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**jcanavera** · 02-06-2007, 06:02 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Cracker

Has anyone else had "hands-on" experience with these units under the "dropping temps" scenario we're talking about?

I can confirm a similar experience with mine. While the heat pump was not blowing cold air, what was coming out wasn't warm enough to hold temperature inside the trailer. At that point it was in the mid 30's outside and I wasn't willing to wait to see when the furnace would cut over. So for all intents I find that cutover feature pretty useless.

Jack

**jcanavera** · 02-06-2007, 06:05 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Loren

It eventually turned out to be a set-up issue with the new Comfort Control thermostat. The service person was supposed to punch in a secret code to have the thermostat search for installed equipment (air conditioner, heat pump, furnace) and set itself correctly.Good luck,
Loren

Well I'll have to check this out next time I'm up at the dealer's....unless someone has access to the "secret code".

Jack

Cracker · 02-06-2007, 06:49 PM

From what's being reported by Pahaska and others it sounds like everything will work just right if the thermostat has been properly installed. I'll have to give it a try early this Spring when the weather conditions are favorable.

lewster · 02-06-2007, 07:11 PM

As Safari Tim said, there is a PC board in the Duotherm units that contain a row of dip switches. These switches must be set to recognize other components in the HVAC line: a furnace, Aqua Hot hydronic heating system, another A/C unit (adds another zone or 2 to the t/stat) etc. Your furnace will not be recognized by the t/stat without the proper dip switch being set.

silverback · 02-27-2007, 12:20 PM

We used it for the first time last week and it worked as advertised and it was good. I'm sure it helped save propane too. I only noticed one defrost cycle (probably in the upper 30s outside).
-KL

Minnie's Mate · 02-27-2007, 12:46 PM

We have the heat pump 13.5K and use the furnace to keep the pipes from freezing in the driveway and the heat pump when camping. We have used the heat pump to mid-30's and been comfortable. This was with the trailer pre-heated from furnace use before hitting the road. Starting with a cold trailer and using the heat pump might be different, I haven't had the experience to find out. At home we have natural gas furnace.

Safari Tim · 03-05-2007, 10:47 AM

FYI-

Anyone who is getting ready to install one of these heat pumps, the dip switch settings we were talking about are under the shroud of the roof unit.

The instructions tell you at the end, after its installed how to set them. Well, if you follow the instructions (like I did), you have to go back on the roof, remove the cover to access them.

Just a heads up to set the switches before you put the thing on the roof!

You also have to reset the Comfort Control Center after the dip switches are changed so it will read the new settings.

2airishuman · 03-05-2007, 01:43 PM

no kidding tim...

when the factory service center removed and installed a new a/c on my unit,

they neglected to set the dip switches.

they also kept the installation manual.

so after a few calls/emails and head scratching,

they admitted perhaps i needed to crawl up there and do this part.

really the box or shroud should have a label "set the dips now"

cheers
2air'

Minnie's Mate · 03-05-2007, 03:21 PM

What are dip switches?

Safari Tim · 03-05-2007, 04:13 PM

DIP switches are just very small switches on the control board that you flip on or off depending on your options. You usually only would do this once when you get it installed.

Looks like this.

2air, you had to get up on the roof to check yours? Were they wrong?

2airishuman · 03-05-2007, 05:13 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Safari Tim

2air, you had to get up on the roof to check yours? Were they wrong?

hi tim

yep they were wrong.

because i didn't have the manual, i had to try several combinations of flipping them.

each new combo added or removed something from the comfort control center.

eventually and after about 5 gyrations i got the right combo of dip flips.

of course a few days later, the installation manual arrived at my house.

cheers
2air'

markdoane · 03-05-2007, 06:01 PM

HEAT STRIP
ZONE 2
ZONE 3
ZONE 4
FURNACE
DIFFERENTIAL
STAGE
GEN START

You won't get any sympathy if you won't ask a question.

lewster · 03-05-2007, 06:58 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by markdoane

HEAT STRIP
ZONE 2
ZONE 3
ZONE 4
FURNACE
DIFFERENTIAL
STAGE
GEN START

You won't get any sympathy if you won't ask a question.

Good work, you guys!! Note that in general, the only dip switches that you set to 'on' are the heat strip, if you have one, and the furnace if it is tied into the Comfort Control Center thermostat. Otherwise, they are all usually off....OH, and if you have a second A/C in the unit, you need to activate the 'zone 2' dip also..................

The last 3: Differential, Stage and Gen Start are not used in most cases.

soldiermedic · 04-24-2007, 11:22 PM

Interesting information.

My Caravanner doesn't have AC or heat in it right now, and this has given me some ideas. I am looking for a rooftop AC unit (low profile prefered), but would also like to have a heating option. I never winter camp, and suppose I could just use a ceramic heater to warm the trailer interior in the early spring or mid to late fall. I do not have a grey tank to worry about, and will not fill my fresh tank unless I am boondocking (Never see that happening).

Would an AC/Heat pump combo be a good idea, or would I be better off getting an AC unit, and using two small ceramic heaters?

Eventually I may decide to run propane for a small catalytic heater, but that is off in the future.

Steve

Minnie's Mate · 04-25-2007, 07:30 AM

Soldiermedic, I would go with the A/C-heat pump combo if you don't plan on boon-docking. I don't think the heat pump is much more expensive to purchase than an A/C only unit. At least IIRC. We use ours whenever we need heat and are camping. It keeps our 30' plenty warm at night but we don't winter camp either. We figure why use the propane when we are paying for the campground's electricity; this saves our propane for cooking and hot water.

When we had the trailer moored in our yard during this past winter we used the propane furnace to keep the pipes and tanks from freezing but that doesn't sound like an issue for you. Just remember to winterize this fall.

Mike Lewis · 04-25-2007, 07:59 AM

Soldiermedic---We have a ac heat pump in our 30 but use it differently than anyone I spoken with. We find the noise from the unit to be such it bothers us when trying to sleep. Were we find it useful is when temps are above freezing and we're out away from the trailer fo the day.---pieman

soldiermedic · 04-25-2007, 08:32 AM

I may atually be in a pickle for adding anything rooftop to this coach. I was reviewing the pics and noticed that the bathroom wall is built halfway over the center vent/fan. The owner did this to help vent the bath of vater vapor.

Due to the wall, I will not be able to place the ceiling piece where it needs to go.

This is the vent that was wired with 120 in the even of a future AC install. I wonder why the owner and David Winick didn't run the wiring to the rear knowing that the bath would be here in the center.

Know knowing this, what options do I have, and please dont tell me to tear the wall down partially.