Last updated on June 5th, 2023 at 11:40 am
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The thermostat in your RV has a big responsibility as it controls the activation of the propane furnace and air conditioning unit in your rig.
Both digital and analog thermostats can help make your RV experience far more comfortable as you can stay warm when needed and cool down when the sun is shining bright!
If you try to use the thermostat in your RV and it fails, it can be frustrating, as there are many potential reasons for your thermostat not playing ball.
So, let’s take a look at how you can troubleshoot your RV thermostat!
An RV thermostat may not work if there’s a power issue, a problem with connections, batteries, fuses, or incorrect settings. Consider running tests with a multimeter, or changing your thermostat’s batteries. You might identify the cause by reading the error code, or checking if there isn’t a fault with the RV heater or AC unit.
RV thermostats are one of the handiest things in your rig, but if yours isn’t working properly, it can feel like a big mission getting to the bottom of the problem.
The thermostat in your camper works by making the internal temperature of the RV hotter or colder when needed. A faulty thermostat means the temperature in your rig won’t be regulated and will likely result in either a stuffy or cold rig.
So, let’s see why your thermostat is not working, how to troubleshoot your thermostat, and how to tell if your thermostat is no good, as well as the type of thermostat out there!
RV Thermostat Troubleshooting
As there are numerous potential causes for your RV thermostat not working, you’ll need to troubleshoot to solve the problem. This can take some time, but it’s also a good opportunity to learn more about your thermostat, allowing you to be better prepared in the future.
I always find it useful to carry tools and equipment with me in the back of my camper, as you never know when a problem may arise!
Having gear such as screwdrivers, screws, and spanners means I can tackle basic problems without the need for a garage or workshop. You’ll likely need some simple tools to get a closer look at your thermostat, so it’s best to have these out nearby for when you tackle the thermostat troubleshooting.
Having an operational RV thermostat is a game-changer, but if you’re facing problems with the one in your rig, it’s wise to get to the source of the problem as soon as possible in case there’s something bigger going on behind the scenes.
Before we get into some of the potential causes of your RV thermostat not working, let’s look at the obvious signs that your thermostat is bad and potentially on its way out.
How To Tell If An RV Thermostat Is Bad?
Generally speaking, RV thermostats tend to be reliable, but it’s not uncommon for RVers to experience some hiccups with their unit.
If your thermostat isn’t working as it normally does, you may be wondering if it needs replacing, or if there is something else going on causing the system to not work right. If your RV thermostat is bad, you may be able to fix the issue, but if not, you’ll need to purchase a new unit for your rig.
1. Thermostat And RV Temperature Don’t Match
One of the most obvious signs of a faulty thermostat is when the temperature on the thermostat display doesn’t match the temperature of the RV interior. If you try to adjust the thermostat and make it either hotter or cooler in your RV but the temperature inside doesn’t change, your thermostat may need to be reset or re-calibrated.
If your RV thermostat needs to be reset, looking at the manufacturer’s manual will help point you in the right direction. Different models of thermostats may require a different reset method, so it’s best to follow the manufacturer’s guidance to avoid making any mistakes.
The most reliable way to check the temperature inside your RV is to use a hand-held thermometer, but it’s also possible to download a thermometer app if you have a smartphone. These apps may not be as accurate, however, so it may be worth using the old-school method to find out what the temperature inside your rig is!
2. Blank Display Screen
A blank display screen on your RV thermostat isn’t a good sign and is an indication that something isn’t working quite right.
Only digital thermometers will have a display screen, so if you have an analog thermostat that’s not working properly, you won’t have a screen to check and will need to continue troubleshooting
A blank display screen may be caused by a power issue, so if your thermostat is battery-operated, it may be time to replace them. If the batteries inside the system have died, your thermostat will likely not have any effect on the temperature inside your RV.
If your RV thermostat is wired in, it’s worth checking the wiring is still in good condition and that none are loose or disconnected.
