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Whether you’re full-time or a recreational camper, staying comfortable inside your RV is important. If not, you’ll be in for a long and miserable trip. However, an RV thermostat replacement likely isn’t at the top of your to-do list, but it should be.
In addition to staying comfortable, there were several additional benefits to finding a replacement for your RV thermostat.
Today, we’ll share why we replaced our RV thermostat and which one we picked. Let’s dive in!
What Is an RV Thermostat?
An RV thermostat controls the heating and cooling systems in an RV. To keep you comfortable, it constantly monitors the temperature inside your RV. When the temperature changes, it activates the appropriate systems.
The device sends a signal to the heating or cooling system to turn on and off as needed. The thermostat is typically a part of the RV’s 12-Volt DC power system.
This means your thermostat will stay powered as long as your battery bank remains charged, which is great for off-grid camping.
An RV thermostat is essential if you want to maintain a comfortable living environment while using your rig.
Why We Replaced Our RV Thermostat
Most RVs come with basic thermostats. They typically offer nothing more than monitoring the temperature and turning the heat or A/C on and off. For us, this just wasn’t going to cut it.
If you’ve followed our adventures over the past several years, you know we travel with our adorable pup, Carmen.
Unfortunately, she’s unable to accompany us on every one of our adventures. Leaving her behind in the camper is sometimes the only option. Our love for her was the biggest reason we upgraded.
We chose a replacement RV thermostat that we could monitor and control remotely. This allows us to keep an eye on things while we’re away to ensure she stays safe.
Depending on where our adventures take us, having our A/C fail could create dangerous temperatures inside our rig for our dog.
Can You Replace an RV Thermostat With any Thermostat?
Unfortunately, you can’t just replace an RV thermostat with any thermostat. This is because RV thermostats run off the camper’s 12-Volt electrical system. Most thermostats designed for residential applications use 24-Volt power.
When looking for a replacement RV thermostat, ensure it is compatible with your electrical system. If not, you’ll waste your time, money, and energy. If you have a 12-Volt system, look for a 12-Volt thermostat or one that you can power with batteries.
Thankfully, the process of replacing an RV thermostat is relatively easy. However, as with any project involving electricity, turn off the power and test the connection. You could be in for a shocking surprise if you start touching random wires without testing them first.
Are All RV Thermostats the Same?
You can find various RV thermostats on the market.
While they may all serve the same purpose and accomplish the same goal, each type has pros and cons. Let’s look at the various types of devices you can expect to see while shopping.
RV Analog Thermostat
Consider an analog one if you want a basic, no-frills RV thermostat. These devices are typically battery-powered and have a heat-sensitive metal to activate the heating and cooling systems.
It won’t have fancy screens or scheduling options, but these work great for those wanting to maximize their time enjoying off-grid camping.
Keep in Mind: Upgrade your RV even more with these 20 easy upgrades
Digital RV Thermostat
A digital RV thermostat replacement looks similar to what you expect in a residential home. Unlike the analog thermostat, these devices have a digital screen. This allows you to know the precise temperature inside your RV and easily make any necessary adjustments.
Because they connect to the RV’s electrical system, you must ensure they’re compatible. You can find some that operate off battery power but confirm it’s not a battery backup instead of fully battery-powered.
Programmable RV Thermostat
A programmable RV thermostat is a step up from digital options. These digital RV thermostats have programmable features. This allows you to preset ranges or schedule your heating and cooling.
These devices work great for anyone who regularly adjusts their heating and cooling. For instance, maybe you want your RV cooler at night while sleeping. If so, you can program the unit to do just that. Just ensure you give it plenty of time to do the job, especially if it’s hot outside.
Once you have programmed the unit, you can take a hands-off approach. You can set it and forget it. What’s not to love about that?
RV Smart Thermostat
RV smart thermostats sit at the top of the list regarding replacement options. These come loaded with programmable features, settings, and smart connectivity. You can set alarms, play music, and even check the weather on some of these devices.
They connect to Wi-Fi and other wireless technologies to help create a comfortable living environment. We went this route to monitor and control the temperature away from our rig.
As you might expect, these premium thermostats come with a premium price tag. However, these devices provide security, especially for us as pet owners, and are typically worth every penny.
Keep in Mind: If you want the ultimate Smart RV, then check out our guide to DIYing a Smart RV!
Best RV Thermostat Replacement
Because these devices have important jobs, you don’t want to trust just any thermostat.
We were pretty picky while shopping because we didn’t want to take any chances, especially any that could risk our dog’s safety. Let’s check out which RV thermostat replacement we chose and its benefits.
MicroAir EasyTouch – Smart RV Wireless Thermostat
The MicroAir Easy Touch is a Smart Wireless Thermostat designed for RVs. It connects to your Wi-Fi network, and the easy-to-use app allows you to monitor and adjust the temperature as needed. In addition, the massive 3.5-inch touchscreen makes it easy to see and make adjustments.
The sleek and stylish design comes in two colors, black and white. However, no matter which option you choose, this device looks incredible. It helps provide a modern and residential look and feel inside your camper.
One of our favorite features is that we can set temperature parameters.
If the temperature inside our rig exceeds or falls out of the range, we receive alerts directly to our phones and other devices connected to the internet. We can then quickly return to the camper to examine the situation and keep our pup, Carmen, safe.
The MicroAir Easy Touch provides various operating modes for heating and cooling. Additionally, it is incredibly energy efficient. This can allow you to enjoy camping in remote areas for longer without stressing about your battery bank nearly as much.
Choose the Right RV Thermostat for Your Rig
Having the right thermostat in your rig can significantly improve your overall RVing experience. You’ll enjoy better temperature control, increased energy efficiency, and improved comfort while on the road.
Additionally, if you choose a premium device, you can enjoy monitoring the temperature of your rig while away on an adventure.
Will you upgrade your RV thermostat anytime soon?
