Arctic Package

Swede · 10-10-2013, 06:10 PM

Looked around, didn't really find an answer, so here I be, asking all the minds. My 2014 Solera 24R has the artic package, if I plug it into a 110v 15Amp outlet, will that be enough to run the artic package while I leave it stored under a carport? Live in South Texas, not too many freeze days. Thanks

BarryD0706 · 10-10-2013, 06:39 PM

If you have 4 tanks at 7 amps each (@12v) that's 337 watts. No problem at all for a 15 amp outlet.

jdadoug · 10-10-2013, 09:05 PM

Unless you're living in it and are using the tanks, you shouldn't have to run the tank heaters........... winterize it and put a Battery Tender on the batteries to keep them charged and you should be alright. jdadoug

2012WhiteSolera · 10-11-2013, 06:00 PM

My guess is that continuous use of the artic pack over weeks, might burn it up. All it is, is a heated pad that sticks to the bottom of the tank to supply ambient heat above the outside temperature. I vote winterize too. Besides, if you get a good freeze, even for a day or two, it could expand some pump parts, etc. and thats never a good thing.

AWF1945 · 10-11-2013, 06:18 PM

If electricity goes out so much for your heaters. Anytime a RV Iis not winterized in freezing temperatures it must be monitored.

Slim

Taylorgso · 10-12-2013, 08:43 AM

Remember that you must have the House Batteries ON for the Arctic package to work!

hkreck · 10-12-2013, 09:56 AM

Being in South Texas I don't know why you'd need the artic pack or to winterize? Just drain your lines if your not using the rig and monitor it. I'm still hoping to get one more trip in before winterizing.

BarryD0706 · 10-12-2013, 10:11 AM

Mid-20s occur often enough. I've seen it in the teens. We still have to winterize.

hkreck · 10-12-2013, 10:57 AM

I didn't think it got that cold in Texas.

Taylorgso · 10-12-2013, 11:03 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by hkreck

I'm still hoping to get one more trip in before winterizing.

Henry: How did you fare in the "Great September Storm?" Did you get any of that snow? Looks like we got out of SD just in time!

By the way... I spent a year in El Paso when I was in the Army... one of the coldest winters I've ever been in!

jimh · 10-12-2013, 11:57 AM

believe they won't even come on until the temp gets around 40. need to have a little liquid in the tank also.

BarryD0706 · 10-12-2013, 12:25 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jimh

believe they won't even come on until the temp gets around 40. need to have a little liquid in the tank also.

My manufacturer verified with their suppliers that there is no need to have liquid in the tanks.

hkreck · 10-12-2013, 01:18 PM

Hi Ed

We just got some much needed rain here no snow yet and hopefully not until much later this year. Good to see you got home ok, surprised about Texas always hearing about snow birds going there.

Taylorgso · 10-12-2013, 02:19 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by BarryD0706

My manufacturer verified with their suppliers that there is no need to have liquid in the tanks.

Why have them on if no liquid in the tank?

Maybe liquid in some, some dry, huh?

BarryD0706 · 10-12-2013, 02:39 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Taylorgso

Why have them on if no liquid in the tank?

Maybe liquid in some, some dry, huh?

Yep. Two switches. Four tanks.

jimh · 10-12-2013, 03:40 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by BarryD0706

My manufacturer verified with their suppliers that there is no need to have liquid in the tanks.

good to know. the only place i've seen the requirement for liquid was on here.
i've often wondered how the tank heater would prevent the liquid from freezing in the drain lines.

F and E Damp · 10-12-2013, 09:32 PM

There's another thread on this subject, to which I've replied. I have the FR tech specs for the Artic Pac system in the documentation package I got when we bought our MH from the original owners. I've scanned it and saved it as a PDF document for someone on the other thread. If anyone would like a copy, send me a PM. It's only three pages and the third page only has a few lines.

On my rig, Jim, there's no heating of the lines from the tanks to the dump valves, and nothing on the potable water tank.

VinceU · 10-12-2013, 09:57 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jimh

good to know. the only place i've seen the requirement for liquid was on here.
i've often wondered how the tank heater would prevent the liquid from freezing in the drain lines.

My guess would be the heaters are provided in conjunction with the gas heater which provides a small amount of heat in the basement. This keeps lines and tanks thawed while traveling through sub freezing temperatures. They are designed to work together that way, not to alleviate winterizing while stationary through winter.

zippin · 10-13-2013, 09:14 AM

In my research of this option, I found that UltraHeat offers a few control improvements. This Master Power Control Kit I have linked to here, could help with not having the unit come on unless it is needed. I like the options also to install separate controls for each tank. If only the fresh water needs monitored, I do not have to waste the power on the gray and black, or just the fresh and gray, or whatever. You may have to be somewhat of a master do-it-yourselfer to get this done, but taking it to your dealer for these upgrades to protect your warranties and electrical system would be wiser. If I were planning a winter trip, this would be an ideal upgrade. If you are determined to use this as a winter storage package, which probably is not a good idea, some of these control improvements would help a great deal, particularly in an area such as Texas that can be 75 on Christmas and 20 on New years.

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