3. Unresponsive Thermostat
An unresponsive RV thermostat is a definite indicator of an issue within the system, and if your thermostat won’t turn on or off, you may need to purchase a new thermostat. Before heading to the store, however, it’s worth seeing if you can either raise or lower the temperature on the thermostat.
Your RV thermostat should make a distinctive clicking noise when the internal temperature of the RV has reached the temperature you set your thermostat to. If the thermostat doesn’t get up to temperature or give any indicator of matching the RV temperature, it’s likely there’s a fault within the thermostat system.
It may be possible to reset the thermostat but if unsuccessful, you will likely have to purchase a new thermostat.
It’s best to buy a new thermostat rather than a used one, as having a warranty on the system will guarantee you’re covered if something goes wrong in the future. RV thermostats aren’t very expensive, so it’s well worth the dollars for a device you know will work well and be safe.
4. Thermostat Won’t Turn On/Off
If there is no electricity going to the thermostat whatsoever, dead batteries or a wiring issue is likely to be the culprit. A wiring problem can occur if something is loose or tangled, but to get the best look at the thermostat wiring situation, you’ll have to look behind the thermostat.
I’m not the most confident RVer when it comes to electrics, and if I’m not comfortable inspecting wiring or adjusting electrical components, I head to the professionals.
There’s no shame in seeking outside help with your RV, and it can be useful to call the pros so you can learn the right way to complete the job. If you’re unable to find the source of your RV thermometer’s lack of power, it’s wise to head to a workshop for a specialist to take a look and test the system.
Sometimes a problem can arise where the air conditioning unit or heater in your RV won’t turn off, even if you have attempted repeatedly to turn the system off.
This can be caused by a thermostat that isn’t working with the correct settings or wiring that is burnt out due to a short circuit or high current. It’s worth taking a closer look at the wiring harness if you are confident to do so and checking for any damage.
5. Short Cycle Issue
Short cycling in your RV thermostat is the name given when your thermostat stops before it has reached the desired temperature, or when the system kicks in and out too much and at random intervals. Short cycling can be frustrating, but luckily there is usually one main issue causing the cycling problem.
A dirt buildup can clog the air filters and cause short cycling as the airflow is significantly reduced and the system has to work strenuously to push the air through. Cleaning the air filters is a good idea to keep the heating and cooling system in your rig functioning at its best, and also should help with the short cycling problem.
Safety should always be the top priority, so before taking apart your thermostat or having a close look at your AC unit and furnace, make sure the power is disconnected. It can also be wise to read through the manufacturer’s manual as inside you will find specific advice for your system.
There are a few different ways to tell if your RV thermostat is bad, and once you’ve identified something is going on with your unit, the next step is to get to the bottom of why your RV thermostat isn’t working.
RV Thermostat Not Working?
To best troubleshoot your RV thermostat, you’ll need to take the cover off which shouldn’t be too tricky. Once you’ve removed the cover, you’ll have access to the wiring or batteries, and be able to get a much closer look at the inner workings of the thermostat system.
1. Check The Power Source
An RV thermostat may be suffering due to an issue with the power source it’s running off. If a fuse blows, or a breaker trips, the AC unit, and heater likely won’t work.
A low battery voltage won’t be strong enough to power the heating and cooling system in your RV, so if the thermostat is wired in, you’ll need to look at your RV’s battery voltage.
When I’m stationary in my camper, I rely heavily on my solar panels to keep me powered up so I can charge my devices, use the heater, and switch the lights on when I need to!
If I’m running low on power, I will often use my wood burner instead of the heater as it will draw too much power from my electrical system.
2. Read The Error Code
Modern RV thermostats usually have a digital screen where RVers can set the temperature they want inside their rig. These screens, however, have another very important use, as they also display error codes if there is a problem with the thermostat.
The error codes are very useful when it comes to troubleshooting your thermostat and can be key in solving the issue quickly.
A simple reset should clear the error from the screen and may even solve the problem with the thermostat, but if this is unsuccessful and an error code is still present when the thermostat resets, you’ll need to look into the error code and find the problem in the system.
