Forum Discussion

roller183's avatar
roller183
Explorer
Oct 25, 2014

What brand-volt holding tank heater have you bought?

Down to the wire and now going to buy the tank heater. 3 brands seem to be most common.

Ultra heat

JR products

Lasalle brand

Also what voltage did you go with and if 12vdc, was it a heavy draw on the batteries?

Wondering if I should go with the 120v, or 12vdc which are much cheaper in cost?

Thanks for your input.

Ed
  • I have four tanks and exposed pipes. I would have needed a second converter (60+ amps) to power everything. I went with 120v UltraHeat and 120v self regulating heat tape for exposed pipes. For the fresh water tank I did the combo 12v/120v for extra heating and for use while in transit. If it is that cold you are not going to be running off battery power. You will be plugged in or running a generator 24/7.
  • The Ultra pads are available as both a 12VDC/120VAC units. Why limit yourself when you can have a pad that will do both??

    As the pads are thermostatically controlled draw will depend how much they are on. Outside temp, covered/insulated under belly, wind and if you have forced air belly heating will affect how often they cycle.

    Ultraheat Tank Heaters
  • I'm leaning in the 120v side but need input on the quality of product and experience. I'll be staying at a full hookup park hopefully in Falcon,Co temporarily.
  • For me ,it depended on where I was going to use my trailer the most.I boondoggle about 90% of time ,so I went with 12vdc heaters.The hardest part was removing the underbelly cover to get to everything.My heater duct work goes under also, so that helps.Amp draw depended on length,if I remember correctly,nothing major as long as you do not install too many.I have 4 Costco batts That are 5 years old and they can still handle about 2 nights worth.I turn my heaters on before it gets cold, esp if headed to Flag,Turn on at house and when it starts getting cold enough for them,they come on.I think about 40 degrees.Besides, when pulling,truck handles amp draw.If I was going to camp where power was avaialble I would go 120v.Things I learned,start heaters early,belly has to be covered,if possibly,keep wind from blowing under trailer(learned that at Alamo Lake,Great v iew,but wind whipping under trailer made it impossible to keep temps up)so camper location from wind, and do not let temp in trailer get too low.If I was doing again I would take more time and do better wraps,also take pictures where everything is located and connected once finished.