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Long Island Mac · 01-13-2017, 09:04 AM

Left Long Island to avoid the cold temperatures. Last week (eastern TN) had the fresh water tank freeze. No water, herself did not like!! Thawed and all fine. Tank does not have any heating element, and although we do not spend time in freezing weather, need to fix. no room for a small space heater or even a light bulb. thoughts??

nothermark · 01-13-2017, 09:24 AM

Pictures?

As a thought an electric blanket or throw might fit in a lot of spaces a heater would be a problem. Add insulation as possible.

Charlie and Martha · 01-13-2017, 09:28 AM

Maybe standard heat cable? But, you would have to know whether it's safe to use against the tank. What I mean is will cable melt the polypropylene? What is the max temp it reaches and what is the melt point of the polyproylene?

kustom · 01-13-2017, 09:34 AM

i know someone that used a water bed heater said it worked great

RWeigant · 01-13-2017, 10:02 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Charlie72704

Maybe standard heat cable? But, you would have to know whether it's safe to use against the tank. What I mean is will cable melt the polypropylene? What is the max temp it reaches and what is the melt point of the polyproylene?

The heat cable I used for my pipes says not to use on PVC or other plastic pipes.

Old-Biscuit · 01-13-2017, 11:47 AM

RV tank heat pads are available....120V AC or 12V DC versions
Have thermostat controller that turns heat pad on/off
Self adhesive installation plus wiring for power and On/Off Switch

Also have 'heat tape/pads for water lines etc

UltraHeat RV Tank Heaters

Isaac-1 · 01-13-2017, 06:09 PM

There is an ebay seller that as some of these 120V heating pads with pigtail wires for sale cheap ($30 each) at the moment, I just bought some of them for my tanks. They are Ultraheat brand pads and measure 25x6 inches 1 amp so about 120 watts each, apparently these were a custom size for some motorhome OEM and not one of their stock regular sizes. They have a stock size 12x20 1.37 amp at 120V with cord and plug that retails for about $135, and an OEM replacement for this same size priced at $139 on their web site.

Long Island Mac · 01-15-2017, 08:58 AM

Guess the first thing is to figure out how to access the bottom of the tank! Thanks all, good info always on this site.

nothermark · 01-16-2017, 06:28 AM

Heat the sides low down and the bottom will take care of itself. Just don't run the water level below the heat pads. You probably will not hurt the tank but you won't be heating the water.