Top 10 Best RV Thermostats For All Budgets In 2023 Reviews

There is one major reason to choose an RV rather than spend the night camping in a tent – Comfort. RVs provide you with a comfortable place to rest your head, with full-blown climate control.

That’s why you need one of the best RV thermostats…

It’s the best way to ensure that the inside of your RV remains at the correct temperature. A good one will link your cooling system with your heater. However, there are others that are little more than a switch for a fan.

Finding the right thermostat for your needs requires many hours of research. Luckily for you, we’ve already done it all. We’ve reviewed the 10 Best thermostats for RV’s currently on the market and included everything you need to know about each option, as well as the Pros and Cons. Plus, we’ve also included a useful buying guide.

So, let’s go through them and find the best Thermostat for RV…

Top 10 Best RV Thermostats To Consider In 2023 Review

1 Dometic D3106995.032 Heat/Cool Analog Thermostat – Best Basic RV Thermostat

Sometimes simplicity is the best option. Forget that modern digital nonsense; what you want is the best analog thermostat for RVs. What you want is Dometic.

But which Dometic is the best?

The model #D3106995.032 is analog, and it controls more than just the hot and cold. We like how easy and straightforward it is to adjust the temperature. Just slide the control up to increase the heat. It’s all rather intuitive.

In addition to this, it can control the fan. There is both an on/off switch, as well as a high/low switch. This puts you in complete control of all climate settings in your motorhome.

What is the temperature range?

This little unit allows for temps to be brought down as low as 40°F and pushed up all the way to 90°F. Plus, it’s both compact and blends in well. This makes it a nice fit for any RV.

However, this particular unit is known to fail over time; therefore, it’s not the most durable RV thermostat available. Widely reported to fail sooner than expected, this is, never the less, a great affordable option for those who don’t use their RV that often.

Our rating: (4.6 / 5)

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2 Honeywell TH5110D1006 Non-Programmable Thermostat – Best Low Cost Digital RV Thermostat

For those of a more modern leaning, here is a digital RV thermostat. This is produced by Honeywell, and we’re looking at TH5110D1006. It’s one of the best 1/1 RV thermostats.

What exactly are you hooking up?

This unit is set for 1 heat/1 cool with a conventional cooling system and a heat pump. While there are a number of Honeywell thermostats to choose from, this is one of the more basic options. That means there are no programmable features built-in.

There is a small, easy to read backlit digital display. It’s a square 1.5 inch readout that makes it easy to operate in any brightness. This readout shows the set temperature, as well as the current inside temperature.

What powers the unit?

This thermostat can be hardwired in, or set to run off of the battery. We like the idea of not needing to worry about battery replacements. At the same time, the battery door is easy to access should you opt for that instead.

Overall, the unit measures about 3-1/2 x 4-1/2 inches and sticks out 1-5/16 inches. This controls a 750 mV heating system or a 24 Vac conventional with a heat pump.

But there’s more to the story…

The only real complaint we had with this unit is just how small the screen is. While it is easy to read thanks to the backlit feature, it’s rather tiny. Especially compared with the size of the overall unit.

However, this is still one of the best digital RV thermostats for the price. That is in part, however, because it is rather inexpensive.

Our rating: (4.5 / 5)

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3 Suburban 161154 Wall Thermostat – Heat Only – White – Best Budget RV Thermostat

We understand that every penny counts, especially in these stressful times. Luckily, the simple fact is you don’t need to spend too many pennies on a thermostat for your RV. Suburban Manufacturing makes a fantastic option in their model #161154 Wall Thermostat.

Just how cheap is it?

Well, for one thing, this is the cheapest RV thermostat we included in our review. That doesn’t mean it’s the cheapest thermostat for the job, as this is a list of the best quality RV thermostats you can buy. So, it’s the cheapest best one if you will.

That is if you are only hooking up a heating system. This thermostat does not work with a cooling system.

Let us say this again…

This is a heating only thermostat. It’s a great option if you don’t have any air-conditioning to worry about tying in, but not so great if you’re headed somewhere hot.

