What did you do to your Toy Hauler today???

rcpd34 wrote:

TexasChaps wrote:
I installed a residential control for the air conditioning.

The standard controls on the EL-cheapo Coleman unit installed in my MXT-20 leave a lot to be desired. basically a very simple mechanical thermostat and a simple switch to select fan, heat or cool.. so I decided to replace the controls with what is basically a residential control system. This takes the form of a 24 VAC transformer, a number of relays and a residential control.. just like the one in your house. I also designed and linked in a control panel to switch the generator from econ mode to full power when boon-docking.. we do that a lot and this mod delays the fan and compressor load. basically it does the following:

1. switches generator from econ mode to full power
2. waits five seconds
3. activates fan relay
4. waits another five seconds
5. activates compressor relay
6. holds generator at full power for another 5 seconds
7. switches generator back to econ mode

Pros:
1. sequenced load on generator ( no sudden shock loads )
2. full and precise control of temperature
3. auto switch over from heating and cooling.
4. fan cycling if required ( on 5 min off 10 or whatever )
5. reduced fuel consumption
6. the most important.. compressor protection.. compressor will only cycle now after 5 min or so..

Cons:

1. not sure ??.. perhaps you gentlemen care to comment ??

oh.. and to quell the doomers.. I have degrees in mechanical and electrical engineering.. so I do have some competence here... LOL

I did this mod on my WW, but without the relays. I just took a digital residential thermostat and replaced the junk factory one, it already had built-in compressor protection which didn't allow it to kick on/off. I did have to buy a micro switch to give me the two speed fan control. I found the directions on this site from another member who figured out the pin out. Worked well. I'll probably do this same mod on my current camper at some point.

good... my issue was that I didn't have a "junk factory" tstat to begin with.. just a few knobs on the side of the unit..now I have a wall mounted digital system.. It just shows how cheap rv builders are.. I mean, for less than $100 they could have installed a proper system.. go figure....!