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Agreeing with family members on the best temperature settings for your RV might be challenging, but deciding on the perfect RV thermostat doesn’t have to be. But looking at the vast differences in cost and function can be confusing.
With this helpful guide, we’ll help you decide what style thermostat will best fit your needs.
What Is an RV Thermostat?
An RV thermostat isn’t much different than a house thermostat. It’s a device that lets you control your RV’s heat and air conditioning. It’s explicitly designed for RVs.
Whether digital or analog, they all serve the same purpose–maintaining a comfortable RV environment. Pretty simple!
Can a House Thermostat be Used in an RV?
RV thermostats typically use a 12V system, while the thermostat in a typical home often uses 24V.
While some campers report successfully using standard house thermostats, it’s the exception, not the rule.
Because of this, be careful when selecting a non-RV-specific thermostat that will work with your setup.
Types of RV Thermostats
Thankfully, there are a few options for RV thermostat styles.
You’re likely already familiar with these styles, as you probably have one in your home.
All the thermostats work the same, with mostly control differences.
Analog
Analog thermostats typically have sliders or a turn knob. You use the sliders or knob to adjust the temperature up and down based on your preferences.
These may not be quite as precise as other options, and you can’t program them, requiring you to adjust them manually.
Digital
A digital thermostat is simply a digitized version of an analog thermostat. These are easy-to-read devices that give you a digital readout of the current temperature and let you see the temperature setting on display.
You press the up or down button on most units to adjust the settings. Some digital thermostats allow you to pre-program them based on the time of day.
Smart Thermostats
Smart thermostats use the latest technology to learn more about your heating and cooling habits and adjust accordingly. Some units even go as far as gauging the outside weather and changing how it heats and cools to be more efficient. While they’re typically more expensive on the front end, they can save the user money in the long run.
What Is The Best RV Thermostat?
Keeping your RV comfortable while in use can be tricky, but not with these RV thermostats. These are some of the best RV thermostats on the market for your RV.
Micro Air Easy Touch RV Thermostat
This digital RV thermostat is both wifi and Bluetooth-enabled. You can remotely adjust the temperature via a free phone app. That means you can set the thermostat even when you’re not there. It’s a handy feature when you have pets!
It’s compatible with all significant RV A/C thermostat controls. It has a large color touch screen that’s 3” tall by 3.9” wide.
Dometic Analog Thermostat
- Helps you provide comfort and convenience
- Domestic durability
For those that want a basic RV thermostat, this Dometic analog thermostat will fit the bill. There’s no digital readout, but it’s at a much lower price range than many other models. With the Dometic analog thermostat, you can adjust your temperature settings by sliding the controls up or down. You can easily use the switch to turn the fan and A/C unit on and off.
Digital Dometic Duo-Therm RV Thermostat
- Built-in sensor accurate temperature control and management
- Large SMX blue light display is bright and easy-to-read, even in the dark
The Digital Dometic Duo-Therm RV Thermostat is an easy-to-use thermostat for RV use. It has 12 buttons, making the controls simple and clear. It has a blue light display so you can easily see your settings day or night.
You can pre-program it based on the time of day, but there’s no remote access.
Coleman Digital RV Thermostat
- T-Stat Wall Analog Heat/Cool
- Brand: Airxcel
This RV thermostat is a simple digital option that’s ideal for upgrading from a standard analog version. The Coleman Digital RV thermostat gives you an easy-to-read digital display for the temperature settings. It’ll show you the current room temperature and any adjustments you make.
There are basic switches for the fan settings and toggle switches between cool/off/heat. This thermostat is not pre-programmable.
Regardless if you like it on the warm or cool side, you want to be comfortable while in your RV. It should feel like home, after all, and climate control plays a surprisingly strong role in that!
Which wins out for you? Ease of use and extra features or budget-friendly and basic?
Last update on 2024-12-22 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
Hi Jason,
I don’t really have a comment about this article, except that as can be said of most of your articles, it’s well written and very informative.
I’m an RV newbie, and I subscribe to your newsletter. I take you at your word that you enjoy educating people. I have many questions, one that’s pressing. I don’t have access. to most social media, other than email. Hoping that you might see this, I thought I’d pose my question here, and ask for a way that we might communicate that’s comfortable for you.
Here goes: I want a water purification system for my whole RV. I *think* that’s what I want. There are sooooo many different kinds. Do I want filtration or purification? Do I need it for the whole RV? I want safe, pure water to drink, cook with, and to clean myself, my family and our belongings. I’d prefer that my reasonably handy wife and I (not reasonably or any other kinda handy) install it ourselves. I’d also rather not break the bank with this purchase – although in the final analysis I’d rather pay a little more to buy a better product that lasts longer. What’s your opinion about the kind of thingie I need, and what brand name would be best for us?
Thanks very much for your consideration, Jason.
Sincerely,
Teresa V