Satisfied with Webasto SmarTemp 3.0?

RobMcClain

RobMcClain

Well-known member
Joined
Sep 29, 2013
Messages
102
Location
PNW
Fluid Motion Model
C-30 S
Hull Identification Number
FML30C02J122
Vessel Name
Freedom 3.0
MMSI Number
368238480
I’ve read the posts and watched the pertinent YouTube video(s) on the Webasto SmarTemp Controller 3.0 with Bluetooth. I am very intrigued by the Bluetooth capability and seriously considering making this change. My current controller is the rotary 2.0 and it is so sensitive and finicky it is hard to even set. For example, when wanting to change the temperature from 64 to 66, it might scroll to 55, then 68, then 62, then 72, etc, so it can take time to get the reading to land on 66 - and this despite using a delicate hand. The top and bottom buttons can also be a problem, sometimes. It would seem the 3.0 with Bluetooth would alleviate all of these issues as the phone app provides full easy control, if I’m understanding it correctly.

So…. to those of you who have made the change and now have experience with the 3.0 Bluetooth operation, are you satisfied with it? Has it lived up to your expectations? Do you recommend making the switch? Any and all feedback is appreciated. Thanks!

Rob
 
The biggest con to doing the upgrade is you'll burn through a lot more fuel as it's so easy to turn the heater on and off and otherwise control the temperature in the boat.

I love the bluetooth control of the Webasto heater. Install took me about 15 minutes. I've done two so far (my own boat and a friends boat). Well worth the upgrade.
 
Appreciate your feedback Martin. It was your video that first introduced me to the product and the idea of upgrading.
 
The Webasto SmarTemp 3.0, they make two versions of it. One with bluetooth, one without. The bluetooth version still may be operated normally without using bluetooth. It's even got an option to turn off bluetooth. The SmarTemp 3.0 controls work identical to that of the SmarTemp 2.0 controller that you currently have, just with the added feature of being able to use your phone to control the thermostat.

The problems you described having on your v2.0 SmarTemp thermostat:

"...when wanting to change the temperature from 64 to 66, it might scroll to 55, then 68, then 62, then 72, etc, so it can take time to get the reading to land on 66"
Click to expand...

I never had any of those issues with my 2.0 thermostat. I upgraded solely for the ability to easily operate the heater from anywhere within the boat.
 
Rob
For the reasons you stated we switch to the bluetooth 3.0 controller.
Bonus is you can adjust the temp or turn on or off from any where on the boat.
Totally worth doing. Less than 15 minute upgrade on our R31
 
I really want this, but it’s not possible with my 2016 C30 and it’s 3900 model webasto. I’d have to upgrade the entire system. <cries in the corner over first world problems>
 
The short answer - Yes. Do it!!

I have a 2018 R29 that had the Rheostat controller. So my install was a bit more than Martins "15 Minute." I had to run one wire from the controller to the heater unit, so there was some disassembly and removal of the fridge. Also, the Smart-temp 3.0 BT won't fit in the same hole that I had, so I had a little wood work to do as well.

I love being able to control the Webasto from my bed. The other thing that didn't get mentioned a lot - There is a ton of operational info and diagnostics available on the App. All that is fun to read - and decipher.

If you have the electronic controller already, it is a no brainer. Not horribly expensive with plenty of upside.

I hope this helps.

Rocky
 
For those of you who have installed the new Webasto 3.0 bluetooth controller are you displaying an accurate ambient temp reading at the controller location and on the app readings? My ambient temp readings after performing the install of the 3.0 model replacing the 2.0 model displayed a much higher ambient temp as if it was reading a temp closer to the Webasto EVO 40 heater itself? The 2.0 controller displayed the correct ambient temp in the boat at the controller location.

Interested is getting your read on this, thanks.

Marc Doyle
2020 R-29 CB / Puffin
Port Ludlow, WA
 
Update on my Webasto 3.0 SmartTemp bluetooth controller experience......finally obtained accurate ambient temp readings after discovering the yellow temp sensor wiring/plug was not originally connected on the Webasto EVO 40 heater unit......I had to remove the NovaKool refrigerator to gain access to the heater unit, remove the panel covering the wiring connections and then was able to secure the connection. Now that its operating properly it's a very useful app to control your Webasto from anywhere in the boat w/o crawling into the cave and offers diagnostic tools.

