heater not working inter.

[arcticcatred]

I have a 2012 Keystone Couger 24rls. I am living in my camper for the winter in Illinois. My heater has failed to come on 3 times now in about a months time. all 3 times i turned the thermostat down until it clicked off then on until it clicked back on then it comes on instantly and will work flawlessly for another week or so then the same thing happens. Its a coleman mach thermostat not sure the brand of the heater can look though. I would like some help in deciding what to do or what to replace as I can not afford it to quit just once while i'm away in 0 degree weather.

[SAD]

If you search my ID, you'll find a post on here regarding a similar furnace/thermostat symptom. Ended up replacing the thermostat (with digital from Lowes) and the problem was solved.

[arcticcatred]

Just curious which digital thermostat did you buy?

[f6bits]

One thing to check is if the furnace is blinking an error code. My Atwood has an LED I can sort of see through the intake vents below my fridge. If I remove the intake louvers, I can really see the LED. Do a Google search for "atwood furnace error codes" for what the blinking means. Here's an online manual. Check Pg. 13 for the codes.
http://bryantrv.com/docs2/docs/hflamefurn04.pdf

[f6bits]

p.s. I use this Honeywell thermostat. It doesn't do Hi and Low fan speeds, so I wired it for Hi only.
http://www.amazon.com/Honeywell-TH1110D1000-Pro1000-Thermostat/dp/B001FCJDL4

[SAD]

Just curious which digital thermostat did you buy?

I honestly can't remember. I think it may have been a simple, programmable Hunter.. But most any should work.

One thing to check is if the furnace is blinking an error code. My Atwood has an LED I can sort of see through the intake vents below my fridge. If I remove the intake louvers, I can really see the LED. Do a Google search for "atwood furnace error codes" for what the blinking means. Here's an online manual. Check Pg. 13 for the codes.
http://bryantrv.com/docs2/docs/hflamefurn04.pdf

IF the problem is the furnace, then it will report a furnace error code... My prob was the thermostat.... So the furnace was just doing what it was told... Sadly, digging around and testing may be the only way to find out. :(

[arcticcatred]

Thanks for the help guys first thing i'm going to install a digital thermostat, I have been wanting one anyway. If it fixes it great if not will replace some more parts I guess. Anything I need to know about installing one or just the same as a house one?

[f6bits]

It's not as straightforward as you'd think, but it's just as easy as a home thermostat. Here's where I got my info:
http://www.modmyrv.com/2008/07/14/rv-digital-thermostat

[arcticcatred]

After reading all the posts on converting to a digital thermostat I have mixed feelings doing the mod. I have been camping in my tt all winter and old thermostat is keeping the tt comfortable, it doesn't cycle very often and keeps temps close to setting. Correct me if I'm wrong if I installed a digital one it would cycle alot faster trying to keep the temp exactly the setting, which would lead to other failures in my opinion. I think I will just buy the factory one and see if this fixes my issue.