New to forum, tank heat pad question

vwtyler · 12-08-2011, 10:09 PM

Hello all! I am a new (3 months or so) owner of a 1986 Winnebago Chieftain 27 footer... She's been a pushy needy new home, and after lurking here since the beginning, I finally decided to join the forum.

I inherited the beast from my Grandfather, who had let it sit on the river in Needles for 5+ years, windows open. So after many weekend train trips out there, I finally got it ready for the not so short journey to Albuquerque. During the trip I had gas supply issues, which I attribute to the large amount of rust in the tank. So after 3 days and many stops I made it back.

Three months later, and many more projects later, I am joyed to be dealing with a frozen black water tank, that is also leaking from the inlet at the toilet...I was looking for heating pad solutions and was wondering if anyone has used or thought about using the pads they make for aquariums and seedling propagation. They come in a lot of sizes, and run about $10 to $30, depending on the size. These are also thermostatically controlled, where you can set the desired temp. From what I have seen on rv tank heat pads, they are much more expensive. Heat Mats on Amazon

Aside from my poopsicles, I replaced the very very rusty carb, ran great, and now I am back to gas starvation problems. I am now left with a decision to pull my gas tank and have it resealed, or buy a new one. I have not been able to find a source for a replacement, all I can find is a 40gal oem GM tank, and mine is 60. Any ideas?

Sorry for the long post, I have so many projects and questions, but I will save those for another post...

Also, as I am the 3rd owner (4th if you count the mice that lived here for the 5 years it sat) I have most of the original documentation, including the service manual for my onan generator, and some original plumbing diagrams. I would be happy to share these with anyone who needs them. Being a young, single guy in an 86 winnie, I am dealing with a lot of meth stereotypes, which I am trying to get rid of. (Thank you Breaking Bad and the idiots who ruin it for the rest of us.)

Thanks for reading, and happy camping.

-Tyler

Ragingbull · 12-09-2011, 01:39 AM

Well Tyler you have good project on your hands. Sounds like Fun. I've got a spare 84 Winne getting ready to be hauled off here in West Texas. Your welcome to pick parts off if you want to make the trip.

Dave78Chief · 12-09-2011, 08:07 AM

Most people just use POR-15 (POR15, Inc. - Stop Rust Permanently - Repair Gas & Fuel Tanks) to clean and seal the gas tank.

A far as the mats are concerned the question would be can they hold up to normal road abrasion (salt, sand, rain, oil, etc.). They would have to be glued to the bottom of your tanks and in 1986 I believe the tanks are exposed to the elements. NOt sure what your intended use of therig is, but you would only have 30 amp service so are these mats going to be pushing your 30 amp limit? A 1500W space heater uses 12.5 AC amps of the allotted 30 amp AC service.

Dave

vwtyler · 12-09-2011, 03:15 PM

Dave-

Quote:

Originally Posted by Dave78Chief

Most people just use POR-15

I have thought about this, do you know if it will be effective even though I have anti slosh dividers in the tank?

Quote:

Originally Posted by Dave78Chief

so are these mats going to be pushing your 30 amp limit?

The mats are about 17 watts, so as far as electricity draw, I don't think it would be a problem. And they can be thermostatically controlled, just like the furnance...for the road wear and tear, I was going to mount them to the tank using self adhering ducting insulation, which should protect them from road wear. They are intended for seed propagation, so the sit under a tray full of plants, and I would guess because of that they have some sort of moisture barrier...but I am no professional. Just trying to find a low cost solution to my frozen black and grey water tanks....