3. Test RV Thermostat Wiring
Unfortunately, there can sometimes be wiring problems within your RV, causing certain electrical components to work incorrectly or not at all. If you suspect there may be an issue with the wiring in your RV thermostat and you’re comfortable digging further into the problem, testing the wiring is a good idea.
You’ll first need to remove the thermostat from the mounting bracket and set your multimeter to DC volts. Once complete, you can then move on to seeing if the thermostat is receiving power by touching the red end to the positive and the black end to the negative.
The multimeter will display a reading if the thermostat is receiving power, so if it shows a number, it means your thermostat is being fed power but isn’t working and needs replacing.
4. Take A Close Look At Connections
The cause of an RV thermostat not working correctly could be something as simple as a poor connection. If a wire is damaged or a solder joint has been broken, it can cause the thermostat to be faulty, rendering it useless.
If you are confident with your soldering skills, you may be able to repair the damaged solder, but be sure to keep the solder neat and only on the specific section that needs a helping hand.
5. Clean The Thermostat
Keeping an RV clean can be difficult, especially if you travel with a family or a pet, but cleaning your camper regularly will help keep it in better condition and keep things like mold away. Dust is a common annoyance in RVs as it can get everywhere, even when you just cleaned everything yesterday!
Your RV thermostat is a common place where dust and dirt can accumulate and get into any small gaps around the unit and underneath the buttons. Avoid using any harsh chemicals when cleaning the thermostat and instead use something like a soft cloth to gently wipe away any grime.
6. Inspect Batteries and Fuses
Changing the batteries in your RV thermostat may be enough to solve the problem if it’s due to batteries dying. If this isn’t successful or your thermostat runs off your RV’s electrical system, the issue may be the fuses in the system.
You’ll need to locate your fuses to check them and taking a look at your owner’s manual will point you in the right direction.
There will be a range of fuses for specific components inside your RV including the heating and cooling system. Removing a fuse will let you see if it has suffered any damage and needs replacing.
Using a suitable size fuse is vital as one that’s too powerful can be a dangerous fire hazard, and a fuse that’s too weak will just blow and need replacing again.
7. Use The Correct Settings
Settings are an important part of an RV thermostat working optimally, and if your system isn’t programmed correctly you may experience issues with your thermostat. Resetting your thermostat should do the trick and get things working as normal again.
If using the correct settings doesn’t fix the unit, however, there may be something else going on and you’ll need to continue troubleshooting your RV thermostat.
It’s also possible the thermostat in your rig isn’t on the right setting and is set to cooling or heating mode during the wrong season. Double-checking that your thermostat is set to either winter or summer mode will help correctly cool or heat your RV.
8. There’s An Issue With The Heater Or AC unit
In your RV, the thermometer works with both the heater and the AC unit, and if you’ve worked through our list of potential causes and solutions without success, it’s worth considering there may be an issue with your heater or AC unit.
Taking a closer look at both the heater and AC should help identify any problems that could be preventing things from working as they should.
Completing RV thermostat troubleshooting may not be the most thrilling task, but if you have problems with your system, the only other option is to head straight to a specialist to take a look. As this can be expensive, it’s well worth taking the time to look at your thermostat in detail and see if you can identify the cause of the problem.
9. Heater Blower Motor Relay Fault
When you turn the heater on in your RV but nothing happens, there may not be an issue with your RV thermostat, but instead a problem with the blower motor relay. This is a relay within the system that’s worth testing if your heater fan isn’t doing its job.
Testing the fan from the battery will determine whether there is a problem with the fan or the relay. If the fan works when it is connected to the direct power of the battery then the likelihood is a problem with the blower motor relay. However, if the fan doesn’t work when connected to the battery, the fan is more likely to be the culprit.
10. Reset The Thermostat
Your RV thermostat issues may be resolved by simply resetting the unit, and you can find instructions on how to do this in the manufacturer’s manual. There are many different types and models of RV thermostats and each one may have a unique resetting method, but usually, a reset can be done by pressing a reset button for a certain amount of time.
