How to Calibrate Camplux RV Oven Temperature: Step-by-Step Adjustment Guide

The Rundown

Yes, you're absolutely right about that adjustment screw, Den! Your Camplux oven's temperature calibration issue where you need to set the dial 50 degrees higher than desired is a common problem that can indeed be fixed by adjusting a calibration screw behind the temperature control knob. This is a straightforward DIY fix that involves removing the temperature knob to access a small adjustment screw on the thermostat shaft. The screw allows you to recalibrate the thermostat so your actual oven temperature matches what's shown on the dial.

This temperature discrepancy you're experiencing is frustrating but very fixable. Most Camplux ovens have this adjustment feature built-in specifically because temperature calibration can drift during shipping or over time. The fact that you're consistently off by about 50 degrees suggests the thermostat just needs a simple recalibration rather than replacement.

Why It Happens

Temperature calibration issues in Camplux ovens commonly occur due to several factors during manufacturing and shipping. The thermostat mechanism can become slightly misaligned during transport, or the factory calibration may have been set for different atmospheric conditions than where you're using the oven. Since RVs travel to various elevations and climates, these environmental changes can affect how gas appliances burn and maintain temperature.

The internal thermostat in your Camplux oven uses a gas valve system that responds to temperature changes through a sensing bulb. When this system gets out of calibration, it doesn't accurately translate the dial setting to the actual gas flow needed to maintain that temperature. This is why you're seeing consistent temperature differences rather than random fluctuations - the system is working properly, just reading incorrectly.

Another contributing factor can be the initial gas pressure adjustment during installation. If the gas pressure isn't perfectly set for your specific installation, it can compound temperature control issues. However, since you're seeing a consistent 50-degree difference, the calibration adjustment should resolve your problem without needing gas pressure modifications.

Gather These Items

For this calibration adjustment, you'll need minimal tools since it's designed to be a simple user adjustment. Grab a small flathead screwdriver, preferably one with a blade width of about 1/8 inch. You'll also want to have an oven thermometer handy to verify your calibration - a basic analog or digital oven thermometer that reads up to 500 degrees will work perfectly.

Make sure you have your Camplux user manual available, as it may have specific calibration instructions for your exact model. If you don't have the manual, most Camplux oven manuals are available online. Having a flashlight or headlamp will help you see the adjustment screw clearly, especially if your oven is installed in a darker area of your RV.

The Fix

SAFETY WARNING: Before beginning any work on gas appliances, ensure proper ventilation and never work on gas systems if you smell gas. If you detect any gas odors during this procedure, stop immediately, shut off the gas supply, and contact a qualified technician.

Start by ensuring your oven is completely cool and turn off the gas supply. Carefully pull the temperature control knob straight off the thermostat shaft - it should come off with gentle, steady pressure. Don't twist or force it, as these knobs are designed to pull straight off. Once removed, you'll see a small adjustment screw in the center of the thermostat shaft.

Place your oven thermometer inside the oven on the middle rack. Turn your oven to a moderate temperature like 350 degrees and let it heat up and stabilize for about 15-20 minutes. Check your oven thermometer reading against the dial setting. Since you mentioned needing to set it 50 degrees higher, your thermometer will likely read about 300 degrees when the dial is set to 350.

Now comes the calibration adjustment. Using your small flathead screwdriver, turn the adjustment screw very slightly. The turning direction and effect can vary by model, though typically clockwise increases temperature and counterclockwise decreases it - consult your manufacturer's manual to verify the correct adjustment direction for your specific unit. Make very small adjustments - no more than 1/8 turn at a time. After each adjustment, turn off the oven, allow it to cool, then turn it back on and wait 10-15 minutes for the temperature to stabilize before checking your thermometer again.

Continue making small adjustments until your oven thermometer matches your dial setting. Once calibrated, replace the temperature control knob by pushing it firmly back onto the shaft, ensuring it's properly seated. Test the calibration at different temperature settings to confirm accuracy across the full range.

Know Your Limits

This calibration adjustment is well within DIY capabilities and is actually designed to be performed by users. However, if you encounter any resistance when removing the temperature knob or if the adjustment screw seems stuck or damaged, stop and consult a qualified RV technician. Forcing stuck components can damage the thermostat assembly, leading to more expensive repairs.

If your calibration adjustment doesn't resolve the temperature issue, or if you notice gas smells, uneven heating, or the oven won't maintain any consistent temperature, these indicate more serious problems that require professional service. Additionally, if you're uncomfortable working with gas appliances or unsure about any part of this process, it's always better to have an RV service technician handle the calibration.

Remember that this adjustment affects the entire temperature range of your oven, so calibrating at one temperature should improve accuracy across all settings. temperature should improve accuracy across all settings. If you find that some temperatures are accurate while others are off, this suggests a more complex thermostat problem that may require professional diagnosis and potentially component replacement.