Simple AC thremostat mod.

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Hillsider
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Joined: 11/30/2016 - 21:58
Simple AC thremostat mod.

I don’t understand why it is so expensive or difficult to add a thermostat to the factory AC/Heat strip. It seems to me that it can be this simple. Take the AC power lead off the converter and run it to a 12 volt relay (which is inexpensive). Now run a new wire from the propane heater existing thermostat and let it control the relay. Now that thermostat will control the power to both the AC and the heat strip, whichever one you turn on. It will still control the propane heater when it is turned on. An even less expensive option exists. The propane heater already has a power relay controlled by its existing thermostat. You could tap the power of its relay and install a simple inexpensive switch to choose between powering the propane heater or powering the AC unit. Here for a few feet of wire and one cheap switch the thermostat will control the propane heater, the AC or the heat strip, which ever one is turned on. Am I missing something ? I know this is not quite as elegant as the kit you can buy putting a new power relay box (expensive) in the AC unit and buying an (expensive) thermostat, then having to run wires under the rat fur from the thermostat to the AC unit. That solution will let you controll everything without having to turn a switch, but my idea is much much cheaper and simple. Thoughts?

scampalicious
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Joined: 09/04/2020 - 15:37
I am curious if you have ever

I am curious if you have ever pursued this? I am thinking of doing this, along the lines of what this guy did to his Casita: http://thehandycamper.com/a-c-mod-thermostat-for-the-a-c/.

I tried to do it with actual Dometic parts, but even after I called support to verify, I was sold an unreturnable kit that DOES NOT fit the A/C that Scamp puts on. So I am probably going to spend a few dollars and go for the DIY solution like you have described. the "hardest" part will be installing the 120VAC relay, everything else will be child's play.