Do you often venture around with your RV? Are you finding the temperature inside uncomfortable? Is the interior heat to the point where it is borderline unbearable? Well, what you might have missing inside is a thermostat, or the one that is installed might have stopped working.
The experience without one of those working optimally can be quite horrendous. And, if you were looking for a source that will make it easier for you to choose the best rv thermostat, then you just have stumbled upon the right one.
We are not only going to introduce you to some of the best ones in the market but also will provide you a short but practical buying guide alongside that. So, sit back, relax, and leave the rest to us.
Best RV Thermostats - Digital, Analog & Programmable
There is an overabundance of thermostats in the market. And, anyone would get baffled among all of them while trying to choose one for themselves. However, we are not going to let that happen to you, and for that reason, we went through the most popular ones and picked only the ones that are worth recommending. They are:
1. Coleman Rv Camper Mach Manual Thermostat
Let us start things off with one of the manual camper thermostats. These are also known as analog thermostats. They are usually exceptionally straightforward to operate. And Coleman is offering one that is simplicity at its very best.
You will be able to connect it with the heat pump, gas, air conditioner, electric strip heating, hydronic strips, and other RV fans. It will let you have full control over those components. Because of this feature, it is one of the most convenient controllers that you can find in the market.
To make it easier for you to switch through different settings, it comes with slide selection switches. These will also allow you to set the heating limit, cooling and the fan speeds individually. You can control and set each of them to your preferred level.
It also comes with an air temperature sensor that activates the cooling or the heating process to maintain an ideal environment inside. You are sure to have a comfortable experience with this in your RV.
Alongside that, it also sports a slim and stylish body that will blend exceptionally well with the interior. You will not have to worry about it sticking out and looking out of place.
2. LuxPRO PSD010BF
Having a large, easy to read display can come in handy if you are trying to change the interior temperature in a hurry. And that is why RV owners tend to opt for digital thermostats. Well, LuxPRO has got them covered with this one.
As we mentioned, the unit comes with a large display that will allow you to read the temperature quickly. The fonts are quite large, and as it comes with LED illumination, you will have no trouble at all in the case of reading it when the environmental lights are a bit low. It is exceptionally accurate too.
Alongside that, as it is powered through a battery, you will not have to go through the hassle of connecting it with a wire. You will also not have to worry about it draining the battery of your vehicle.
The body that it features is quite sleek. Because of that, it will be able to complement the interior of your vehicle. You will not have to hide it as it will not look out of place.
It comes with individual control switches for the fan and the heating device. You will be able to control them separately.
3. Emerson 1E78-140 Non-Programmable
There are not that many options for the single-stage heating motorhome thermostat replacement out there. However, if you were looking for one, you can put this one that is from Emerson into your consideration list.
Keeping the tabs up with the rest of the digital thermostats, the manufacturer also included a large display on this unit. It has backlighting, and the fonts are quite large too, which makes it exceptionally easy to read. You will have no trouble in reading the temperatures at all, even if the surrounding lights are relatively low.
Other than that, it also features a precision control buttons that most of the units lack. The buttons will let you change the overall temperature at a 1 degree Fahrenheit per stroke. Getting the preferred temperature inside your vehicle will be no hassle at all.
It also has a total system control switch at the bottom that will let you turn the unit off instantaneously. Besides that, as it comes with a vertical body, you will have no trouble installing it too. The body is slim and has a sleek profile. It will blend quite well.
Overall, this one is an excellent choice for the users that are looking for a simple single-stage heating control system.
4. Coleman 8330-3862 83303862 Digital Thermostat
One of the manufactures that have an extensive lineup of reliable thermostats is Coleman. And this one that we included in our list is no exception.
Unlike most of the units, this one comes with a blend of manual controls and digital features. This feature makes it stand out the most. You are getting the best of both worlds in one unit.
It comes with a digital display that will show you the information regarding the temperature inside your vehicle. There are two switches beside the screen, which will let you precisely control the overall temperature within a matter of seconds.
Other than that, it also sports three different switches on the bottom. Each of the switches has a different controlling function. They are easy to slide, and with them, you will be able to switch from fan modes, the overall thermostat controls, and the speed of the fans.
The body that it features is quite sleek and compact. You will be able to get it installed in your walls, and it will blend exceptionally well with the interior. The installation process is quite straightforward too. You will not have to worry about any intricate wiring process with this one.
5. Dometic D3106995.032 Heat/Cool Analog
While many units can control the overall fans, not all of them are thermostat for rv furnace. Well, Dometic has just the right one for you if you were in the lookout for one of those units.
To begin with, it comes with a slider control system on the side that will let you select your preferred temperature. You set it to any point that is from 40 degrees Fahrenheit to 90 degrees Fahrenheit. However, you will not be able to go any lower or higher.
Other than that, it also has a fan control knob and a fan speed knob. With the speed slider, you will be able to set the fan to high or low. Each of the labels is clearly printed, and you will have no trouble at all in the case of switching between one to another.
