Heat tape vs rv specific heat patches?
I'd like to add some freeze protection to my three season RV to maybe get 3 and a half seasons out of it. I accept the cost of the large surface area heating pads for the gray and black tanks, but ...
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I went with 120v pads and heat tape for my exposed tanks and waste pipes. 12v load was too high in total for the converter IMO and at those temps I would be plugged in anyway. Worst case I would run the heat using the inverter while in transit. But no plan to drive ALL day in below freezing temps. I used www.ultraheat.com pads.
I did go with 12v/120v combo pad on the fresh water as the tank is larger and more critical. Used some 12v elbow heat pads on the low point drains.
http://www.morelectricheating.com/default.aspx?page=item%20detail&itemcode=EASY10065
Get about 50% to 100% longer than the 1.5" pipe and wrap it around as you go the length. Need longer with 3" black water.
Then I covered with self stick foam wrap.
http://www.homedepot.com/p/Armacell
This all worked fine. Had some interior fresh water pipes freeze and ended up adding a hot recirculating pump. I think I am good to at least -10F at this point.
I did go with 12v/120v combo pad on the fresh water as the tank is larger and more critical. Used some 12v elbow heat pads on the low point drains.
http://www.morelectricheating.com/default.aspx?page=item%20detail&itemcode=EASY10065
Get about 50% to 100% longer than the 1.5" pipe and wrap it around as you go the length. Need longer with 3" black water.
Then I covered with self stick foam wrap.
http://www.homedepot.com/p/Armacell
This all worked fine. Had some interior fresh water pipes freeze and ended up adding a hot recirculating pump. I think I am good to at least -10F at this point.
