Where is the outside thermometer?

[InspectorDread]

I have a 1987 34' Excella 1000. The digital read out for outside temperture has a constant -70 degrees readout. The inside temperture is accurate. Can anyone tell me where there the outside thermometer is located and how I can correct this problem? This Silver Palace is perfect in every other way, and I would really like to fix this problem.

[74Argosy24MH]

I can't tell you where it is located but it is probably a thermistor and you are also going to have to know the resistance and if it is positive or negative. Airstream would probably be able to tell you the location and manufacturer. If you can find out and get the specs it is only a $2 part.

John

[Lumatic]

I have a 73 Sovereign with a thermometer that doesn't work. It has some kind of thermocouple or sensor that runs down between the interior and exterior skins. I tried pulling it out through the instrument cluster mounting hole but keeps getting hung up. Any suggestions to get the sucker out? Anything I should check on the thermometer before I write it off?

[Jim & Susan]

I just removed the control panel in my ‘73 Overlander a few hours ago. I am in the process of a complete overhaul of the interior. In this model, there is a wire that runs behind the front end cap, into a plastic pipe, and down the roadside wall into the belly pan. This just a copper wire. It is presumably connected to some sort of “sending” unit in the belly pan somewhere. I’ll let you know when I get the floor up what’s down there. (But that’s going to be a while). Jim

[Pick]

I bought an Oregon Scientific Indoor/Outdoor Thermometer/Clock for about $20. I used the old temp sensor bulb/line to pull the new temp sensor through the black tubing. The new thermometer/clock is stuck on with double sided tape to the control panel.

[wahoonc]

Originally Posted by Marshall

I have a 73 Sovereign with a thermometer that doesn't work. It has some kind of thermocouple or sensor that runs down between the interior and exterior skins. I tried pulling it out through the instrument cluster mounting hole but keeps getting hung up. Any suggestions to get the sucker out? Anything I should check on the thermometer before I write it off?

Marshall,
If you look on the left side of the unit about where the front banana wrap ends on the underside, you will see where the sending unit for your thermometer ends. It is enclosed in a large plastic tube that is fed down thru the wall. As far as I know it is not attached except at the very outside end and that is with a small metal clip.

Aaron

[Lumatic]

Originally Posted by Pick

I bought an Oregon Scientific Indoor/Outdoor Thermometer/Clock for about $20. I used the old temp sensor bulb/line to pull the new temp sensor through the black tubing. The new thermometer/clock is stuck on with double sided tape to the control panel.

It sound like this is one combo instrument? Does the diameter match up with the hole? What did you do with the original clock hole? A barometer might be nice.

[Jim & Susan]

AAron is describing my set-up exactly. Attached are a couple pictures of the tube that runs behind the end cap and wall to the banana wrap and outside. The outside part is exactly as Aaron describes, although I didn't find it till after dark, so no good pictures. The wire that feeds the thermostat is taped to the top of that tube just below the thermostat, behind the control center. Sounds like it's going to be easier to replace with a modern, digital equivalent. Hope this helps. Jim

[nickcrowhurst]

Inspector Dread, if you look under the trailer on the pavement side near the front A frame, where the banana wrap meets the belly pan, you may see the sensor. It is flat, and about half an inch square, with two wires attached. These wires disappear into the body of the trailer. On my trailer, one of these wires was broken at the attachment point. I re-solderered this. The -70 reading is an indication of a very high resistance, such as an open circuit from a broken wire. You will then need to remove the display panel, and look on the small circuit board behind the temperature display to find the small green adjuster ( a potentiometer, or variable resistor) marked "out". This can be used to calibrate the reading to a portable thermometer outside the trailer. Be aware that the adjuster is very, very sensitive. The smallest movement will change the reading by ten degrees. Good luck. Nick.