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HMS_Beagle's avatar
HMS_Beagle
Explorer
Apr 25, 2015

Heater is too big, anybody using the dual speed?

The heater in my Bigfoot is 31K input 25K output. I don't live north of the Arctic Circle, even when cold outside it only fires up for a couple of minutes, way overshoots the set temperature. I have looked at swapping the parts out to take it down to 20K or so, if you do a proper job of it the parts end up costing half what a new one is.

Alternatively, Atwood now makes a swap in replacement which is 15K/22K input, less power draw. That seems like a lot closer to what I need. Is anyone using this or one of the higher rated dual speeds, do you like it?

How big is the heater in your 11 foot camper? Doesn't 31K input seem like a lot? This camper has the extra insulation and dual pane windows too.

16 Replies

  • The Atwood thermostat that came in our camper was a real pain to use. It had way to wide of temp swings and it seemed like the temperature you set it to was just an arbitrary number. I replaced it with a digital home thermostat and the problem was solved.

    I also filled the small area in the wall behind the thermostat where the wires come out with a latex based foam spray. The latex based expanding foam cleans up real easy and works great to keep cold air from coming into the back of the thermostat.
    Our heater only runs a few minutes at a time also, but it may come on several times an hour if it is below freezing outside.
  • The hydro flame in my Lance used to cycle a lot , I adjusted the non digital stat`s heat anticipator
    I changed out the furnace in my 5th for one of those 2 speed Atwood`s , a larger BTU one than you asked about , its nice , when it gets close within about 4 degrees of the set temp it kicks down into low speed and the lower btu , then when it needs to come back on it does in low .
    You can also manualy set it in either low or high speed
    You get a different digital stat that runs on a different voltage than the one you now have with it , so you have to rewire from the furnace to the stat
    Over all a big improvement ,also much quieter in low
    If you need a new motor and board and misc parts in the old one its almost the same price for a new one, if you do the labor yourself
  • I am a little confused. If someone sets the temp at the thermostat location, it can be a very different temp in different parts of the TC. Another thought is the numbers are just a guide, meaning if it is too hot say at 60-degrees, set the thermostat at 50 degrees. If you cannot set the thermostat low enough, then it suggest the thermostat is in the wrong location or the furnace is too big.

    Am I missing something?

    Wayne
  • I agree with DownTheAvenue. I would play with a different thermostat before doing a furnace change. It may solve the issue right there. Go with a digital model.
  • I do not remember what my heater byu is, it is a 1988 model. I use my Wave3 for my primary hear, and the digital controlled furnace as a backup. The Wave3 is typically on low. If it still gets too hot, I will open a bedroom window more or the escape hatch. The furnace seldom comes on.

    Wayne
  • It probably isn't the furnace as much as the thermostat. Probably 6 +/- degrees difference from when it calls for heat until it shuts off.