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Old 07-22-2017, 10:24 AM   #1
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on/off switch for holding tank heater

We purchased a 2016 Forester 2651S about 3 months ago and am still learning all the different systems. At the time of our initial walk-thru I didn't know enough to ask about the heaters for the holding tanks. I notice on the control panel there is a place for a switch and labeled "arctic pac" but there is no switch , just a blank. It says in the specs the holding tank heaters are standard features. Where would the on/off switch be or are the tanks actually not heated?

Thanks,
Ian
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Old 07-22-2017, 11:10 AM   #2
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If the switch is not there, and you have not found it any where else. Then I would say that they are not installed. Mine have the switches in the control panel.
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Old 07-22-2017, 11:24 AM   #3
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Thanks, I crawled underneath and examined the tanks and found no heating pads either. Don't really need them since I avoid cold weather camping if possible, just was surprised it was listed as part of a standard package in the brochure.

Regards, Ian
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Old 07-22-2017, 11:27 AM   #4
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Maybe the guy who does that was out sick that day.
I would call Forrester and ask.
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Old 07-22-2017, 09:33 PM   #5
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Double check you receipt paperwork, check to see if the heater pads are listed and if you was charged for them. If so, definitely contact Forest River concerning the situation. If not charged or not listed, then make your own judgement call about them.
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Old 07-23-2017, 01:03 AM   #6
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I have a different model and the Arctic pack is turned on & off from a tablet, no switch.
Also, I was under the impression that units with the Arctic pack have an enclosed underbelly and tanks aren't visible.
Just an observation. My impression could be wrong.
I'd go with extxn's suggestion.
Forester will need your vin number.
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Old 07-25-2017, 02:28 PM   #7
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My Forester is a couple years older - 2013 - and my tanks are heated via the propane furnace - not pads or attic pack. Here's what the 2013 brochure says.

"All Foresters feature heated/
enclosed holding tanks and utility
station. Your tanks stay warm with
forced furnace heat and your dump
area remains free from road debris."
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Old 07-25-2017, 03:27 PM   #8
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Thanks everyone, The tanks don't appear to be insulated, I can crawl underneath and examine them. So I don't think the furnace will heat them either. Think I can manage with what I've got though. Heated tanks were not part of the invoice and actually I didn't know it was available. I've been concerned in the past with winterizing water lines and valves but never the tanks themselves.
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Old 07-25-2017, 04:48 PM   #9
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Quote:
Originally Posted by igarriques View Post
I've been concerned in the past with winterizing water lines and valves but never the tanks themselves.
If the tanks are empty, there's no need to winterize them or add antifreeze.
You can put a little in the gray and black tank if it makes you feel better.
But don't put any in the FW tank.

The tanks have plenty of room for a little water to expand, water lines don't.
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Old 07-25-2017, 04:49 PM   #10
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Drain the tanks, put RV antifreeze in traps and use for flushing. Should be ok.
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Old 07-25-2017, 05:30 PM   #11
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Quote:
Originally Posted by DnL View Post
My Forester is a couple years older - 2013 - and my tanks are heated via the propane furnace - not pads or attic pack. Here's what the 2013 brochure says.

"All Foresters feature heated/
enclosed holding tanks and utility
station. Your tanks stay warm with
forced furnace heat and your dump
area remains free from road debris."
Yes, I forgot to mention the furnace in my earlier post. In addition to the tablet controlled heating pads there is also a furnace duct in the compartment for the tanks, water pump and water filter on our 2017 Forester 3051S. I just need to remember to turn it on.
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Old 07-31-2017, 08:47 PM   #12
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My 2017 Sunseeker 2430S GTS has a switch on the Panel labeled "Artic Pac but when I turn the switch to "ON" it does not light? Issue?
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Old 07-31-2017, 09:54 PM   #13
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Mine come on when the cold hits the start temp.they are preset. I'm not near mine now to see if it lights now.
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Old 08-02-2017, 10:02 AM   #14
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2016 models the artic package heating pads for your tanks is an option not standard
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Old 08-12-2017, 12:15 PM   #15
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I had the same situation that the Arctic Pac light wouldn't come on. Found that the fuse was missing.
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Old 08-12-2017, 08:40 PM   #16
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Can I ask what fuse it was?
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Old 08-13-2017, 10:04 AM   #17
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Arctic pak fuse

I have a 3051S. It has a secondary 12v fuse box in the stairwell. The fuse for me is in there. there is a diagram on the access panel showing which fuse it is.
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Old 08-13-2017, 10:32 AM   #18
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They are thermostatic control also . I thought mine didn't work all the time either.
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Old 11-22-2017, 11:26 PM   #19
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Tank heaters in Forest River RV

I have a 2016 Forest River Rockwood Ultra Light 33 footer and it has the tank heaters with the switch on the control panel,it lights up blue. There is a red light in my electrical circuit breaker, fuse panel that lights up too when the switch is on.we live in our camper now because we are building a house.we have it in our 40x 60 enclosed building that is insulated but not heated and we still use them just in case it gets too cold in here.
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Old 11-22-2017, 11:57 PM   #20
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The red light next to a fuse means the fuse is blown out.
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