Tank Heater

TwoFeds · Post by **TwoFeds** » Sun Apr 08, 2007 1:33 pm

It turned real cold in Missouri and we camped this weekend. What exactly is the tank heater supposed to heat? On Friday night we were hooked up to city water, had the tank heater on, and made sure the furnace was running, but we the water line still froze up. On Saturday night (even colder), we left the kitchen sink running all night and didn't freeze up, but what a waste of water.

Future Fulltimers · Post by **Future Fulltimers** » Sun Apr 08, 2007 2:00 pm

The tank heater heats only the holding tanks. The next time try and put water in the fresh water tank, disconnect the city water and turn on the tank heater.

Rob & Cathy · Post by **Rob & Cathy** » Sun Apr 08, 2007 2:56 pm

That's the lesson we learned too. Now when we camp in the winter and think it will get below freezing we disconnect the city water and fill the freshwater tank. Also, don't forget to drain the water hose and disconnect it from the facet otherwise the trapped water will freeze.

Rob

TwoFeds · Post by **TwoFeds** » Sun Apr 08, 2007 5:06 pm

Thanks, we'll remember that next time. Of course, who would have thought it would be down in the 20's in April.

campswithcritters · Post by **campswithcritters** » Sun Apr 08, 2007 7:01 pm

Tank heaters only heat what is in the tanks, they are thermostatically controlled to turn on around 40 deg and off again when the temp rises. Best plan is to have some water (5 Gal or so) in all the tanks and fresh full. The heaters will keep the tanks from freezing. If you need fresh supply from city water you will need to use insulation and a heat tape on your fresh water hose. Otherwise just turn off the tap, disconnect and stow your hose in the basement, and hook it back in the AM after the tap outside defrosts. this advice from a full-timer who has been camped in the low teens. Just run off your fresh tank, with heaters on, all night during freeze hours.