I have recently had one of these fitted to my 15 ft poptop. I have recently returned from outback QLD, and found that while the heater certainly puts out sufficient heat, I found that it was difficult to obtain a constant and comfortable temperature. The unit would reach the desired temperature, turn off, but not come back on for perhaps 20 minutes or so. By that time the temperature had dropped noticeably, and was uncomfortable.
I would appreciate some advice from members who have one of these, and may have experienced a similar situation. Perhaps others have found their heater performs quite differently.
I would like to know if mine is setup incorrectly, or is this the way they work. I am hoping that there is a solution, particularly after spending in excess of $2000.
Check that the heater is drawing in air from within the caravan. I installed a heater under the settee and it was drawing outside air through the fridge vent, being the easiest source of air, consequently sensing outside temperature and running erratically inside similar to your description. The fix was to install a piece of ducting tube to the heater inlet and connect to a separate vent inside the van.
Thank you most sincerely for your quick responses, and encouraging comments.
I wonder if I could please ask for some specific feedback on the temperature variation as yours cycles, plus the time the heater stays off, once the desired temp has been achieved. As I said mine is 20 minutes or so, which seems forever when you are getting cold.
One test I did was with the van temp at 13.5 degrees. I chose a setting of 3 and a half, and the heater cut out at 18.5. It did not start for 20 minutes, and at that time the temp had dropped to 15.7. This it typical of what is happening. My temp gauge is accurate as far as I am concerned, and is mounted along side the thermostat.
I cant imagine that I am using mine incorrectly, but would certainly like to fix my problem somehow. I feel that I have wasted my $2000 at this stage, and it has meant we were not able to enjoy our Qld holiday as we wanted to. (down to near freezing some nights !!! ).
I have contacted Dometic, and asked for some help with an adjustment of the thermostat. I am yet to hear from them. It certainly seems my heater is quite different to those you all have. I am therefore hoping for a simple adjustment.
G'day Barry,
we have the same unit in our 22' caravan and it seems to keep the temp reasonably constant and we would now not have a van without one.
The location of the thermostat is critical to successful operation of any climate control device. it should not be mounted on an outside wall and should ideally be in a location where it senses the temp at the same place you do. the ideal location is not too far from the return air inlet.
another consideration is the dispersion of heated air throughout the van. If the heated air is confined to a small area of the van then depending on the location of the sensor it will not be seeing a true value if you get my meaning.
Our thermostat is located on the front of a wardrobe beside the bed and the heater is located centrally in the van.
hope that helps
frank
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Avagreatday.
Kathy and Frank currently at Home near Quirindi NSW
