Journey with Confidence RV GPS App RV Trip Planner RV LIFE Campground Reviews RV Maintenance Take a Speed Test Free 7 Day Trial ×
 


Reply
 
Thread Tools Search this Thread Display Modes
 
Old 10-28-2014, 08:26 AM   #1
3 Rivet Member
 
lamato's Avatar
 
2013 Interstate Coach
Sacramento , California
Join Date: Jul 2012
Posts: 108
Tank Heaters

We're getting ready to get into some possibly below freezing temperatures tonight. Does anyone know how the tank heaters work? Are they electric? Do I need to turn on the propane? Also, do they need to be turned on while actually traveling down the road or just when we're stopped?


Sent from my iPad using Airstream Forums
lamato is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 10-28-2014, 08:38 AM   #2
Rivet Master
 
terryV's Avatar
 
2002 31' Classic
Currently Looking...
Monroe , Iowa
Join Date: Jun 2014
Posts: 649
In my experience, the OAT needs to get below freezing for more than 24 hours before you have any trouble with tanks or water lines freezing. So, I wouldn't worry too much if you don't find an answer to your question.
terryV is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 10-28-2014, 08:44 AM   #3
Rivet Master
 
clancy_boy's Avatar
 
2003 22' International CCD
Kiln , Mississippi
Join Date: Dec 2005
Posts: 2,779
Images: 8
You can always pour RV antifreeze in the grey and black tanks to keep them from freezing. Might help to let some flow out the waste gates to get some in there.

I don't like putting the stuff in the fresh water tank although we rarely use that for drinking and I sanitze it twice a year with bleach in case we have to.
__________________
Michael & Tina with Layla and Preston BZ
The family has grown.
2003 22' INTERNATIONAL CCD
clancy_boy is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 10-28-2014, 09:05 AM   #4
Newbie
 
joemikeb's Avatar
 
2013 Interstate Coach
Fort Worth , Texas
Join Date: May 2013
Posts: 290
The tank heaters are electric, but they are relatively low powered and their current draw is modest. If you are traveling down the road in freezing weather it would probably be a good idea to have the tank heaters on. Just because you are moving does not reduce the likelihood of freezing.
__________________
Make errors — otherwise the Great Spirit realizes
you have finished your purpose on earth.

— Navajo saying
joemikeb is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 10-28-2014, 11:45 AM   #5
Figment of My Imagination
 
Protagonist's Avatar
 
2012 Interstate Coach
From All Over , More Than Anywhere Else
Join Date: Dec 2011
Posts: 10,868
Quote:
Originally Posted by lamato View Post
We're getting ready to get into some possibly below freezing temperatures tonight. Does anyone know how the tank heaters work? Are they electric?
Tank heaters are electric, but best used on shore or generator power. They will run your house batteries stony dead in less than six hours if you run them off the batteries. I'd drive with empty tanks, fill your fresh tank when you get to your destination, and take in the hose. Then run the tank heaters and furnace while you're parked overnight.
__________________
I thought getting old would take longer!
Protagonist is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 10-28-2014, 11:57 AM   #6
Rivet Master
 
TG Twinkie's Avatar
 
1974 Argosy 26
Morrill , Nebraska
Join Date: Nov 2009
Posts: 6,014
Images: 2
Blog Entries: 5
I don't believe the tank heaters will prevent the dump valves from freezing.
Antifreeze or dry tanks are a better option.
While the motion of travel may keep the tanks from freezing. There is not much motion at the dump valves.


Sent from my iPod touch using Airstream Forums
TG Twinkie is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 10-28-2014, 12:34 PM   #7
Figment of My Imagination
 
Protagonist's Avatar
 
2012 Interstate Coach
From All Over , More Than Anywhere Else
Join Date: Dec 2011
Posts: 10,868
Quote:
Originally Posted by TG Twinkie View Post
I don't believe the tank heaters will prevent the dump valves from freezing.
The dump valves on an Interstate are on the tanks themselves, and are protected by the heaters. HOWEVER, the macerator pump isn't protected, and WILL freeze! That happened to me while I was camping last New Year's weekend.

Also not protected is the check valve on the black tank flush fitting (which only matters if you've actually used the flush fitting before; if not it's dry and not an issue), or the check valve on the municipal water intake. Both check valves are in positions where interior heat can't get to them to warm them.
__________________
I thought getting old would take longer!
Protagonist is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 10-29-2014, 02:58 PM   #8
Rivet Master
 
toskeysam's Avatar

 
2013 Interstate Coach
Townsend , Tennessee
Join Date: Nov 2013
Posts: 749
The dump valves on my 2013 Interstate are about a foot away from the black and gray tanks.....in the drain piping. Not sure about other years.


Sent from my iPad using Airstream Forums
__________________
FMCA # 436814
toskeysam is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 10-29-2014, 03:19 PM   #9
Figment of My Imagination
 
Protagonist's Avatar
 
2012 Interstate Coach
From All Over , More Than Anywhere Else
Join Date: Dec 2011
Posts: 10,868
Quote:
Originally Posted by toskeysam View Post
The dump valves on my 2013 Interstate are about a foot away from the black and gray tanks.....in the drain piping. Not sure about other years.
Close enough to the tanks that the tank heaters will keep them warm, especially if there's enough fluid in the tanks to ensure the valves are completely submerged. Ice forms on the water surface, not underwater.
__________________
I thought getting old would take longer!
Protagonist is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 10-29-2014, 03:20 PM   #10
Rivet Master
 
toskeysam's Avatar

 
2013 Interstate Coach
Townsend , Tennessee
Join Date: Nov 2013
Posts: 749
Yes...we would not be here if ice were heavier than water


Sent from my iPhone using Airstream Forums
__________________
FMCA # 436814
toskeysam is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 10-29-2014, 03:45 PM   #11
Figment of My Imagination
 
