Wifi thermostats question

They will only "work" if they use an on-board battery. If they count on power from the furnace, no. Also, they will only connect to the outside world when they're connected to a WiFi network.

If you are looking to replace the thermostat that was originally on your rig because it is non-functioning you might check ebay. I had broken a switch off my 2004 units thermostat. I searched ebay on the part number, and found many, still brand new, very reasonably priced.

Nothing wrong with the one I have. Was looking for away I can monitor temperature and control it at the same time when not in it.

Also the Emerson one I am looking at takes AA batteries.

Toolguy5 wrote:
Nothing wrong with the one I have. Was looking for away I can monitor temperature and control it at the same time when not in it.

Also the Emerson one I am looking at takes AA batteries.

A wifi thermostat needs constant communication to a wifi network and a power source (albeit not much but AA or AAA batteries don't cut it). When I got one for my house I had to change some wiring around at the thermostat and at the furnace to give me a constant power stream. I'm sure it's doable in an RV but probably not just "plug and play."

mtofell1 wrote:

Toolguy5 wrote:
Nothing wrong with the one I have. Was looking for away I can monitor temperature and control it at the same time when not in it.

Also the Emerson one I am looking at takes AA batteries.

A wifi thermostat needs constant communication to a wifi network and a power source (albeit not much but AA or AAA batteries don't cut it). When I got one for my house I had to change some wiring around at the thermostat and at the furnace to give me a constant power stream. I'm sure it's doable in an RV but probably not just "plug and play."

Why would you say batteries will not cut it? We have a myfi internet we use when we travel. The only power it has is a rechargeable battery.

According to the specs it does not take a C wire which is the common wire. So it does not look like it needs constant power.
But I guess I may not fully understand.

Toolguy5 wrote:
Home Depot has several wifi thermostats. My question is will they work in the 5er?
If I am not plugged into Shore power can I still work the furnace off the 12volt power.

The one I was looking at is the Emerson. It has a remote wifi control.


Thanks in advance for the help.

To be able to control these from your smartphone you either have a campground with wi-fi or a wifi hotspot unit for your rv.
Also, if you don't have a "C" wire then any electronic thermostat must use a battery or a power stealing resistor wired across c to fan.

Toolguy5 wrote:

Why would you say batteries will not cut it? We have a myfi internet we use when we travel. The only power it has is a rechargeable battery.

The wifi thermostat requires constant power to maintain connection with your network. How long does your mifi recharable battery last? 1 day? 5 days? Do you want to change the batteries in your thermostat every 5 days? Standard battery powered thermostats only need power when you push the buttons and they light up. The wifi is "on" all the time waiting for a command from you over the network.