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Jamboree31w's avatar
Jamboree31w
Explorer
Oct 28, 2017

Holding tank confusion

Hi,new guy here. Last winter WA state was one of the coldest on record in my area. So cold,holding tanks froze up. We were in a 5th then. Fast forward, we sold 5th wheel and bought a 2001 Fleetwood Jamboree 31W class C. Not wanting a repeat of last year, called my favorite rv repair guy and asked if heat pads could be installed on black and gray tanks. He is coming out to measure the tanks soon. So, doing some research, I found a factory 2001 sales brochure and under standard exterior features is one particular line "Heated,Enclosed Holding Tanks(standard on Jamboree & GT Models 26F,29V,31W)". Is anyone familiar with system, is it ducted heat or heat pads? Does it work of of shore power, generator, is it 12v or 120v. My health prevents me from climbing underneath myself, so if anyone has any insight on this, any information would be appreciated, thanks in advance.
Class C
  • ksg5000's avatar
    ksg5000
    Explorer
    Oct 28, 2017
    If your tanks are enclosed they are likely heated by your furnace - but maybe not. When they froze - were you using the furnace to heat the rig? You might give you local Fleetwood dealer a call - or consider calling Fleetwood (have your vin number ready).

    Remember - when your put your rig away for the winter you still need to winterize the rig (which includes dumping the tanks) unless you devise a method of heating the rig for the winter (simpler to winterize).
  • donn0128's avatar
    donn0128
    Explorer II
    Oct 28, 2017
    Heat pads on the tanks are of little use. What probably happened is the vwlves themselves froze. Hest pads wont help that. You need to insulate the valves.
  • Old-Biscuit's avatar
    Old-Biscuit
    Explorer III
    Oct 28, 2017
    Obviously your 5th wheel was not heated hence the freeze up


    Your Class C could have 12V t-stat controlled heat pads ON the tanks and/or heated duct from furnace that allows warm air into holding tank area

    Heat pads.....On/Off switch on monitor panel OR in utility compartment
    Heated Duct...duct would come off of furnace discharge plenum and disappear into tank area (crank up furnace and then check tank area for warmth)
  • bukhrn's avatar
    bukhrn
    Explorer III
    Oct 28, 2017
    I've read the OP twice, I don't see if you were using the RV at that time, or had put it to bed for the winter?
  • Jamboree31w's avatar
    Jamboree31w
    Explorer
    Oct 28, 2017
    Sorry for the confusion Bukhrn, my wife and I were living in the 5th wheel full time last winter and plan to live full time in the Class C this winter.
  • pappaone's avatar
    pappaone
    Explorer
    Oct 29, 2017
    Jamboree31w... This line "Heated,Enclosed Holding Tanks(standard on Jamboree & GT Models 26F,29V,31W)" leads me to believe the tanks are heated from a duct running off the furnace into the tank area. Therefore will be heated only when the furnace is running. Where as heat pads would have a switch on the control panel that you can manually turn on or off.
  • OLYLEN's avatar
    OLYLEN
    Explorer
    Oct 30, 2017
    If were me I would add a 200-400 watt electric heater to the water bay just to add a little safety. But in my C with the heated tank area I am usually south for light freezes with no problem. Although last year my Jan get away was colder than normal and all I did was run the furnace and was OK. My set point was 50 degrees which if living aboard would be higher.

    LEN
  • garyhaupt's avatar
    garyhaupt
    Explorer
    Nov 03, 2017
    A cheap and effective answer to your tanks issue it to toss some RV anti-freeze down after each dump. Depending where in Wa. you are, you'd maybe have to leave your furnace running a lot to keep it un-frizzed.

    Gary Haupt
  • Jamboree31w's avatar
    Jamboree31w
    Explorer
    Nov 04, 2017
    After reading the responses (thank you all btw) I will insulate the water supply bay, which happens to also house the black and grey dump valves, the sewer drain hose, the city inlet and the cable line. I will also add rv antifreeze after every dumping of the tanks, i currently have a campco heated water source supply line and heat tape on the in ground water supply. Thanks foks!!

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