Forum Discussion

norfla71's avatar
norfla71
Explorer
Dec 02, 2013

Non-heated holding and water tank options

Ugly surprise this past weekend; had guest stay for a week in the hauler, none of our tanks are heated/enclosed and the temps dropped into the 20's. Holding tanks were nearly empty, and had anti-freeze dumped in. Water tank, however, was full (drain is not working for some reason) and nearly burned the pump due to freezing.

We are exploring other trailer options for the future, but will need to keep this for at least another 7 - 10 years. From research I discovered the easiest way to protect and heat the underbelly is install skirting and use a space heater; however, the skirts are custom and run over $1,000 a set. Anyone have a cheaper alternative, or is a custom set the best bet? I've also thought about tank heat pads, but not sure.
Toy Haulers
  • calamus's avatar
    calamus
    Explorer
    Dec 02, 2013
    I have some fiberglass pet heater plates that are 20 x 20 they are on a thermostat that keeps them above 40 and off at 50 I would think one on the bottom outside of the tank would keep it from freezing. I picked mine up on craigslist for $5 each got 4 of them. Other wise Some sort of tank heater for livestock might work check the farm store I have 5 gallon bucket heaters for plastic buckets work well. just getting them in the tank would be the hard part.
  • norfla71's avatar
    norfla71
    Explorer
    Dec 02, 2013
    Not sure about anything in- tank, mainly looking at external. Got the space heater and skirting idea from another forum. Best course would be to actually insulate and enclose the underbelly, but don't have that kind of cash right now.

    Thank God I live in Florida; freezes are rare, especially living within a block of the Gulf/Sound, and it's not a huge priority right now.
  • chinook507's avatar
    chinook507
    Explorer
    Dec 02, 2013
    I built an enclosure around one of my fresh water tanks with 1" extruded foam insulation and a dual voltage 12 volt and 120 volt heater on the bottom and wrapped the lines with the felt roll insulation. Our Hauler has 2 60 gallon fresh water tanks and I installed a "T" fitting upside down and a ball valve to be able to drain my tanks when necessary. Also a small 1/4 inch ball valve on the vent line.

    I have been up in some extreme temps hunting and skiing with no issues. I also dump a gallon of the Pink stuff in the black tank and make sure I empty the grey continuously.
  • Dirtclods's avatar
    Dirtclods
    Explorer
    Dec 03, 2013
    Just FYI on the above product you need to be plugged in or driving and our running the genny for this system to work.
  • shum02's avatar
    shum02
    Explorer
    Dec 03, 2013
    Dirtclods wrote:
    Just FYI on the above product you need to be plugged in or driving and our running the genny for this system to work.


    You have to use some kind of energy(propane/LPG or electricity) to keep the camper/tanks warm, no getting around that.

    I camp all winter up here in Ontario, never had frozen tanks yet.
  • Doughboy12's avatar
    Doughboy12
    Explorer
    Dec 03, 2013
    I would say in your location the actual freezing of the tank isnt the issue...IF you keep it full...the hoses, pipes and pumps are a different story. Get some heat tape made for pipes and wrap them...and plug it in.
  • norfla71's avatar
    norfla71
    Explorer
    Dec 05, 2013
    At least we have several day's advance warning; since deep cold is such a rarity I may just invest in something from Ace or a box store, enough to last each winter. Used some 2x4 framing and plastic sheeting to box my well pump in, then plugged in an outdoor bulb; kept the system working through 20 degree weather. I'm thinking some thicker plastic taped for skirting plus a space heater would do the trick; might even go so far as to bond edges together and attach with velcro for a cleaner look.

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