Remote thermostat control?

[AJBert]

I've searched, both on here and online , high and low trying to find an aftermarket replacement thermostat that I can control from the confines of my nice, warm bed rather than getting up in the cold morning and turning up the furnace. DW and I both like to sleep under the covers with the ambient temp rather on the cool side.

We have a '15 StarCraft AR-One that has the very plain Attwood Hydro Flame Furnace thermostat is for heat only. I've found a couple of r/c tstats but only for both heating and cooling.

If anyone could point me in the right direction it would be greatly appreciated!

[Chris_Bryant]

I would just get one of those eBay remote relays- a couple of ways to hook it up- either just bypass the thermostat and close the circuit, or install a second thermostat and switch between them.

[FlatBroke]

Joe417 wrote:
Here's one. It's called "phone controlled" but in reading about it, the phone control is a separate add on.

You'll have to add the IR remote so the total cost would be less than $90.

http://www.diycontrols.com/p-6798-venstar-phone-controlled-thermostat-t1700-residential.aspx

I'm not familiar with the company so don't know about the quality.

You may not have Internet or cell service, you might as well pay for the IR
Personally I'd just have the wife get up and turn the heat up. 😉

[Joe417]

Here's one. It's called "phone controlled" but in reading about it, the phone control is a separate add on.

You'll have to add the IR remote so the total cost would be less than $90.

http://www.diycontrols.com/p-6798-venstar-phone-controlled-thermostat-t1700-residential.aspx

I'm not familiar with the company so don't know about the quality.

[AJBert]

Pretty sure a wifi one won't work for me as where I camp there are no hot spots. Heck, there isn't even cell phone signals. Plus, I've got a dumb phone. I'll look more into the dual ones and ignore the A/C function or the programmable ones.

[popeyemth]

Sure is a lot of money to not get up and change the setting
A call of nature awaits me every morn so I have to get up anyway

[FlatBroke]

OP was asking about a remote thermostat. Here's one on Amazon

[popeyemth]

You only need to buy one that runs on batteries to use it
Available as low as $10 for a programable one at big box hardware stores
We don't program ours - just set desired temp and use the " hold " button.
Can't quite see what the OP's objection is to one that also controls AC
One just doesn't hook any wires to that part .

[jplante4]

Looking to replace mine. After 20 years, it really doesn't know what temp it is. Does it matter that house t-stats run on 24v AC and the one in the bus is 12v DC? Do I need an RV-only thermostat?

[beemerphile1]

I installed an electronic stat in the original location and relocated the original manual stat to a location by the bed. I wired both stats in parallel so whichever has the higher setting will control the heat.

In the morning before leaving the covers, I increase the stat by the bed to get the furnace going. Later I turn that stat back down and use the electronic stat.

I ran the wiring through the existing cabinetry using Wiremold surface mount conduit so there is no exposed wiring.

[kampinguru]

Hook it up to the clapper 🙂

[AJBert]

I like the toggle switch idea but the thermostat is on the opposite end of the trailer from the bed. Not sure my better half would like wires run across the length of the trailer.

I'll have to look into the programmable thermostats. Haven't even thought about that.

I just find it hard to believe no one makes a remote for just heat only. I have a very simple set up and thought this would something easy to find.

Appreciate everyone's response!

[ktmrfs]

we just installed a programmable thermostat set for 45 at night and have the trailer at 68 by 8am. works fine.

might be easier than a remote thermostat

[JimBollman]

Not exactly what you are asking for, but it is cheap. We depend on the bedding to keep us warm at night but don't like to get up in the cold. I took the existing thermostat a part and attached wires inside to the on/off switch contacts and ran them to a spot I could reach from bed and installed a mini-toggle switch. The wires can be very thin not much current flowing. I leave the thermostat set to a reasonable temperature and the on/off switch set to off. Now I wake up and if it feels a little cold, I just reach out and flip the toggle switch and take a short nap till the temperature is about right.

[downtheroad]

Also maybe a programmable one...Lot of inexpensive options out there that will work..

Set it to have the heat go on about a half hour before you get up.