Tank heater power source?

[Dick Skeers]

understood, thank you.
The issue is storing the motorhome, in cold weather, w/o power and the only thing I want running is the Truma freeze protection. I probably won't encounter that situation again.
thanks again.
are you near Butler, Pa?

[5picker]

Originally Posted by Dick Skeers

understood, thank you.
The issue is storing the motorhome, in cold weather, w/o power and the only thing I want running is the Truma freeze protection. I probably won't encounter that situation again.
thanks again.
are you near Butler, Pa?

If you are asking me... I am located about 100 miles SE of Butler.

We bought our last 5th wheel in Butler at B&R Camper.
Small dealer but super great!

[Dick Skeers]

I ask because some of my heirs platted Hannahstown or some small nearby town and we were there yrs ago unsuccessfully looking for their graves.

[nayther]

Originally Posted by 5picker

It may not have been the tank heaters the killed the battery.

Do you disconnect the battery when storing?

There are many parasitic drains on the battery that will kill it in a few days if not disconnected.

True, it was at the dealer for 3 weeks so don't know how often it was plugged in. Batteries were left on while it was there. Just assumed that's what drained them but you're right, especially the new trailers, have a LOT of parasitic losses. I leave it plugged in at home so don't turn off the batteries unless I'm not using it for an extended period of time.


Regardless, still want to disconnect the power to the heaters.

[steve32409]

Originally Posted by Delco Bobby

For me in the REV, I use the toilet throughout the winter. I have a tub in the shower with gallons of water and gallons of antifreeze. The tub is there to contain any leaks or spills. I use the water to flush and add a some antifreeze for the tank and the toilet bowl.

I don’t use the sinks.

So I want the tank heater on for the black tank as extra insurance against freezing temps.

My advice is to not use heater to keep waste and antifreeze from freezing . Really don't see the point ?

[Delco Bobby]

Originally Posted by steve32409

My advice is to not use heater to keep waste and antifreeze from freezing . Really don't see the point ?

My concern is that I don’t want the dump pipes to freeze. I have read posts of that happening. Maybe my concern is unfounded paranoia but I am trying to avoid damage.

There is lantifreeze in the grey tank.

The FW tank is the only one that is probably dry. Next year I may leave a little water in it.

[TitanMike]

Originally Posted by BobHanke

Most tank heaters come on below 40 degrees if switch is on.

True, on at 40 degrees. According to the literature on the pass that came on my TT, they don't turn off until near 60 degrees.

This is why they are such battery killers unless you have lots of battery capacity. They run long after they're needed once they kick on.

Best if used only when on shore/generator power or while driving where some or all of the draw is offset by power from alternator.

Once tanks are warmed up one can stop for lunch or rest breaks and tanks wont freeze as it takes a while to cool off.