Will ThermaHeat RV Holding Tank or Step Heater Pad Help With Cold Weather Camping

Updated 08/23/2025 | Published 08/22/2025

Question:

I was considering using the ThermaHeat RV Dump Valve Pipe and Elbow Heating Pad - 8 Long x 3 Wide Part Number: 277-000162. I plan to camp in only 30 degree weather and figured that if I keep the tank valves and their pipes heated, then it might also help keep the tanks from freezing as the valve pipes sit lower than the tanks. Any thoughts?

asked by: William T

Expert Reply:

Hi William, welcome back! The ThermaHeat RV Holding Tank or Step Heater Pad # 277-000163 will definitely help with your cold weather camping and it has been tested down to -32º F. I would also consider bringing along something like sheets of plywood or other material to block the wind so it isn't blowing underneath. This will make a big difference on top of the heating pad. If you have shore power running an extension cord with some simple heat lamps under there will also help keep anything from freezing.

Where will you be cold weather camping?

expert reply by: Robin H

ThermaHeat RV Holding Tank or Step Heater Pad
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William T.

8/22/2025

I will be camping in southern Utah this November. I will moving around, so cannot put up a skirt. I may spray my tanks with insulating foam to help keep them warm.

Robin H.

8/23/2025

@WilliamT yeah adding insulation is possible as well. Just remember if you have a problem and have to get up in there to repair something that might be a pain to remove. There might be some really compact, portable, lighter weight skirts you could take around with you then. It would be worth investing in but it isn't something we carry or I've looked into. I would look around and see what other cold weather campers have come up with on forums and YouTube as well, I'm sure there are a lot of good ideas and solutions out there to make sure you keep things from freezing.