DuoTherm Comfort Control Center

[mac4u]

Hi, new member here today, having a 'new' '99 National RV Dolphin, 36', on Ford Triton chassis, with 13,341 miles, kept inside commercial storage bldg since 2002 by prior owner due to family health issues. He started the engine, genset, etc several times per year and drove it a few miles, kept anti-UV treatment on tires (there are absolutely 'no' sidewall cracks), treated rubber membrane roof, installed new batteries, etc. etc. excellent maintenance. After initial acquaintance with systems we already have 900 additional miles on our our first trip to kids/grandkids, mostly via interstate highways and through VA-WV mountains.

I have responded separateley to a posting at this forum today concerning location and repair of gas hose from rig's fuel tank to the generator, the potentially most serious issue so far.

As to subject, the prior owner had issues with this control as its on/off switch seemed inconsistent and troublesome to start and maintain control for two A/C's and other appliances. I found the problem to be with the on/off 'button' on the printed circuit board (PCB) operated by the flat side of the manual plastic finger-switch at bottom of controller. This controller seems to be 12VDC powered via telephone cable, even having a telephone type connector at rear of controller -- just snap out the controller frame from wall and unclip the telephone connector behind to have the PCB in your hands for inspection and repair.

To shorten this story, I learned from internet research that finding a replacement DuoTherm controller seemed problematic. I therefore removed the tapered plastic tooth pick from a Walmart Y-style 'flossing tool.' This seemed to work perfectly to insert between the black switch and the controller's cover to keep the flat side of the switch-lever held tightly against the on/off button on the PCB -- and it's hardly noticeable. You just have to be careful to keep the 'pick' in place when operating the switch.

For those of us being obsessed with the glories of bailing wire and duct tape it was a wonderful day, and has worked ok ever since, keeping two A/C's working simultaneously at 24 to 26 amps. So far we keep the fridge on LPG so as not to push the 30 amp limit, shutting off the rear A/C when necessary to operate our coffee-maker, toaster or other applicance.

Hope this helps someone.

Best,
Mac

[96 Wideglide]

Your coach should be 50A .

[rwmol]

Surprised you got it to work. If it's the original, you will have problems in the future. There is an upgrade available. It comes with two circuit boards for each air conditioner and a new control unit. My old one went nuts. Installed the upgrade and all works great. Very easy to install. I can't remember what it cost but was fairly reasonable. I might have the paperwork still. If you're interested, I can dig it out and give you more information.

[96 Wideglide]

Oh lovely .

So now, beside my Dometic fridge burning me to the ground, my genset not drawing fuel out of the tank, (which it's in the shop for now ) I also have to expect the climate controler to pack it in !

Thought these National's were suposed to be ' top tier ' R.V's ?

[Sammie]

Every motorhome owner should carry a roll of duct tape. Bailing wire is very helpful when in a real bind. But now your telling me I need to carry a special kind of toothpic too. Hey I guess you do whatever it takes to keep things moving in the right direction.

Sammie

[96 Wideglide]

Thanks Sammie.

Just loading the R.V with things I may need. Never thought of duct tape !

Here's my baby girl..... Lilly !

[bldrbob]

Not to change the subject but I have two of those toothpicks holding the powercord in my computer.
BOB

[mac4u]

Quote:

Originally Posted by rwmol Surprised you got it to work. If it's the original, you will have problems in the future. There is an upgrade available. It comes with two circuit boards for each air conditioner and a new control unit. My old one went nuts. Installed the upgrade and all works great. Very easy to install. I can't remember what it cost but was fairly reasonable. I might have the paperwork still. If you're interested, I can dig it out and give you more information.

Thx for your input. Yes, I'm interested and suspect others are as well. How 'bout sharing this upgrade info with the group?

Mac

[Twomed]

DOMETIC DUO THERM 4 BUTTON THERMOSTAT #310 6463 007 : eBay Motors (item 130425168272 end time Sep-05-10 14:42:41 PDT)=

This is not an ad for me!! Kids had the four button dilema and this guy's work saved them $$. Note he has 100% positive feedback. Wish we could say the same for Dometic and thier planned obsolesence. :(

[mac4u]

Quote:

Originally Posted by 96 Wideglide Your coach should be 50A .

Shoulda, woulda -- but that's the way National RV designed and built my 36' model 5360 Dolphin in 1999. I really don't have any problems with it when considering pro's & con's of 30A vs. 50A service. And now that I see a replacement DuoTherm thermostat controller is readily available (from another thread) I feel even more comfortable.