As we mentioned, the unit comes with a furnace control mechanism. You can control that with the system knob that is located on the left side of the device. It can be put to cool, off, or in the furnace mode.
The installation process is quite straightforward too. You will be able to get it up and running in no time at all.
6. Honeywell Home RTH221B1021/E1 RTH221B1021 Programmable
The programmable thermostat for rv has gained quite a popularity over time because of all the convenient features that it has to offer. And, this one that Honeywell is offering is the best one that can illustrate all of those features properly.
To start with, the programmable feature that it comes along will let you set four-period settings per day for the entire week. It has an intuitive user interface that will allow you to set the profiles easily. You will not have to worry about stumbling upon a setting that is intricated.
As it is fully digital, it also comes with a large display on the front. It will not only show you all the temperature information but also will let you know the time, date, and day of the week. With this installed, you will not require any separate clock in your RV. The overall construction is quite durable too.
It also features buttons that will allow you to set the temperature according to your preference precisely. You can change the overall temperature with a 1 degree Fahrenheit switch rate. It also has switches that will let you control the fan and the heating system separately.
7. Dometic 3316230.000 Duotherm Single Zone
All the intricate controls that most rv ac thermostat replacement tends to have nowadays can be a bit confusing. Well, Dometic kept that factor in mind and brought out this one to the market.
Just like the other units that they are offering, this one also can connect to a plethora of devices at one time. It will let you control all of them with convenient control buttons. You will not have to worry about getting baffled at multiple switches that most of the units come with these days.
It also comes with a large-sized LCD display that will make it easy for you to navigate through the temperature ranges and all the functions that it has to offer. The screen has backlighting that will let you see it even when the surrounding lights are relatively low.
Other than that, the unit comes packed with a memory retention mechanism. That mechanism will let the device remember the last set settings in case of any power failures.
It comes along with a three-wire connecting mechanism that is relatively easy to set up. You will be able to install this on your walls in no time at all.
8. Orbit 83521 Clear Comfort Programmable
While there might be a wide array of options for getting an rv digital thermostat upgrade, not all of them will come with a display that is as large as this one that Orbit is offering.
First of all, it comes with a contemporary body that will go along with any type of décor you might have in your RV. It will not stick out and look out of place.
As we mentioned above, the unit comes packed with a large and beautiful looking display. The screen has blue backlighting that makes it visible even when the surrounding lights are relatively low.
This unit features control buttons that make navigating through the settings feel like taking a walk in the park. You will be able to set different profiles that will make the device set the temperature accordingly at any given the time of day. The automatic mechanism also can track seven days of the week.
It also comes sporting with a copy feature that will let you copy a profile from one day to another. Other than that, the unit also offers precise control over the temperature. You will be able to increase and decrease with one degree Fahrenheit rate.
9. Heagstat H701 Non-Programmable
Just because a digital thermostat does not have a built-in programmable mechanism does not mean that the unit is not going to be functional. This camper thermostats from Heagstat is a perfect example of that.
Like the regular units that are in the market, this one also comes with full controls for single stage temperature systems. There are two sliding buttons that will let you fully control the heating and the cooling mechanism of your vehicle.
You will be able to configure the unit for electric and gas configurations. That means you will not have to worry about the compatibility that much with this one. It can be powered in two ways. You will be able to install a battery inside, or you can wire it directly to your car battery.
The unit also offers accurate temperature controls. It comes with up and down buttons that will let you increase or decrease the heat at 1-degree change per stroke.
Other than that, it also features a large 4.5 square inches display that will show you all the required temperature information adequately. It has a white backlight that will let you read the screen even when all the lights inside are turned off.
10. Honeywell TH5110D1006 Honeywell Non-Programmable
We are going to finish off our recommendation list with this unit that is from Honeywell. This one is yet another non-programmable thermostat, but it does not lack behind on other functionalities one bit.
To begin with, it comes with a backlit display like most of the digital units that are out there. It is 1.5 square inches in size and will be able to display all the required information in easy to see fonts. You will have no trouble at all in case of seeing the temperature in a dimly lited environment.
The unit can be powered in two different ways. One is through batteries. The compartment is quite easy to get access to. You can also wire it to let it get power through the vehicle directly.
Other than that, the unit comes with buttons that will let you quickly set the modes. It has one dedicated button for the heat and cool settings and another one for the conventional heat pump. There is also a temperature up and down button beside the screen, which will let you set the heat precisely.
Overall, this is an excellent choice if you were looking for an rv digital thermostat upgrade.
Can You Use Residential Thermostat in RV?
Even though it might sound like that the regular household thermostat might work in RVs, the case is a bit complicated. Well, the following are the reasons why most of the residential units do not work in an RV:
Power Input
Most of the residential thermostats require a 24 volts AC power input, which is not present in RVs. Even if you can connect all your cooling and heating devices with the unit, you might not be able to power it on.
