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tim myers · 09-12-2015, 05:57 PM

Looked for a related thread, but the only thing I found was a thread too old to reply to.

We are in the market to upgrade from our 29' Winnie class C. Looking at two or three manufacturers and have a question about heat for the holding tanks.

We are not looking to camp the entire winter in the great white north but would like to extend the camping season into late Fall and pick it back up again in early Spring.

I am thinking temps above 10*/15* at worst. We have done this in our Winnie but dry camped after winterizing the coach.

One manufacturer has installed heat pads on the holding tanks but these tanks and the pads are exposed to the elements. Another manufacturer has enclosed the holding tanks in a compartment and has ducted heat from the propane furnace to the holding tank compartment. Of course both claim that the units are good for winter camping.

My engineer brain tells me that the heat pads will do little to keep the holding tanks warm if they are exposed to the cold, but that is all I had on my airplane crankcase and it worked well. So I am not sure.

We are talking Class C so no Aqua Hot units or anything similar. I have read some of the past posts regarding water lines running near the exterior walls and water tanks freezing even if they are above the floor of the coach, so I am asking with an open mind to what is best.

BFlinn181 · 09-12-2015, 06:36 PM

In any RV, it's important if you want to use the tanks in cold weather that the dump valves be able to function. In your C, are the dump valves in a compartment or hanging out the bottom? That would be a concern. The tank heaters only need to keep temps above 32º, so they can work on un-enclosed tanks, but it's better if they are enclosed with dump valves and plumbing in a 'wet compartment' that can be heated.

tim myers · 09-12-2015, 06:42 PM

The one with the forced air heat to the holding tank compartment has the dump valves that are within the compartment with the heat. Everything is exposed on the one with the heat pads.

BFlinn181 · 09-12-2015, 07:44 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by tim myers

The one with the forced air heat to the holding tank compartment has the dump valves that are within the compartment with the heat. Everything is exposed on the one with the heat pads.

Not in all models. Some with enclosed wet bays use small 12 v electric heaters with fans, others use heating pads, or air from the furnace. As long as all components stay above 32º, they're good for cold weather camping. Winterized wet bays also have insulated hatches and compartments.

tim myers · 09-12-2015, 08:11 PM

The specific one I am looking at uses the coach furnace (according to the propaganda) to heat the holding tank compartment and the valves are within that compartment. Not sure if the compartment is insulated though. I plan to check this out at the factory the weekend of the Indy show!!!

You are pretty close to me, I live in Kettering and work in Cincy!!!