Can ThermaHeat RV Holding Tank Heater Pad 277-000164 Keep Up with Michigan Winter Temps

Updated 12/11/2017 | Published 12/08/2017

Question:

I have a 1984 Winnebago Cheiften. My gray and black tanks are exposed and not covered in any way shape or form. The tanks are 38 gallons each and I have installed one heating pad #277-000164 on each one. It states on your website that these heaters were tested down to -32 degrees. My question is were they tested on a tank that was exposed like mine or did they test on an insulated tank? Will I be OK in a Michigan winter where I can see -10 at times? Thank you.

asked by: Luther

Helpful Expert Reply:

The ThermaHeat RV Holding Tank Heater Pad # 277-000164 has the heating power to actually thaw out a frozen tank and its ambient temperature operating range extends down to -32 degrees Fahrenheit so it will be up to the task of protecting your RV holding tanks from freezing during a cold Michigan winter.

ThermaHeat does not specifically indicate whether the -32 is on an insulated tank or not. But this would not really matter anyway. Unless you had an identical tank with an identical amount of insulation that detail would be irrelevant. It will turn on at the one temperature and turn off at the other.

Once a tank is thawed having insulation in place will reduce the frequency for the heater's thermostat to trigger its operation. Since it comes on at 45 degrees, well above freezing, you do not have to worry about it keeping up with low temperatures, but certainly adding some insulation to the other surfaces of the tanks will increase the efficiency of the heater and reduce its power demands.

expert reply by: Adam R