Keeping Tanks from Freezing During Transit

Hi,

Mine draws 7 amps.

bikepsych wrote:
How many amps does a 12V Blanket Heater take?
Bruce

Highly unlikely your tanks will freeze, but far more likely your outside shower will, and your dump valves too. Run the furnace and insulate againxt the outside temperature.

Thanks Billy Ray. I can't find any switches to turn on the tank heaters...how does that work?

BG
2013 Adventurer 89RB

bikepsych wrote:
Great insight from all...and so darned quick too.

Ok, my bust for not providing ya'll with the TC. 2013 Adventurer 89RB on a 2014 Ford F250 diesel.

The idea of winterizing the black and grey tanks with Blue Windshield washer fluid makes a lot of sense. Is there a gray/blackwater specific anti-freeze?

A 12V Blanket heat makes sense, I'm not sure where the 12V outlets in the TC are but in a pinch I'll run one from the cab with a splitter. I wouldn't think there will be too much loss of power. How many amps does a 12V Blanket Heater take?

Is there such a thing as a pickup truck bed heated rubber mat? Seems like that might do the trick as well.

I'll do some more research but you all have been great. Keep the ideas coming.
Bruce

Don't be shy telling us your TC and truck set up.. That is a nice model and nothing wrong with your truck properly equipped. Enjoy! Think you will be fine with your 4 season Adventurer. One can always make a 4 season camper more 4 season. Just Google 4 season RV mods. Plenty of threads out there. I know I owned a 2012 86 FB with dual pane windows, heated tanks and basement. Wish I still had it...

bikepsych wrote:

The idea of winterizing the black and grey tanks with Blue Windshield washer fluid makes a lot of sense. Is there a gray/blackwater specific anti-freeze?

There is RV specific anti-freeze, which is pink, but it simply slushes up and doesn't expand, where-as the blue windshield solution is designed to melt ice, which is why some of us use that.

I found some heated outdoor "blankets" online that were made for construction sites. Thawing ground and keeping 5 gallon buckets warm, etc. I always wondered if it would produce enough heat if I put it under my riser (we need a 3-4" riser to clear the cab). Or maybe just placed on one side of the camper between the truck bed and camper side. Not horribly expensive, but too pricey for an occasional winter weekend warrior like myself. If I was using it more in winter I'd experiment with it.

They are also making some VERY thin electric heat mats for indoor use under carpets. They are easily customizable by cutting them. I always use a heated outdoor type rubber mat, inside the camper, when on shore power and it sure feels nice. But I would love to get a lighter weight version to go under a piece of removable carpet. The one I have is pretty heavy duty rubber; it's thick and it's heavy.

bikepsych wrote:
Great insight from all...and so darned quick too.


Is there such a thing as a pickup truck bed heated rubber mat? Seems like that might do the trick as well.
Bruce

Patent that idea you could make a million.

Great insight from all...and so darned quick too.

Ok, my bust for not providing ya'll with the TC. 2013 Adventurer 89RB on a 2014 Ford F250 diesel.

The idea of winterizing the black and grey tanks with Blue Windshield washer fluid makes a lot of sense. Is there a gray/blackwater specific anti-freeze?

A 12V Blanket heat makes sense, I'm not sure where the 12V outlets in the TC are but in a pinch I'll run one from the cab with a splitter. I wouldn't think there will be too much loss of power. How many amps does a 12V Blanket Heater take?

Is there such a thing as a pickup truck bed heated rubber mat? Seems like that might do the trick as well.

I'll do some more research but you all have been great. Keep the ideas coming.
Bruce

I've traveled in those temps with travel trailer that had exposed tanks no problems at all.

My current TC has the grey on the side unprotected, the black is mostly sealed but in unheated space except for the thermal loss through the plywood which is along one side. I just leave the furnace on about 45* and haven't had a problem.

+1 on "all you need is to keep it above 32*"

I have heat ducts to my basement, but while rolling had the fresh water lines freeze up where they are close to the side wall. I have an inverter and ran heat tape along the fresh water lines. I run that set up while rolling. I unplug the heat tape when I am stopped with the heater set to "comfortable.

I haven't had a problem down to about 10* rolling or stopped.