We included this option on our list because not everyone needs something complicated that does everything. Sometimes you just need something to control your heater. And if that’s the case, there’s no need to spend a fortune doing so.

Affordable, but built to last…

We also like the durability and reliability of this thermostat. It might be cheap, but it holds up to the manufacturer’s creed. Their goal to “manufacture the most durable and efficient products available” seems to hold true.

Our rating: (4.5 / 5)

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4 Atwood 38453 Thermostat – Easiest to Use RV Thermostat

Another user-friendly RV thermostat is made by Atwood. Here we are looking at model #38453, which is one of the most basic thermostats we’ve ever seen. We like this for simplicity.

But will it work for your RV?

This depends on a couple of things, and the first is just how basic do you want your thermostat? Like the option we just reviewed, this thermostat provides heating control only. There is no input for an air conditioning unit.

You can, however, hook up your RVs heating system. We like the small, discrete nature of this thermostat. It will certainly blend in well with most RV interiors.

As for where they have saved costs…

This is pretty evident immediately when inspecting this unit. For one thing, the thermometer provided is absolutely tiny. Even compared to other options, this one is very hard to read. This is in part due to the almost clear colored readout on a white background. It doesn’t really help with the already small size.

Similarly, you’ll likely note the heating control lever. This simply allows you to turn it up and/or down, not set to a particular temperature. As far as we see it, there really is no major difference in this setup; it just looks less sophisticated.

A superb basic choice…

After all, you’re still only sliding it up for when you want to raise the temp inside. So, why not save some money and pick this easy to install thermostat? It’s built to last and lets you control the comfort in your RV with the flick of a switch.

Our rating: (4.3 / 5)

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5 ICM Controls SC1600L Simple Comfort Non-Programmable Heat Only Thermostat – Safest Budget RV Thermostat

ICM Controls makes a wonderful digital thermostat for those on a budget. The SC1600L is better known as the Simple Comfort Thermostat. It looks a step up from the analog options above, but is it?

In some ways, yes…

This thermostat does offer you a backlit display with easy to use buttons. These allow you to turn the temp up or down easily and without any confusion of left/right slide controls.

Other than that, the only control is Off/Heat. That is because this unit also only controls your heating. There is no control for a cooling system, nor a fan output.

Other things worth noting include…

We like that the system runs on a microprocessor for precise timing. It’s also nice that it works with any 24 Vac Thermostat. You can also twin it with another ICM281 board.

However, the best part of this unit is the 100% Gas Shutoff safety feature. This keeps gas from becoming an issue inside the RV by shutting it off if there is an ignition failure.

Our rating: (4.7 / 5)

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6 Dometic 3109228.001 Comfort Control Center for 630035/630515/630516 – Best Set and Forget RV Thermostat

This next item takes things in a completely different direction. It’s made by Dometic, and it provides a number of features not explored in our reviews so far. We think it’s one of the best RV thermostats for lazy people.

This, of course, includes us…

Let’s face it; if you want to be comfortable, then you want full climate control in your RV at all times. You might even want to set different zones if, per se, you have a larger RV with a bedroom.

The Dometic model #3109288.001 is probably better referred to as the Comfort Control Center. It provides the user with four zones that can be programmed independently, as well as fan and heating/cooling controls.

But it comes at a price…

Not an outrageous one by any means, but it is significantly more expensive than the options we just reviewed. However, this extra little expenditure will reward you with a nice LCD display panel with either Fahrenheit or Celsius readouts.

The SureTouch control panel is easy to operate and rather intuitive as well. In the end, we really like this option. It provides ultimate control over your environment, all from one easy to use thermostat.

Check the compatibility…

You just need to ensure that it will work with your setup. This thermostat is designed for use with 630035, 630515, or 630516 Dometic models. For matching with one of these, this is the best Dometic RV thermostat.

