Fresh water/waste tank heaters?

[rf9ridrer]

Looking at installing heaters for waste and water tanks, looking on the `net, i`ve found a couple of options, both are the stick on pads working off the leisure battery, has anyone used anything similar, any good? Or anything else that will do the job? Any recommendations please?

 

[CazPaul]

If no EHU is available that’s a lot of unnecessary power, you’re better off with a system that uses the vans own heating system.

 

[Two on Tour]

I used these as tank heaters stuck to the bottom of both the fresh and grey water tanks.
https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/12174432...d=link&campid=5338547443&toolid=20001&mkevt=1

To stop the grey waste dump pipe freezing I used trace heating cable from the tank to the dump valve.
https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/18556399...d=link&campid=5338547443&toolid=20001&mkevt=1

Each tank has the temperature of the heat pads controlled by a digital thermostat with the thermocouple placed on the side of each tank about 60mm from the bottom of the tank.
I have these set to come on at 3 degrees and go off at 5 degrees C.
-Broken Link Removed-

I insulated the tanks with a double layer of bubble wrap insulation which has a foil coating both sides.
https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/29354780...d=link&campid=5338547443&toolid=20001&mkevt=1

I taped the corners and edges and stuck the top edges of the insulation to the tanks with T-Rex tape which stick like the proverbial sh*t to a blanket.

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The grey waste dump pipe I insulated with Armaflex pipe lagging.
https://www.pipelagging.com/pipe-in...ulation-lagging-black-nitrile-foam-class-o-2m

 

[Two on Tour]

If no EHU is available that’s a lot of unnecessary power, you’re better off with a system that uses the vans own heating system.

Not really a viable option if you have external tanks under your van as ours are.

 

[CazPaul]

Not really a viable option if you have external tanks under your van as ours are.

Possibly not but nevertheless good information to note should the OP ever change his Motorhome and it is one of his requirements.

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[TerryL]

I presume you are intending to travel to areas with continuous sub-zero temperatures, such as skiing. For occasional forays below zero I don't really think it's worth it especially if you've got external tanks, full tanks take quite a long time to freeze - you're more likely to suffer frozen supply pipes.
For your waste tank you'd be better leaving the tap open with a bucket underneath it, easier to empty a "frozen" bucket.

 

[phil1946]

When we had the Hymer I used something like

2pcs Pet Electric Reptile Heating Mat Pad Warmer for Hermit Crab Frog Lizard UK | eBay

Find many great new & used options and get the best deals for 2pcs Pet Electric Reptile Heating Mat Pad Warmer for Hermit Crab Frog Lizard UK at the best online prices at eBay! Free delivery for many products.

www.ebay.co.uk

that worked well through a thermostat. If doing it today I would, of course, buy British but the link gives a good idea of what's available.

 

[rf9ridrer]

I used these as tank heaters stuck to the bottom of both the fresh and grey water tanks.
https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/12174432...d=link&campid=5338547443&toolid=20001&mkevt=1

To stop the grey waste dump pipe freezing I used trace heating cable from the tank to the dump valve.
https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/18556399...d=link&campid=5338547443&toolid=20001&mkevt=1

Each tank has the temperature of the heat pads controlled by a digital thermostat with the thermocouple placed on the side of each tank about 60mm from the bottom of the tank.
I have these set to come on at 3 degrees and go off at 5 degrees C.
-Broken Link Removed-

I insulated the tanks with a double layer of bubble wrap insulation which has a foil coating both sides.
https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/29354780...d=link&campid=5338547443&toolid=20001&mkevt=1

I taped the corners and edges and stuck the top edges of the insulation to the tanks with T-Rex tape which stick like the proverbial sh*t to a blanket.

Error 410 | Screwfix

Thousands of products at low trade prices | FREE next day delivery available | 30 day money back guarantee on all orders.

www.screwfix.com

The grey waste dump pipe I insulated with Armaflex pipe lagging.
https://www.pipelagging.com/pipe-in...ulation-lagging-black-nitrile-foam-class-o-2m

View attachment 683247

View attachment 683248

View attachment 683249

Thanks for that, i`ll have a look at the links.

