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Old 09-05-2012, 10:25 AM   #1
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Tank heat pads and Reflectix?

Hello everyone, I haven't posted for awhile but I have some questions about water tank heaters. I have 4 tanks in my TT and all of them have installed on them 12 volt tank heater pads..

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My concern is that I want to install Reflectix on the bottom of my TT and then replace the corrugated plastic under belly over it. But the heat pads say that they shouldn't be installed on any conductive materials... Does this mean that they shouldn't touch anything conductive?? I assume Reflectix is conductive with its foil. Is there anything I can put in between the Reflectix and the heat pads then?
Thanks All hope you are all having fun
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Old 09-10-2012, 05:01 AM   #2
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My concern is exceeding the heat tolerance of the Reflectix, the plastic in between the layers will melt. It is by the way not conductive unless you pierce the outer plastic layer and get to the foil (I just checked with a VOM using a piece I am experimenting with).
Therefore yes it will work, but I for one would use a piece of fiberglass cloth between the Reflectix and the heat pad.
It does by the way do a very good job. I used it to insulate our Waeco refrigerator.
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Old 09-10-2012, 10:51 AM   #3
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IMO, those "Arctic Pack" heat pads are a ridiculous design. I have them on the rig we bought from the original owner. I expected them to be similar to the "Frost Tape" used on vulnerable waterlines in S&B houses, which switch on at about 34 degrees and off again at 37 or so.

According to the user's manual, the thermostats on these pads are non-adjustable and are set to switch the heat on at 40F and not to switch it off again until the tank contents reach 60F. Who the heck wants to heat up the poop in the black tank to 60 degrees?

Also, each pad draws 7 amps at 12 volts, so a drain of 28 amps with all four pads on would run your house batteries down PDQ. I'm also concerned about the risk of the heat, concentrated over a fairly small area, causing damage to the plastic tank material.

I've disconnected mine and stowed the wires so there's no risk of them coming on.
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Old 09-10-2012, 09:35 PM   #4
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Are the aftermarket pads any better? My TT did not come with the Artic package,
the PO did not order it and we plan to relocate to Colorado and I assume I will need
something if we use the TT in colder weather??
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Old 09-10-2012, 09:49 PM   #5
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all the heat pads produce heat from resistance. They all draw a large amount of battery current. No pad will ever be easy on your battery bank.
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