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Topic ClosedThermostat replacement
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HuronSailor View Drop Down
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Joined: 10 Jun 2009
Location: Owosso MI
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Posts: 704 		Direct Link To This Post Topic: Thermostat replacement
    Posted: 18 Jul 2012 at 5:49pm
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 :.
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Seanl View Drop Down
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Joined: 19 Sep 2011
Location: Fredericton NB
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Posts: 633 		Direct Link To This Post Posted: 18 Jul 2012 at 7:28pm
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 
Sean, 2011 Rpod RP-173,2009 Jeep Liberty Rocky Mountain Edition
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Joined: 29 Jul 2009
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Posts: 9059 		Direct Link To This Post Posted: 18 Jul 2012 at 10:06pm
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 ~ Pod instruction manual
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Joined: 10 Jun 2009
Location: Owosso MI
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Posts: 704 		Direct Link To This Post Posted: 19 Jul 2012 at 9:08am
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 :.
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Posts: 704 		Direct Link To This Post Posted: 19 Jul 2012 at 10:08am
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 :.
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Posts: 9059 		Direct Link To This Post Posted: 19 Jul 2012 at 10:10am
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 ~ Pod instruction manual
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Joined: 10 Jun 2009
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Posts: 704 		Direct Link To This Post Posted: 19 Jul 2012 at 10:34am
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 :.
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Joined: 10 Jun 2009
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Posts: 704 		Direct Link To This Post Posted: 19 Jul 2012 at 10:34am
Kidding!
.: Mark & Beth :: Silverado 5.3L :: 2018 rPod 180 :.
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Posts: 633 		Direct Link To This Post Posted: 19 Jul 2012 at 12:34pm
Originally posted by HuronSailor

Kidding!

About finding a relay or about the pod blowing up Tongue
Sean, 2011 Rpod RP-173,2009 Jeep Liberty Rocky Mountain Edition
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Joined: 29 Jul 2009
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Posts: 9059 		Direct Link To This Post Posted: 19 Jul 2012 at 2:17pm
Doug ~ '10 171 (2009-2015) ~ 2008 Salem ~ Pod instruction manual
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