Forum Discussion

Twistedlarch's avatar
Twistedlarch
Explorer
Nov 13, 2019

Insulating exposed tanks

Hey all, I've done a search on this topic and returned no hits. So here it goes:

My kids are part of our local ski area's ski team, I would like to start taking my trailer up on the weekends instead of driving the 2 hour trip (one way) every Saturday & Sunday. The ski area has Power hookups but no water.

The average night time temps at the ski area hover in the teens and sometimes lower, average day time temps seem to hover in the mid 20's

My trailer has fully exposed tanks...33 gal.Fresh, 25 gal grey, and 25 gal black. I have purchased tank heaters for all three.

My plan is to apply the tank heaters then wrap the tanks in Reflectix, then enclose the tanks with R-5 foam board then seal with another layer of Reflectix. Overkill? Not enough?


Thanks
Brian
  • beemerphile1's avatar
    beemerphile1
    Explorer
    Nov 13, 2019
    Reflectix is the wrong product. If you read the manufacturers documentation it's best at reflecting, not insulating. It is only R-1

    I would consider either dry camping or buy a more suitable RV.

    If you must use what you have, build a box from foam board to encase the tanks.
  • Twistedlarch's avatar
    Twistedlarch
    Explorer
    Nov 13, 2019
    garym114 wrote:
    Sounds like the trailer is not all weather. This means all your water piping and water manifold is also exposed.
    An all weather RV has the piping and tanks enclosed with a heater duct directing heated air to the enclosure.
    Take a look to see.


    The water pump is inside and there is only one exposed water pipe that travels across the bottom of the trailer for about 6 ft then disappears back inside. I figured I can use heat tape then enclose in pipe insulation.
  • garym114's avatar
    garym114
    Explorer II
    Nov 13, 2019
    Sounds like the trailer is not all weather. This means all your water piping and water manifold is also exposed.
    An all weather RV has the piping and tanks enclosed with a heater duct directing heated air to the enclosure.
    Take a look to see.
  • ksbowman's avatar
    ksbowman
    Explorer II
    Nov 13, 2019
    After the heating pads are installed have you considered have the tanks sprayed with insulation? The spray insulation is also great on sealing any openings.
  • MFL's avatar
    MFL
    Nomad II
    Nov 13, 2019
    IMO, not overkill. A trailer not designed for cold temps can use all the help it can get. Reflectix is a good product for holding heat in, and cold out. Foam board is good too, due to being somewhat waterproof. There is a quality difference between brands. I like Owens for my uses.

    Hope moisture does not become a problem, but with hookups, you could run a dehumidifier.

    Jerry
  • bid_time's avatar
    bid_time
    Nomad II
    Nov 13, 2019
    I think your wasting your time and money. Use the beds, stove, tv, etc and forget about trying to use the water and related systems. Just my opinion. Camped many a nights in a TT while hunting in winter. Only water I needed was carried in a 5 gal bucket, and disposed of outside.

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