Battery-powered RV thermostats will need resetting differently, usually by taking the batteries out of the unit for a while before reinserting them. Resetting the thermostat in your rig helps reboot everything and get rid of any settings that may have been causing issues with the system.
You may need to replace your RV thermostat if you have no luck after trying several different methods. Heading to a specialist may help you get answers about what is going wrong, but if the thermostat has been used in your RV for several years, it might be time to upgrade.
The video below breaks down a particular type of RV thermostat that gives you the freedom of controlling the temperature inside the RV without having to be inside and directly press buttons on the thermostat itself.
As shown in the video, changing the thermostat in your RV isn’t too difficult, and with some simple tools, it can be done in next to no time. It’s also wise to take pictures along the way so you can remember how everything fits back together.
What Are The Different Types Of RV Thermostats?
There are a few different types of RV thermostats, and although they have similarities and benefits, they can all have different problems requiring specific solutions.
If you’re just getting started RVing, it’s important to identify the type of thermostat you have, as it may help in the future if an issue were ever to arise.
1. Digital Thermostat
One of the more popular types of RV thermostats is a digital thermostat, usually with a display screen where you can see the details of the heater and adjust the temperature inside your rig.
A digital RV thermostat allows you to be precise with the RV’s interior temperature and uses electrical power to function.
2. Analog Thermostat
Analog thermostats are older fashioned than the digital option, but they are arguably a more reliable choice as they don’t rely on electricity to work.
If ever there’s an issue with the electrics in the RV or the battery in a digital RV thermometer, it won’t work correctly.
Opting for an analog thermostat is a more affordable option and you can still adjust the temperature accurately using the slider analog thermostats are normally equipped with.
3. Programmable Thermostat
No matter the type of RV thermostat you have, they are all fantastic pieces of equipment for helping you control the temperature inside your RV. A programmable thermostat, however, does have significant differences from other RV thermostats as you can arrange ahead of time the desired temperature you want the inside of your RV to be.
This can be particularly useful in winter when you’re on the return leg of a long hike and want to head back into an RV that’s toasty warm. Programmable thermostats provide an added bit of luxury, as I can confirm, having to light a fire in my log burner and wait for my camper to get warm can be hard sometimes!
4. Smart Thermostat
Technology is ever-changing and new creations are hitting the RV market to transform how we travel and navigate life on the road.
Smart thermostats usually work by connecting to the internet over Wi-Fi, allowing RVers to control the temperature inside their RV remotely. Typically, you’ll need to install an app of some kind for your smart thermostat to use this function, but the convenience it brings is unbeatable.
Smart thermostats are a high-end option and often come with a hefty price tag, but if you’re looking for a convenient thermostat you can control from anywhere, they are your best option. When considering a smart thermostat, you’ll also need to think about the Wi-Fi device you’ll need to connect it to.
If you’ve finished troubleshooting through the potential causes and solutions of your RV thermostat not working and have concluded you need to buy a new unit, there are plenty of different types to consider.
Keeping your thermostat clean and free of dust and grime will help keep things working optimally inside your rig so you won’t have to replace your thermostat again for a long time!
Closing Thoughts
RV thermostats are fantastic pieces of kit when they work, as they give you control over the temperature inside your rig. If you’re looking for a low-power thermostat option as you spend a lot of time off-grid, a battery-powered thermostat may tick the box.
Regardless of the type of thermostat you have in your RV, it’s essential to be aware of potential things that can be wrong down the line. Being prepared is key to successful RVing, and having RV thermostat troubleshooting knowledge can be worth its weight in gold in the future!
We rely on the heating and cooling systems in our RVs to stay cool when the sun is beaming down, to dry out wet adventure gear, and to keep us warm and cozy in cold weather. The thermostat in your RV is a key component, so it’s worth keeping yours in the best shape possible so it works for all the adventures to come.