Tank Heater

Hi, We are new PC owners and new to this Forum, so please repost this to a more appropriate board as necessary.

We bought our 2005 model 2551 in November. Tomorrow we are driving north where the weather will be in the low 20's overnight the four nights we are visiting our family.

We have never used tank heaters and there is nothing about them in the little manual that came with the Class B.

We are wondering if they have a thermostat somewhere?

Will they burn out if left on all night?

What is the correct way to use them?

Thanks for the help.

They have an internal thermostat like any line heaters but remember they are using your battery power. Monitor battery voltage so batteries don't drain if you are not plugged into AC power.

Hi G&E,

The tank heaters won't burn up if left on.  Theoretically, you can leave them on indefinitely.  Some people accidentally do.  Your 2005 model does have only one battery so you will need to be watchful of draining your battery when the heaters are left on overnight.  One or two batteries, it is ideal to be plugged into shore power when the tank heaters are on and you are parked for the night.  Tank heaters can be kept on all the time during the day if driving your motor home during the day for your chassis engine alternator will maintain your house battery properly.

Ron Dittmer

You can also buy a jug of pink RV antifreeze and dump half in each tank. Make sure some pink stuff runs through your dump valves and macerator so they don't freeze. If you have hookups, turn the tank heaters on and leave them on until you go home or get above freezing. Use the toilet and sinks as usual.

You might want to check under the rig to see if the insulation is in tact on the tanks if you haven't done that already. Someone posted a pic where gravel had kicked up and torn up the insulation. Our tanks seem to be out of the line of fire and we don't drive miles and miles of gravel.

Thank you, 2Frazzled, Ron, and Keelhauler for your quick answers to my problem. I really appreciate the information and your generous help.

What a nice bunch you are!

G&E