Troubleshooting Tank Pad Heaters That Arent Operating

Updated 08/02/2022 | Published 07/31/2022

Products Featured in This Question

ThermaHeat RV Holding Tank or Step Heater Pad w/ Thermostat - 25" Long x 7-1/4" Wide

(157)

$41.49

Digital Multimeter with 42" Long Test Leads - LED Display

(3)

$21.34

Question:

Hi - I have a couple of Therma Heat tank pads on our Motorhome: SL-ST725G - 16G Im in the process of troubleshooting the pads, as they have never worked out of the factory. I think I might have found a corroded coach installed relay in the circuit, and would like to check to see if I have discovered the cause. It is the middle of summer... so I tried putting ice packs on the thermostats to see if I can get the pads to turn on. Crazy idea, or is this standard practice for RV technicians? If so, where exactly are the thermostats? Ive put ice packs on the wire connection points to the pads, with no luck in getting current to flow. Do the pads have a physical thermostat, or do they rely on some other electrical concept? Other than the wire attachment point, I cant really see any other area that might house a thermostat. Many thanks for the help.

asked by: Don

Expert Reply:

The thermostat is built into the pads of the ThermaHeat RV Holding Tank or Step Heater Pad w/ Thermostat # 277-000163. Your idea to put ice on the pads to simulate it being cold isn't bad. It sounds to me like you may not have the correct amount of voltage running to the pads (they require 13.5V DC).

I recommend using a multimeter # PT89ZR to ensure your getting adequate voltage to the pads. If not then I would call LaSalle Bristol for a warranty replacement.

expert reply by: Kevin C