Tank Heaters questions

[captaindomon]

I'm trying to decide when to de-winterize. Here in SLC, we rarely have hard freezes beyond the beginning of March, but sometimes it will dip below freezing at night. A few quick questions on the tank heaters:

1. Do they have a thermostat, and cycle on and off? For example, can I just turn them on in March (trailer connected to house power), and leave them turned on from the control panel, and if it gets cold enough they will activate? I know livestock water heaters / ice preventers work that way.

2. Is there a way to tell if they are actually working, and generating heat, besides just seeing if the tanks freeze? I can tell there is a power draw, but there are three tank heaters, and I'd like to independently check they are generating heat.

3. I can keep the inside of the rig warm, and the tanks, but what about the line connecting the freshwater tank to the rig? It's exposed. Does anyone use something like heat tape on that line?

Thanks everyone!!!

[BandJCarm]

Originally Posted by captaindomon

I'm trying to decide when to de-winterize. Here in SLC, we rarely have hard freezes beyond the beginning of March, but sometimes it will dip below freezing at night. A few quick questions on the tank heaters:

1. Do they have a thermostat, and cycle on and off? For example, can I just turn them on in March (trailer connected to house power), and leave them turned on from the control panel, and if it gets cold enough they will activate? I know livestock water heaters / ice preventers work that way.

2. Is there a way to tell if they are actually working, and generating heat, besides just seeing if the tanks freeze? I can tell there is a power draw, but there are three tank heaters, and I'd like to independently check they are generating heat.

3. I can keep the inside of the rig warm, and the tanks, but what about the line connecting the freshwater tank to the rig? It's exposed. Does anyone use something like heat tape on that line?

Thanks everyone!!!

Only can answer #3. I took the larger size pool noodles........I use them to slide over the bottom rail of the bedroom slide, because it's a Noggin Knocker. However, they also, with some work, fit over the garden hose used to connect to the water line. Great insulation.

[5picker]

1. Yes the tank heaters are thermostatically controlled. Most come on at 40º.
Turn them on, leave them on.

2. There is no good way of knowing whether they are generating heat unless you can get your hand on them to feel the pads.

3. As mentioned, you can make your own heated supply line with a heat tape and some insulation or simply purchase a heated water hose. You might then have problems with the hydrant you are connecting to. Just something to consider.

[67L48]

Originally Posted by captaindomon

[...] we rarely have hard freezes beyond the beginning of March, but sometimes it will dip below freezing at night. [...]

You're going to need a hard freeze to cause problems. Simply dipping below freezing at night isn't going to do it. Just because water is placed in 32F conditions doesn't mean it will form ice. It takes a long time for the water to even get to/below the freezing point ... and all of it needs to get there before ice forms. Then, it's sort of difficult for the water to make a phase change. It's part of the reason why ice stays ice in a drink that's warmer than 32F. It's part of the reason why water stays water when colder than 32F.

To be safe, follow the advice here on heated tanks and such. At the same time, get a small length of garden hose. Bend it in a U-shape and fill it with some water. Leave that suspended near your trailer. See if the water in that hose ever freezes solid this year. Should be a good experiment to show the potential of frozen lines.

Good luck.

[captaindomon]

That garden hose idea is awesome, to see when it actually starts to freeze. Great idea, thanks!