of what color is connected to W, and which is connected to R (Could be R, RH, or RC) depending on your camper. Some manufacturers will use different colors. Luckily we were standard White and Red.
At this point you can actually test the system again by touching the wires together. You will hear the blower on the heater kick in. As I said in the beginning, the thermostat is just a switch.
In with the new!!
Now it is time to install the new thermostat.
Screw the new thermostat in using the screws from the old thermostat.
Connect the white wire to the W (See first image below)
Connect the red wire to the RC (See first image below)
Install the batteries to the "Cover" part of the thermostat
Connect the outside of the thermostat to the wall mounted portion.
DONE!!!
Now, just a quick test and you're done!
I hope this post has helped in your upgrades and that you find it useful.
Parts Used in this modification.
Emerson 1E78-140 Non-Programmable Heat Only Thermostat for Single-Stage Systems
$29.57