There are some adapters that you can connect to make it work, but those are a bit risky, and we would not recommend you to do that.
Compatibility
The heating and cooling systems that most of the RVs have are either in gas or electric configuration.
While some of the residential thermostats might be compatible with these configurations, those will not have the support that is required to connect the RV temperature control systems. For that reason, it would be quite challenging to get a unit that will be compatible.
Installation Mounts
Most of the residential thermostats have a proprietary mounting system that is not possible to maneuver in the walls of your RV. The ones that are for RV have a different mounting system.
Things to Check Before Getting One
After going through all the units that we have included in our review section, you might already know what you can expect from the best rv thermostat. Well, to solidify and let you make an efficient overall decision, we are going to let you know about the key factors that you should consider before purchasing one for your RV.
They are:
Installation
The first thing that you have to keep in mind is the installation process. In this case, what you have to factor is the installation mounts. Check them out and consider whether they are for the walls of your RV or not. If you get one that cannot be installed in your RV walls, you are going to opt for glues, which are not that secure.
Other than that, you should also factor in the installation process as well. We would recommend you to go for the ones that come with an easy to follow manual. With those, you will be able to get the thermostat that you picked installed and running in no time at all.
Power Source
The units that are in the market will require either batteries or hardwiring or both to power on. In this case, what you have to factor in is whether your vehicle has cable routes for hardwiring or not. If it does not have that, you are going to have to opt for the ones that have a battery compartment.
On that note, if you are opting for a battery-powered unit, you have to factor in the compartment too. We would recommend you to shoot for the ones that have an easy to access battery door. Or else you are going to have to remove the unit from the walls for changing the power cells.
Other than that, if your RV does have a cable routing, we would suggest you go for the ones that have dual powering options. With those, you will not have to worry about the setup process even if the hardwiring power fails.
Controls
The other thing that you have to consider besides the power options is the overall controls that it will offer you. For example, some of the units will not have a furnace control, and if you require that, you are going to have to get the ones that state that they are thermostat for rv furnace.
Alongside that, if you are opting for a mechanical one, we would recommend you to check the control switches. The stiff ones are a bit hard to work with.
Display
If you are shooting for a digital thermostat, you should factor in the quality of the display. The ones that come with a large screen will make it much easier for you to navigate through the temperatures and all the functionalities that it has to offer.
Other than that, you should also consider if the screen has proper backlighting or not. The ones that are not backlit are a bit hard to read when the surrounding lights are relatively low.
Body
Even though most of the units that you are going to find in the market will come with a sturdy body, what you have to consider is the overall outlooks.
You would not want a device hanging on the wall that looks like it does not belong there, would you? That is why you should opt for the ones that are sleek and blend well with the interior.
How Does an Rv Thermostat Work?
We are pretty sure that this question popped up on your mind while using one of these or while you are looking for installing one of these in your RV. Well, we are going to let you know exactly how the entire device works. To understand how it works, you have to understand the functionality first.
Functionality
Thermostats are devices that can detect the temperature of the interiors and will usually turn on the furnace when the temperature gets too cold and turn on the AC when it gets too hot.
These devices are usually hardwired to the RV, and they will have direct control over the AC and the furnace.
How It Works
The digital thermostats that are out there will constantly read the overall temperature of the interior. When the sensors detect that the temperature is above or below normal, it will automatically switch the temperature controlling devices.
However, if it does not have an automatic switching mechanism, it will show the temperature on display, and the user will have to turn those on manually.
Many of the devices have an automatic cycle feature that will turn off the temperature control devices once the interior temperature settles down to a reasonable level. However, the ones that do not have this feature will again show the temperature on the screen, and the user will have to turn the devices off manually.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. How should I hardwire the thermostat in my RV?
The wiring process is not universal. It will vary from device to device. To know the best possible way of hardwiring the unit with the devices and the power source of your RV, you should check the manual that is included in the package.
2. What should I do to make my thermostat have a long lifespan?
Well, there is not that much you can do to extend the overall lifespan of your unit. However, you should make sure that the device does not come in contact with water and also ensure that you are not pushing or sliding the buttons with brute force.
3. What is the ideal temperature that the thermostat should show in summer?
For most people, the comfortable temperature for the summer days is around 72 and 74 degrees. If you have a programmable thermostat, you should set it according to your preference, which should hover around that temperature.
4. How should I test the reading of my thermostat?
The easiest way to test your thermostat is to increase the overall interior temperature. If you see that the temperature reading is rising gradually, your thermostat is working optimally.
5. Are programmable thermostats worth it?
Yes, in our opinion, they are very much worth it because they offer many automatic functionalities that are very convenient to have.
Final WordsHaving the best rv thermostat will not only ensure that you stay comfortable inside your vehicle but also will offer a plethora of convenient functionalities. And we would like to conclude here by hoping that we were able to make it easier for you to choose one for your RV.
