How can I tell if I have heated pads for holding tanks?

[Ron045]

We passed on this option for our new 23IKSS, but our unit came with the manual for heating pads. There is also a switch installed in the unit which lights up, vice a blank.

Is there a way I can check to see if I really have these?

Ron

[Kimber45]

I have a new camper on order and was showed a spec sheet. List every option known to man for the unit and the boxes are checked or not. Did you get/see one for your unit?

I would think if the switch lights up that would be a yes on the heat pads. Of coarse my old hideout control panel showed two grey tanks and the light showed emptied when it only had one tank? I looked at a Rockwood and thought the heat pads were fairly "standard" now.

Prob pretty tough to open up underside of camper and look and to many variables to try and take temperature of water coming out of grey tank with switch on vs switch off.

Those pads are probably part of a "package" or group of options that all come together and if you have other options on your unit that coincide to that package or group you prob have.

[Ford Idaho]

Buy one of these if you do not have one, you will find it very handy.

Non-Contact Infrared Thermometer With Laser Targeting

Aim it in the area where you think the tanks are, turn the switch on and recheck the same area for any temperature increase.

You can also use it to check for hot trailer tires and bearings.

[Kimber45]

I looked at forest rivers web page. then are standard as a package on the signature series but clearly listed as an option on the roo's, also shows thermal windows as an option? weird option for a hybrid. good luck.

[Ron045]

Originally Posted by Kimber45

I looked at forest rivers web page. then are standard as a package on the signature series but clearly listed as an option on the roo's, also shows thermal windows as an option? weird option for a hybrid. good luck.

Yes... We declined the thermal Windows too. Figured the tent ends were zero R value so what would be the point.

[CHICKDOE]

can you measure electrical amps used (such as via a ems system)? if so measure the amps used in the trailer with the switches off. then turn the switches on and measure the amps again. if there is an increase is the amps used when you turn the switch on /off I would assume they are being used by the heater pads.

[bubbles]

Originally Posted by CHICKDOE

can you measure electrical amps used (such as via a ems system)? if so measure the amps used in the trailer with the switches off. then turn the switches on and measure the amps again. if there is an increase is the amps used when you turn the switch on /off I would assume they are being used by the heater pads.

This my not work due to the cut off temp for the pads. Every system I've seen uses black pads and if you can see the internals of your rig around the holding tanks and see a black looking pad material then chances are you have the system. I believe the light in the switch only lets you know that the switch is ON and not an indication of the system. Just a guess.

[glsimms]

An easy way to find out would be to contact the manufacturer with your VIN number. They should have the information for you.

[youroo]

Originally Posted by glsimms

An easy way to find out would be to contact the manufacturer with your VIN number. They should have the information for you.

Correct! Youroo!!

[SailorSam20500]

On my rig which has them, I can see a small pad on the pipes just before the dump valve.

[jfshagar]

they are glued to the bottom of the tanks.

[ddbck]

You can see the pads on the bottom of my tanks. They are about 9X11 right in the middle of the hold g tanks.

[Telstar]

First off there is a switch to turn them on. The system is temperature controlled so the temp in the under belly needs to drop to whatever temp that is, usually around 40 degrees. You could put a meter in line, but that wouldn't prove they all work. Only way I can think of positively knowing they all work is to gain access to the underbelly and check the temp with a laser thermometer.

[Ron045]

Originally Posted by ddbck

You can see the pads on the bottom of my tanks. They are about 9X11 right in the middle of the hold g tanks.

For some reason I thought the bottom would be covered up. I crawled underneath this afternoon and there they are. Bonus Score. Although I'll probably never use them.

Thanks!
Ron

[Sandy B]

Ron, are you showing all three tanks? In other words, I was wondering if the first pic is your fresh water tank. I read somewhere about someone's freshwater freezing but the two waste tanks had pads and did not. I think I have pads also and just assumed there was one on the fresh water tank too and I am hoping you are confirming that.

[Ron045]

Originally Posted by Sandy B

Ron, are you showing all three tanks? In other words, I was wondering if the first pic is your fresh water tank. I read somewhere about someone's freshwater freezing but the two waste tanks had pads and did not. I think I have pads also and just assumed there was one on the fresh water tank too and I am hoping you are confirming that.

3 Tanks and 3 Pads.

[ddbck]

Good deal! All 3 tanks have them. I haven't used mine yet. Even when it gets down in the teens at night for 4 or 5 nights in a row, I've never had a problem freezing up. The Big Horn Mountains have massive temperature swings!

[mgarland48]

I looked under the belly of my camper (2109DS Rockwood Mini) and I can see the two black heater pads covering (stuck to) the plastic tanks.

[PupScrappy]

Although they make it seem like tank heaters are standard equipment, they are not. It depends on what region of the country your unit is intended for. I'm in Florida and have the same switches and everything as the control panel is standard but I do NOT actually have the heaters. Not sure about your rig but I can see my tanks and can see that the heaters in fact are not there. They are only small pads which are stuck to the bottom of the tanks just to help keep them above freezing. From what I have seen on most Rigs it's easy to just take a look and see.

[glsimms]

Now you guys have me wonderin' if my rig has them. I looked on the coachmen web-site and see where they list heated enclosed holding tanks in their list of features.

Looks like I may have to use my own advise...