I have photos of the access to the Webasto EVO 40 heater on a 2020 R-29 CB located in another Webasto thread:

Webasto heater heats well past set point?
viewtopic.php?f=18&t=21659



Marc Doyle
Port ludlow, WA
2020 R-29 CB / Puffin
 
I just installed mine yesterday, 2023 R23 model, very simple. You do have to order the correct adapter cable based on your existing controller and model heater. I wanted the option to use the BT and not have to bend down into the cave to turn it on plus the BT model has a diagnostic tab on the app to check the status of the heater. Did learn today after talking to a Webasto rep to not run it (diagnostic) while the heater is running as you will get an error code. Run it after it shuts off.
 
I'll throw in my opinion. I recently upgraded to the 3.0 controller on my C-28. On my '21 C-28 with the 2.0 controller, it was less than a 5 minute job. Simply had to pop off the screw covers, unscrew 2 screws, pop on the adapter + ST 3.0, and reinstall 2 screws. Done.

At first, the $300 price tag for just adding blue tooth seems like a bit much. But, the diagnostics were really helpful in understanding what the system was doing and help track down the missing yellow wire issue. I could see the temperature the unit was reading and other information right on the app.

Controlling the temperature from the bed is also very valuable. Crawling out of the bed and disturbing my kids in the mid-berth is not very convenient. The app has to reload and sync each time I use it which takes a couple seconds and is a bit annoying, but it is worth it for the main feature of not having to go to the location of the Smartemp to understand what it is doing and control it. The diagnostic data, if ever needed is also very valuable.
 
We just spent a cold night on the dock at Sucia because our Webasto heater kept firing up then stop. After some troubleshooting with RT then Webasto, we were told it was likely a failure of our Smartemp 2.0. But no one knows for sure and we would prefer not to spend $300 to replace it when it might be something else. Next logical step is to pull the fridge out to look at wiring into the heater unit. How difficult is that? Any other advice?
 
Babacoc":32nagpx4 said:
We just spent a cold night on the dock at Sucia because our Webasto heater kept firing up then stop. After some troubleshooting with RT then Webasto, we were told it was likely a failure of our Smartemp 2.0. But no one knows for sure and we would prefer not to spend $300 to replace it when it might be something else. Next logical step is to pull the fridge out to look at wiring into the heater unit. How difficult is that? Any other advice?
Click to expand...

The 3.0 Smartemp has fantastic diagnostics on it as well to help troubleshoot, with history. And being able to turn that heat on without getting out of bed a really nice feature too. If you replace your SmarTemp 2.0 with a 3.0 with bluetooth, it'll give you more specific info on what's wrong.

Usually if the heater fires up and stops it could be water in the fuel (not likely on a R31). It could also be out of fuel (the pickup tube on the heater is higher up in the diesel tank than the engine. So if you're low on diesel fuel you may have enough to get to the fuel dock but not enough fuel to run the heater. It could also be the burner insert is clogged with carbon build-up. Or it could be the thermostat (the SmarTemp 2.0). There's also some electronics on the heater that could fail. I doubt you'd notice anything specific by simply looking at the wiring harness (unless it's burnt), but you'd most likely smell that.

Did the SmarTemp 2.0 controller put up any error codes like F01 or F02 on the display?
 
At first we got a F00 error code, then after we reset the control, a F15.
 
Thanks for your ideas, Channel Surfing. I’m tempted to order the Smartemp 3.0.
 
Hi Babacoc,
Just a note from experience......Be Certain to order the Smart Temp BLUETOOTH. There is a Smart Temp 3.0 that does not have the Bluetooth feature.
Bluetooth is a few extra dollars.....but worth it.

I also second all the positives that Channel Surfing does. The Smart temp 3.0 Bluetooth install is a wonderful upgrade.. I love it and so does my wife.

Good luck

Rocky
 
One other question — does the needed adaptor come with the Smartemp 3.0 unit? Thanks much!
 
Babacoc":f9svrjll said:
Thanks for your ideas, Channel Surfing. I’m tempted to order the Smartemp 3.0.
Click to expand...

I just published some additional photos of what the diagnostics on the SmarTemp 3.0 with bluetooth look like so you can get an idea of how much information is provided.

Scroll down and flip through the pictures I just published in the photo gallery.
https://www.letsgochannelsurfing.com/boat-upgrades/wireless-heat

Stored error codes
https://www.letsgochannelsurfing.co...6c9c0_e4eb2f77328949c19e684b974a0a0e21mv2.png
 
Babacoc":3cuifyfx said:
At first we got a F00 error code, then after we reset the control, a F15.
Click to expand...

F00 - Control Unit Defective/heater lockout/internal room temperature sensor defective.
Troubleshoot: replace control unit.

F15 - "Not available". (per the manual).
 
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