The Dometic Air Conditioners 3312020 Control Kit Heat/Cool Relay Box For CccII Thermostat: Is It Really That Good?
The Dometic Air Conditioners 3312020 Control Kit Heat/Cool Relay Box For CccII Thermostat represents a crucial component for upgrading and expanding the control capabilities of Dometic’s Comfort Control Center II (CCCII) system. This kit is specifically designed to transition from a basic 5-button thermostat interface to the more advanced 12-button version, unlocking multi-zone functionality and finer control over your climate settings. For anyone operating a vehicle or RV with multiple air conditioning units, this upgrade is not just a convenience; it’s a necessity for optimizing comfort and energy management across different living or working spaces.
My need for this specific control kit arose after purchasing a pre-owned RV that, while functional, had a rather rudimentary climate control system. The single thermostat could only manage one zone, leading to uneven temperatures between the front and rear of the vehicle. This often meant overcooling one area to achieve comfort in another, or constantly fiddling with manual vents, which was far from ideal for extended trips or when hosting guests.
Upon unboxing the Dometic Air Conditioners 3312020 Control Kit Heat/Cool Relay Box For CccII Thermostat, my initial impression was one of robust construction. The unit itself, finished in a clean polar white, felt solid and well-assembled. Unlike some generic electronics, the plastics felt durable, and the internal components, visible through slight gaps during a quick visual inspection, appeared to be of good quality. I had briefly considered looking for a universal control board, but the complexity of integrating a different brand’s system with existing Dometic AC units seemed like a potential headache I preferred to avoid.
The immediate feeling after holding this Dometic kit was one of quiet satisfaction; it looked like a straightforward solution to a persistent annoyance. It promised to bring a new level of refined climate control to my mobile living space, something I’d been missing for far too long.
Real-World Testing: Putting Dometic Air Conditioners 3312020 Control Kit Heat/Cool Relay Box For CccII Thermostat to the Test
First Use Experience
My testing environment for this control kit was, naturally, my 2018 RV, specifically within its living and sleeping areas. The upgrade from the 5-button to the 12-button thermostat involved swapping out the old control box behind the existing thermostat panel and connecting the new relay box. I performed the installation on a relatively mild spring day, avoiding extreme temperatures that might have masked the system’s true performance.
The primary goal was to see if this kit could effectively manage two separate Dometic AC units, allowing independent temperature settings for the main cabin and the bedroom. The performance was immediately noticeable; the ability to set a slightly warmer temperature in the main living area while maintaining a cooler, sleep-friendly environment in the bedroom was a game-changer. Even with direct sunlight hitting one side of the RV and shade on the other, the control kit managed to maintain the desired temperatures across both zones without excessive cycling of the compressors.
Ease of use was surprisingly high. The 12-button interface was far more intuitive than I anticipated, with clearly labeled functions for zone selection, mode changes (heat/cool/fan), and temperature adjustments. There was minimal learning curve, and within minutes, I was confidently navigating the new controls.
The only minor quirk encountered was ensuring the correct wiring harness was connected to the appropriate zone on the relay box; the labeling was clear, but double-checking against the Dometic installation manual was wise. This particular control kit was a straightforward replacement, and the transition felt seamless.
Extended Use & Reliability
Over several months and numerous trips, this Dometic control kit has proven its worth in day-to-day RV living. It’s been subjected to the typical fluctuations of travel – from cool desert nights to humid coastal afternoons. The system has consistently maintained the set temperatures in each zone, significantly improving overall comfort and reducing energy waste.
Durability seems excellent so far. There are no visible signs of wear on the relay box or the connected wiring. The thermostat interface remains responsive, and the polar white finish has resisted discoloration or scuffs, even with occasional accidental bumps from gear or passengers. I haven’t experienced any issues like stiffness in the buttons or performance degradation.
Maintenance has been virtually non-existent. Keeping the thermostat’s screen clean is the only task required, and it’s as simple as wiping it down with a soft, dry cloth. The relay box is tucked away behind the panel and requires no user intervention.
Compared to the previous single-zone setup, this Dometic solution is a night-and-day difference. It’s a significant upgrade over basic systems and feels as reliable as any professional HVAC control I’ve encountered in more permanent installations. The reliability of the heat/cool operation is particularly reassuring.
Breaking Down the Features of Dometic Air Conditioners 3312020 Control Kit Heat/Cool Relay Box For CccII Thermostat
Specifications
The Dometic Air Conditioners 3312020 Control Kit Heat/Cool Relay Box For CccII Thermostat is built with functionality and system expansion in mind. Its primary role is to serve as the central hub for managing multiple air conditioning units within a Dometic CCCII system. The kit includes a relay box designed to handle the switching and control signals for both heating and cooling functions across different zones.
The polar white finish on the thermostat faceplate ensures a clean aesthetic that blends well with most interior décor, a common consideration in RV and marine applications. This kit allows for the upgrade from a simpler 5-button interface to a more sophisticated 12-button Comfort Control Center II, which is crucial for enabling multi-zone climate management. The construction uses quality parts and materials, which Dometic is known for, aiming for optimal performance and reliability.
This means that each zone can be independently controlled, offering precise temperature settings for different areas of your RV, boat, or other application. For instance, you might want a cooler bedroom for sleeping, while keeping the main living area at a slightly warmer, more ambient temperature. The system’s ability to handle both heating and cooling cycles ensures year-round comfort.
Performance & Functionality
The core job of this control kit is to seamlessly integrate and manage multiple climate zones, and it excels at this. The ability to designate and control separate zones for heating and cooling has been a revelation for comfort in my RV. It allows for granular control that was simply impossible with the previous single-zone setup, preventing scenarios where one area is frigid while another is sweltering.
