Forum Discussion

HappyCamper44's avatar
HappyCamper44
Explorer
Jun 02, 2015

Replacing coleman thermostat

To catch everyone up to speed, I have a 97 Gulfstream Conquest 26FBD. Started having an issue with the A/C compressor not coming on intermittently. It still has the original manual Coleman thermostat. I downloaded a troubleshooting guide to figure out what the issue is. After following the flow chart checking voltages with my digital volt meter, it comes up that the thermostat needs to be replaced. I have now found out that these thermostats are made to be able to control the fan at 2 different speeds, unlike a home thermostat that only controls one speed. After finding this out, I did some research, and found out there is a mod that will let me install a standard home thermostat "IF" I can find a 12vDC 3 position (hi/off/low) switch to control the fan speed to mount right beside the new thermostat. Just wondering if anyone here has done this, and if so, where is a good place to find the low volt switch? Pictures would be awesome too if someone has any.
  • SoundGuy's avatar
    SoundGuy
    Explorer
    Jun 02, 2015
    Unfortunately you haven't provided any info as to just which model of Coleman A/C or the thermostat you have. Nonetheless, here's a diagram of the wiring I used on our previous Spree when replacing the stock Coleman bimetal thermostat with a Hunter 42999 digital thermostat.

    Thermostat Wiring Scheme



    Hunter 42999 Digital Thermostat



    The switch is just a simple toggle switch with a centre off position. I've replaced several thermostats in several trailers over the years and would caution though that you not install based on just colour code alone ... a friend did that once, smoked the main circuit board in his furnace, and was $700 poorer to have the damage repaired. The caution - before wiring anything understand clearly what each wire does, regardless of it's colour.
  • HappyCamper44's avatar
    HappyCamper44
    Explorer
    Jun 03, 2015
    SoundGuy wrote:
    Unfortunately you haven't provided any info as to just which model of Coleman A/C or the thermostat you have. Nonetheless, here's a diagram of the wiring I used on our previous Spree when replacing the stock Coleman bimetal thermostat with a Hunter 42999 digital thermostat.

    Thermostat Wiring Scheme



    Hunter 42999 Digital Thermostat



    The switch is just a simple toggle switch with a centre off position. I've replaced several thermostats in several trailers over the years and would caution though that you not install based on just colour code alone ... a friend did that once, smoked the main circuit board in his furnace, and was $700 poorer to have the damage repaired. The caution - before wiring anything understand clearly what each wire does, regardless of it's colour.



    Sorry I didn't give enough info in my original post, but I couldn't find the model number anywhere on the A/C unit, and the thermostat didn't either. It just has Coleman printed on the front with info for what the switches operated, and had a few different colored wires sticking out the back. Would have posted pictures, but I need to learn how to do that. I appreciate the pictures. That helped tremendously! Between that, and what sonicsix linked me to, I was able to figure it all out, and get it installed this afternoon. Wasn't nearly as hard as I was expecting it to be. Saved at a minimum of at least $50.00 doing it this way, and if it ever fails again, I can just run into the nearest town and pick up a new one and switch it out. While I was working on it, I also installed a new hard start capacitor up top. It's starting up fast, and cooling great again. Now if I can find the time to take off work and go camping, all will be good!

About Travel Trailer Group

44,029 PostsLatest Activity: Jan 13, 2025