Heated Tanks - RV-Dreams Community Forum

Sherry · RV-Dreams Family Member

Heated Tanks

Terry and Jo · RV-Dreams Family Member

Sherry,

In regards to "actual" experience, I will have to defer to others for your answer. Having said that, though, we have spent over 2 years researching the RV's both motorhome and fifth wheels, so I do have a little insight for you.

All three tanks on our Mobile Suites are heated. Also, with many of the fifth wheels and motorhomes, if one is using their propane furnaces, the underbelly area is heated by that as well. Also, some have put small electric heaters in their basements to further assist in heating the underbelly.

In truthfulness, in the two years that I have been researching, this is the first time that I've seen the question. However, I've only been on something like 4 or 5 forums for extended research. Most others that I've been on, I've not done extensive looking for multiple topics.

There is a possiblility that some lower end RV's might not be heated as well, so be sure and check every possible option.

Terry

Racerguy · RV-Dreams Family Member

Our Cedar Creek which is considered mid range came from the factory with heated tanks and yes I have turned them on 3 nights in the last 2 weeks here in Florida.

53 Merc · RV-Dreams Family Member

You know, I think there may be a disconnect somewhere. Most 5th wheel RVs say Heated Tanks, but you gotta read carefully. Most often, it really means the tanks are in a heated area if the furnace is in operation. Most of them put a return air into the basement and the tank area is connected to the basement storage area. All bets are off if you use a heat pump or strip heat in the AC. If you use a Vornado electric heater, or similar, all bets are off.

Racerguy mentions turning his on 3 nights out of the last two weeks. He has pads attached to his tanks that use resistant heat strips to keep the tanks above freezing. The pads are thermostatically controlled to maintain a temperature above freezing. Not hot, just not freezing. These pads can be retrofitted to any tank and should work well.

Another method is to put a light bulb on an extension cord in the tank area. 60 watts should do the job unless you are trying to live in International Falls in the winter. Easy enough to put in a light bulb permanently unless you are like me and are electrically challenged. Having a switch would make life easier.

Personally, I try to stay in an area that is above freezing. If there is an occasional cold snap, I drain all tanks, put fresh water in the service water tank, remove the fresh water hose and close up. Of course leaving the dump valves open keeps from breaking the dump valves. We do have a heated underbelly, but I try to use the propane sucking furnace as little as possible.

Bill and Linda · RV-Dreams Family Member

Ken is right on, but just to amplify, tanks can be in the area where there is return air to the furnace and sometimes are considered heated. However, many have specific ducting from the furnace blower directly to the tank area which is insulated and by definition “enclosed.” It is usually an option to actually have strip or pad heaters physically on the tanks as Ken discussed. I wouldn’t expect to see those on a lot of rigs – some, just not a lot. They are seldom needed, IMO, in the “south.” You can define south as you like.

It is indeed important to note that the use of electric heaters inside the rig, including the “fireplaces,” obviously don’t heat the tanks nor is any of this warm air circulated in the basement utility area or tank area where it would be if the furnace was in use.

Having RV’ed and lived in Florida for some time I can say that while heated tanks are probably not needed, enclosed and insulated tanks are. I’ve had frozen tanks in Florida back in the early travel trailer days when the tanks were essentially “exposed.” Light bulbs didn't help when they were not insulated.

Bill