Our rating: (4.4 / 5)

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7 Emerson 1E78-140 Non-Programmable Heat Only Thermostat for Single-Stage Systems – Most Stylish RV Thermostat

For those who care about aesthetics, we might suggest the 1E89-140 from Emerson. This is a cute little thermostat that looks like it was designed rather than just engineered.

But is it effective?

Oh yeah, as long as you’re only looking to hook up your heating unit. This is one of the best RV single-stage thermostats for the price. However, it is not programmable.

That means you can turn it on and off, and up or down. There’s nothing more to be done, which is why there are only a couple of buttons. This makes the unit both easy to use and keeps it looking slick.

Are you looking for a precision thermostat?

This just might be it as this option from Emerson features single degree temperature changes. We really like the backlit display. It’s easy to read in any lighting and clearly displays the temp set next to the current temp inside.

While there are competing options out there for less money, we think this is a good buy just the same. It’s precise, reliable, and easy to use. Add on the fact it looks good, and you have a real winner in our books.

Our rating: (4.6 / 5)

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8 LuxPRO PSD010BF Heating Only with Fan Digital Thermostat – Best RV Thermostat with Fan Control

LuxPro makes a great thermostat for RVs if you have both a heating system and a fan to control. Here we are looking at model #PSD010BF, which is another digital thermostat.

Is this the best heat only thermostat for RVs?

We’ll let you make that decision once we’ve clued you in on the details. This model is a heating only thermostat. So, like with most options we’ve featured, there is no option to wire in a cooling system.

Having said that, it does provide you with a fan switch. We think this makes the PSD010BF a better option than some reviewed above. At least, if you have a fan to hook up.

But wait, there’s more…

This unit is battery powered only, which some people will love while others will not. We like the slim design; it keeps things from catching on it as you move about the RV.

All in all, this is a very basic thermostat. It shows the temperature setting and provides a button up/down heat control. This makes it very user friendly, even when you need to bump things up in the middle of a cold night.

Our rating: (4.7 / 5)

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9 Honeywell Home RTH221B1021/E1 RTH221B1021 Programmable Thermostat – Best Featured RV Thermostat

We’ve heard tales of people using a normal home thermostat in their RV. This might not be the best idea depending on compatibility, but then again. If it works, it works.

Will the Honeywell Programmable Thermostat work for you?

It just might if you have the right hook ups. This unit is compatible with cooling and heat pumps without auxiliary heat. The unit will not work with electric baseboard heating or multistage HVAC system.

What it does do is provide hassle-free programming. You can set each day of the week and up to four periods per day. Or select from the preset options of wake, leave, return, and sleep.

We think this is really handy for those who live in their RVs or trailers. It allows you to preset everything, so you’re always in comfort.

And that’s not all…

The RTH221B comes with a crystal clear digital display that is easy to read. This shows the time as a 12 or 24 hour clock and allows you to adjust between Fahrenheit or Celsius temperature display.

In the end, this is one of the best home thermostats for the price. Many users will be able to make it work for their RV or trailer as well, which is why we’ve included it.

Our rating: (4.3 / 5)

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10 Honeywell TH3110D1008 Pro Non-Programmable Digital Thermostat – Best Value for the Money RV Thermostat

The final option on our list of the best RV thermostats is another production from Honeywell. This time we are looking at model #TH3110D1008, which is another non-programmable option.

Do you really need a multitude day preset program for your RV thermostat?

We don’t think so. In fact, we think that most campers would consider that more than a little bit of overkill. But hey, to each their own.

For the rest of us who have some common sense, there is this little unit. It provides heating and cooling control, as well as control over the fan. What more do you really need?

How about an easy to read display?

Yup, this unit has that as well. The backlit digital display shows both the set temperature and the current temperature. No matter how bright or dark it is inside the RV, this thermostat remains easy to read.

It also provides the highest level of accuracy in temperature control, and it’s manufactured in the U.S.A.

Put all this together, and you end up with a winner. In fact, this just might be the best RV thermostat for the price.

Our rating: (4.6 / 5)

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Best RV Thermostats Buying Guide

As you no doubt can tell from our review, there is a wide range of options in the running for the best thermostats for RV, which can easily leave you feeling overwhelmed.

