Tank Heaters

[otrfun]

We have 3 tank heater switches on our Voltage toy hauler. Turned on all 3 switches and saw no change or increase in battery current (using a clamp-on ammeter).

Should we see some current, or does it work in tandem with the onboard propane heater somehow?

Thanks!

[TurnThePage]

When I was shopping for tank heaters 10 years ago, even the cheapest ones were thermostatically controlled, regardless of ac/dc operation.

[MudChucker]

Post a photo of your buttons and face plate, might give a clue to brand. I've had a few units with tank heaters factory and after market, all have been thermostat controlled.

Ice water it a d test. McDonald's and the like will give you buckets of ice for a few bucks.

[grizzzman]

Look through your documentation that came with the trailer. My 2016 has t stat controlled heaters and the paperwork explained how it worked. (From the heater manufacturer)

[otrfun]

GordonThree wrote:
If your tanks are exposed, you can feel the thermostat, it's a sizable "lump" in the foam of the heating pad. If the wires just go into the pad and there's no lumps to be felt, then there's no thermostat.

Unfortunately, all the tanks and plumbing fixtures are enclosed as part of an "All Seasons Package". No doubt, trying to troubleshoot any electrical or plumbing issues down the road is not gonna be fun.

[GordonThree]

If your tanks are exposed, you can feel the thermostat, it's a sizable "lump" in the foam of the heating pad. If the wires just go into the pad and there's no lumps to be felt, then there's no thermostat.

[otrfun]

Appreciate all the responses.

Just bought our new TH a little over 2 months ago. Obviously not much need for tank heaters this time of the year, especially in AZ. So, the tank heaters were the last system I got around to checking.

Called Dutchmen trying to get some clarification on how the tank heaters work---they were clueless. Said to "flip the switch to on" and it should "work". Called our local dealer where we purchased it. Since they sell/service units from 20-30 different manufacturers, they couldn't tell me definitively whether there was a thermostat or not. They said it bring it in and they'll check it out.

Think I may let this slide until winter. Warranty doesn't end till spring. If it doesn't show some current this winter when temps get lower, guess I'll take it in. We're not at all fond of cold weather, so it's unlikely we'll ever need or use the tank heaters . . . but, ya never know.

[brulaz]

Don't think my FW tank heater has a thermostat.
It came with the trailer and is 12VDC.
Draws ~15W last time I checked.

[GordonThree]

x2 thermostat controlled. As a test, you can fake the thermostat filling the tanks with several gallons of ice water.

[time2roll]

Is it even close to freezing? I would leave them off unless you expect the overnight low to be 30F or less.

Yes most have a thermostat.

[MudChucker]

dont know the brand, but I have Ultra Heat on mine,

you may need to satisfy 2 conditions

1.) fluid must be present
2.) temp must be, 44 F or 7 C they will deactivate at 64 F or 18C

[2chiefsRus]

could they possibly be thermostatically controlled? maybe it isn't cold enough?