How To Install ThermaHeat RV Holding Tank or Step Heater Pad When Tank is Insulated

Question:

I have a 2004 Class A Beaver Monterey RV with a 100 gal freshwater tank that I need to attach a heating pad to to allow us to have water in cold climates. Unfortunately, the bottom of the tank is insulated with some very thin insulation, so i can only get to the top of the tank. Im worried that I would be installing the pad on a part of the tank that was not next to water if I put it on the top, and so would result in over heating and even melting the plastic. I understand that usually the pad is installed on the bottom of a tank, where is water to act as a heat sink ... this would be a big change from SOP. can you help me out?

asked by: Brian K

Expert Reply:

When this has come up before, ThermaHeat recommends removing a portion (18-1/4 x 12 in this instance) of the insulation on the tank large enough to install the # 277-000164 heater so it's in direct contact with the tank. You're correct, installing the heater on the top of the tank wouldn't be effective.

expert reply by: Mike L