So how do you find the right thermostat for your RV?

The first thing to consider is the type of thermostat. Do you need one that controls your heating, cooling, and fan? Or, do you just need one to help keep you warm?

The options we’ve reviewed are largely for heating control only. Some have an added feature of being able to control your fan as well. Quality RV thermostats also control a cooling system. This allows everything to be integrated into one easy to use thermostat.

This brings us to the second consideration…

When shopping for a new thermostat, it is important to choose one you find easy to operate. For some, this will mean an analog thermostat.

Analog thermostats provide easy to use and understand slide temperature controls. There’s often no buttons beyond an on/off button. We like analog thermostats for their simplicity.

The other option is a digital thermostat…

This provides you with more precise control of the temperature settings. With these, you can adjust the temperature by a single digit up or down.

We like digital thermostats for their control. However, you need to ensure they are backlit for use in low light settings. However, this is rarely a concern as most digital thermostats are backlit these days.

Some thermostats even come with fancy programmable features…

These can be really handy if you spend long periods in your RV. With a programmable thermostat, you can often set it for different temperatures throughout the day.

This means the RV will be warm when you are there, but you won’t waste money heating it when you’re not. These thermostats will save you money in the long-term, but only if you spend a lot of time in your RV.

If not, a programmable thermostat is likely overkill for your RV. That’s why most of the options we provided don’t have this feature and save you money. After all, most of us don’t spend that much extended time in our RVs, even if we wish we could.

Quality and durability are also key considerations…

When shopping for the best RV, boat, or trailer thermostat, you need to consider which company makes each model. We also like to look at where each model is made. In our minds, the Made in America stamp still reigns supreme.

You should also look at durability. Some models are built to last; others will get you by for a time.

While the price is often indicative of quality, that’s not always the case. Some of the least expensive options on our list work very well and stand up to repeated use.

Another consideration is the ultimate aesthetic you’re looking to achieve…

There are trendy looking RV thermostats and those that look like replicas of the original model. We advise choosing one that looks good to you and is easy for you to read/use. This is, after all, going in your RV.

Ease of installation is the last consideration…

We know this probably should have come as first or second on our buying guide. However, sometimes it’s important to save the key elements for last.

Before you start the installation, actually, no, that’s not right…

Before you buy a new RV thermostat, there’s one more thing to do…

You need to check the manufacturer’s recommendations on compatibility with your heating and/or cooling system. There’s no better way to infuriate yourself than with the following scenario.

We’ve all done it at some point. You spend hours trying to install something only to finally decide it’s not compatible. Time wasted time three. Time spent already, time spent getting a new replacement, and time spent installing the final fit. What a day that would be.

Don’t go through that, first check the thermostat will work for your system. Then, ensure it’s something you can easily install yourself. Usually, this is the case, but it’s not always. The last thing to do, is set the temp and relax with a job well done.

Looking for more superb products for your RV?

Then take a look at our reviews of the Best RV Slide Toppers, the Best RV Tool Kit, the Best Fibreglass RV Waxes, the Best RV Surge Protectors, or the Best RV Door Locks currently on the market in 2023.

If you’re looking to improve the comfort level of your RV, then check out our reviews of the Best RV Recliners, the Best RV Mattress Short Queen, the Best Coffee Maker for RVs, the Best RV Toilets, as well as our Best Car Neck Pillows Reviews and our Best Luxe RV Accessories Reviews.

So, what are the Best RV Thermostats?

Hopefully, our article has helped you decide on the best thermostat for your RV. There’s a lot of options out there, and at least one should have jumped out as exactly what you need.

If not, don’t despair, we’d recommend the…

Honeywell TH5110D1006 Non-Programmable Thermostat

It does everything you need a thermostat to do, without any unnecessary fancy features. Plus, it’s very easy to read, and the controls are rather intuitive. All in all, we think it’s the best RV thermostat for the money.

Happy RV adventures.