A significant strength is the intuitive user interface of the 12-button thermostat. It’s easy to select zones, switch between heating and cooling modes, and adjust temperatures with precise increments. The system responds quickly to commands, and the AC units themselves engage and disengage smoothly, as expected from a well-designed Dometic component.
However, the main function of this unit is to enable multi-zone control; if you only have a single AC unit, the upgrade to a 12-button thermostat and this relay box would be overkill. Its true value is unlocked when managing two or more climate zones. The price point reflects its advanced capabilities for these more complex setups.
Design & Ergonomics
The design of the Dometic Air Conditioners 3312020 Control Kit Heat/Cool Relay Box For CccII Thermostat is functional and clean. The polar white thermostat faceplate is aesthetically pleasing and doesn’t detract from the interior design of my RV. The buttons are well-sized and provide a satisfying tactile click when pressed, indicating a positive engagement.
Ergonomically, the 12-button layout is a definite improvement over simpler controls. It allows for quick access to all necessary functions without needing to navigate through complex menus. The layout is logical, with dedicated buttons for zone selection, mode, and temperature up/down.
The relay box itself is designed for installation behind the thermostat or in a nearby accessible location, and its physical design is less critical to the user experience, provided it’s properly housed. The build quality of the thermostat unit feels solid, suggesting it can withstand the vibrations and minor impacts inherent in mobile environments.
Durability & Maintenance
Based on my experience and Dometic’s reputation, the durability of this control kit is expected to be high. The materials used in the thermostat and the internal components of the relay box are of good quality, designed for the rigors of RV or marine applications. I haven’t encountered any premature wear or failure points during my testing period.
Maintenance is exceptionally straightforward. The thermostat faceplate can be kept clean with a simple wipe-down, and the relay box is an internal component that requires no user maintenance. This lack of demanding upkeep is a significant advantage for anyone seeking a reliable, hassle-free climate control system.
Potential failure points in any electronic control system are typically related to wiring connections or the electronic components themselves. However, the robust construction and quality components suggest a long service life for this Dometic relay box and thermostat.
Accessories and Customization Options
The Dometic Air Conditioners 3312020 Control Kit Heat/Cool Relay Box For CccII Thermostat is primarily a control upgrade kit. It doesn’t come with additional accessories like new AC units or ducting. Its main “accessory” is the advanced 12-button CCCII thermostat, which is an integral part of the upgrade.
Customization in this context refers to how the system can be configured to manage different zones. Users can assign specific AC units or heating elements to designated zones within the thermostat’s programming. This allows for tailored climate control strategies based on the specific layout and usage of the vehicle or vessel. Compatibility with other Dometic CCCII components is a given, as this kit is part of that ecosystem.
The real benefit here isn’t about adding external accessories, but about unlocking the inherent capabilities of the Dometic CCCII system for multi-zone applications. The heat/cool operation is a core functionality that this kit enhances.
Pros and Cons of Dometic Air Conditioners 3312020 Control Kit Heat/Cool Relay Box For CccII Thermostat
Pros
- Enables multi-zone climate control for enhanced comfort and efficiency.
- Upgrades from a basic 5-button thermostat to a more functional 12-button interface.
- Features intuitive controls with clear labeling for easy operation.
- Built with quality parts and materials for reliable performance.
- Provides independent heat/cool operation for each zone.
- Clean polar white finish for aesthetic integration.
Cons
- Requires existing Dometic AC units and a compatible CCCII system to function.
- Might be overkill or unnecessary for applications with only a single climate zone.
- The initial investment for the kit can be significant compared to basic thermostats.
Who Should Buy Dometic Air Conditioners 3312020 Control Kit Heat/Cool Relay Box For CccII Thermostat?
This Dometic Air Conditioners 3312020 Control Kit Heat/Cool Relay Box For CccII Thermostat is an ideal purchase for owners of RVs, motorhomes, boats, or any vehicle/application equipped with multiple Dometic air conditioning units that currently utilize a 5-button thermostat. It is specifically for those seeking to gain independent control over different cabin or living areas, improving comfort for all occupants and optimizing energy usage. If you’re tired of dealing with uneven temperatures between separate zones, this upgrade is for you.
Individuals who only have a single air conditioning unit or those who are not invested in the Dometic CCCII system would likely find this kit to be an unnecessary expense. For such users, a simpler, single-zone thermostat would suffice. A highly recommended complementary item would be the Dometic 12-button thermostat display itself if it’s not already part of your existing setup and you are migrating from an older 5-button model.
Conclusion on Dometic Air Conditioners 3312020 Control Kit Heat/Cool Relay Box For CccII Thermostat
The Dometic Air Conditioners 3312020 Control Kit Heat/Cool Relay Box For CccII Thermostat is an essential upgrade for anyone looking to maximize the potential of their multi-zone Dometic climate control system. It delivers on its promise of enabling sophisticated, independent zone management with a user-friendly interface. The build quality and reliability associated with the Dometic brand are evident, ensuring that this component will serve effectively for years to come.
Considering the enhanced comfort, energy savings from precise control, and the overall improvement in living or working environment management, the price point for this kit feels justified. It transforms a potentially frustrating climate control experience into one of seamless, personalized comfort. I would absolutely recommend this control kit to anyone with a compatible Dometic system who needs to manage multiple climate zones effectively. If you value precise comfort and efficient operation of your Dometic AC units, this upgrade is a worthwhile investment.