 

[rf9ridrer]

When we had the Hymer I used something like

2pcs Pet Electric Reptile Heating Mat Pad Warmer for Hermit Crab Frog Lizard UK | eBay

Find many great new & used options and get the best deals for 2pcs Pet Electric Reptile Heating Mat Pad Warmer for Hermit Crab Frog Lizard UK at the best online prices at eBay! Free delivery for many products.

www.ebay.co.uk

that worked well through a thermostat. If doing it today I would, of course, buy British but the link gives a good idea of what's available.

Thanks for that

 

[rf9ridrer]

I presume you are intending to travel to areas with continuous sub-zero temperatures, such as skiing. For occasional forays below zero I don't really think it's worth it especially if you've got external tanks, full tanks take quite a long time to freeze - you're more likely to suffer frozen supply pipes.
For your waste tank you'd be better leaving the tap open with a bucket underneath it, easier to empty a "frozen" bucket.

We have external tanks, was looking at possibly protecting them for when we return to the UK as we intend to go full time in the MH

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[Jonesyi]

I used these as tank heaters stuck to the bottom of both the fresh and grey water tanks.
https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/12174432...d=link&campid=5338547443&toolid=20001&mkevt=1

To stop the grey waste dump pipe freezing I used trace heating cable from the tank to the dump valve.
https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/18556399...d=link&campid=5338547443&toolid=20001&mkevt=1

Each tank has the temperature of the heat pads controlled by a digital thermostat with the thermocouple placed on the side of each tank about 60mm from the bottom of the tank.
I have these set to come on at 3 degrees and go off at 5 degrees C.
-Broken Link Removed-

I insulated the tanks with a double layer of bubble wrap insulation which has a foil coating both sides.
https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/29354780...d=link&campid=5338547443&toolid=20001&mkevt=1

I taped the corners and edges and stuck the top edges of the insulation to the tanks with T-Rex tape which stick like the proverbial sh*t to a blanket.

Error 410 | Screwfix

Thousands of products at low trade prices | FREE next day delivery available | 30 day money back guarantee on all orders.

www.screwfix.com

The grey waste dump pipe I insulated with Armaflex pipe lagging.
https://www.pipelagging.com/pipe-in...ulation-lagging-black-nitrile-foam-class-o-2m

View attachment 683247

View attachment 683248

View attachment 683249

I like the look of that, off topic though I see you have self levelling? Is that E&P? Is it a good system?

 

[Two on Tour]

I see you have self levelling? Is that E&P? Is it a good system?

Yes, it is the E&P system and has been great, we hummed and harred over the cost of the system before we had it fitted, but we would never have another MH without a self-levelling system on it now.

 

[Jonesyi]

Yes, it is the E&P system and has been great, we hummed and harred over the cost of the system before we had it fitted, but we would never have another MH without a self-levelling system on it now.

That’s good to know, I’m considering getting it fitted but have read some have had issues with rams dropping on their own ? Possibly a bad batch though

 

[PDrill]

If no EHU is available that’s a lot of unnecessary power, you’re better off with a system that uses the vans own heating system.

Not really a viable option if you have external tanks under your van as ours are.

Sure it is. Our previous Hymer Ducato PVC (2011) had just that. The grey water was boxed (and most likely insulated) and one of the Trumatic heater ducts was blowing inside the box. The boxing had had (??) some damage before our time and wasn't repaired that good (gaps in the boxing) but it still worked up to -10c if it wasn't very windy.

The 2023 updated 'national park series' (Grand Canyon, Ayers Rock etc) Hymer Fiat PVC's have also fresh water under the belly and they promise it's 'winter proof', so guess they are satisfied with it. Although must admit, slightly worrying having the fresh 'on the outside' when the temperature starts to drop below -10c - if then van even ever arrives.