Protagonist's Avatar
 
2012 Interstate Coach
From All Over , More Than Anywhere Else
Join Date: Dec 2011
Posts: 10,868
Quote:
Originally Posted by toskeysam View Post
Yes...we would not be here if ice were heavier than water
So you've also read Nobel prize winner George Wald's lectures from the 1960s? Kewl!
__________________
I thought getting old would take longer!
Protagonist is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 10-29-2014, 07:22 PM   #12
Rivet Master
 
TG Twinkie's Avatar
 
1974 Argosy 26
Morrill , Nebraska
Join Date: Nov 2009
Posts: 6,014
Images: 2
Blog Entries: 5
I don't want to start an argument. BUT!
When I am chopping ice a foot+ thick in a stock tank at 0 F. It is hard to believe that ice only forms on the surface.
If don't have anti freeze in the tanks and you are driving in temps approaching 0. That 1 foot of pipe will not be protected. Especially if it is exposed.


Sent from my iPod touch using Airstream Forums
TG Twinkie is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 10-29-2014, 07:28 PM   #13
Rivet Master
 
toskeysam's Avatar

 
2013 Interstate Coach
Townsend , Tennessee
Join Date: Nov 2013
Posts: 749
As you can confirm...tanks and exposed surfaces do get "skin" freezing in cold temps....very cold temperatures


Sent from my iPhone using Airstream Forums
__________________
FMCA # 436814
toskeysam is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 10-29-2014, 07:39 PM   #14
Rivet Master
 
Goal15's Avatar
 
2006 23' Safari SE
Holly Lake Ranch , Texas
Join Date: Sep 2010
Posts: 1,794
Images: 1
Quote:
Originally Posted by TG Twinkie View Post
I don't want to start an argument. BUT!
When I am chopping ice a foot+ thick in a stock tank at 0 F. It is hard to believe that ice only forms on the surface.
If don't have anti freeze in the tanks and you are driving in temps approaching 0. That 1 foot of pipe will not be protected. Especially if it is exposed.


Sent from my iPod touch using Airstream Forums

I guess technically the surface of the water is always below the ice, no matter how thick the ice


Sent from my iPhone using Airstream Forums
__________________
Dana and Olga
2006 Safari 23
2011 Tundra Double Cab
Goal15 is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 10-29-2014, 09:14 PM   #15
Figment of My Imagination
 
Protagonist's Avatar
 
2012 Interstate Coach
From All Over , More Than Anywhere Else
Join Date: Dec 2011
Posts: 10,868
Quote:
Originally Posted by TG Twinkie View Post
I don't want to start an argument. BUT!
When I am chopping ice a foot+ thick in a stock tank at 0 F. It is hard to believe that ice only forms on the surface.
If don't have anti freeze in the tanks and you are driving in temps approaching 0. That 1 foot of pipe will not be protected. Especially if it is exposed.
Perhaps you forgot about the fact that we're discussing heated tanks in an Interstate? As long as the heaters are on, the water in the tanks will be at a temperature between 40°F and 45°F. The valves will not freeze if they are a foot from the heated tanks, because the water will not get below freezing just one foot from the heating element.
__________________
I thought getting old would take longer!
Protagonist is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 10-29-2014, 09:51 PM   #16
Rivet Master
 
toskeysam's Avatar

 
2013 Interstate Coach
Townsend , Tennessee
Join Date: Nov 2013
Posts: 749
But rabbit-trails can be sooo much fun...


Sent from my iPhone using Airstream Forums
__________________
FMCA # 436814
toskeysam is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 10-31-2014, 05:52 AM   #17
Rivet Master
 
toskeysam's Avatar

 
2013 Interstate Coach
Townsend , Tennessee
Join Date: Nov 2013
Posts: 749
Heading into the Smoky Mountains this weekend. We will get freezing temperatures and snow for several hours(according to NOAA). After all I have seen in this forum I have no worries. Blowing the tanks, filling drains with antifreeze, turning on the tank heaters, and keeping coach warm..... Will blow again before leaving, but should be warmer by then. Many thanks to all of those folks with experience.


Sent from my iPad using Airstream Forums
__________________
FMCA # 436814
toskeysam is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 10-31-2014, 08:53 AM   #18
AIR #6370
 
hmsteader's Avatar
 
2001 27' Safari
Bella Vista , Arkansas
Join Date: Oct 2004
Posts: 68
When winterizing and after draining the black and gray water tanks, I add a half gallon of the blue windshield washer antifreeze to each tank. Get the stuff for -32* or -50*. Its cheap and doesn't effect the rubber gaskets in the dump valves. Caution: Do NOT use this stuff in any of the fresh water lines or the fresh water tank.
hmsteader is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 10-31-2014, 09:32 AM   #19
Rivet Master
 
toskeysam's Avatar

 
2013 Interstate Coach
Townsend , Tennessee
Join Date: Nov 2013
Posts: 749
I use Prestone RV antifreeze. It's good to -50F and is non-toxic.


Sent from my iPhone using Airstream Forums
__________________
FMCA # 436814
toskeysam is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 10-31-2014, 05:19 PM   #20
3 Rivet Member
 
lamato's Avatar
 
2013 Interstate Coach
Sacramento , California
Join Date: Jul 2012
Posts: 108
We made it through one night of 25 degree weather. Thanks for all the help and tips.


Sent from my iPad using Airstream Forums
lamato is offline   Reply With Quote
Reply


Currently Active Users Viewing This Thread: 1 (0 members and 1 guests)
 
Thread Tools Search this Thread
Search this Thread:

Advanced Search
Display Modes

Posting Rules
You may not post new threads
You may not post replies
You may not post attachments
You may not edit your posts

BB code is On
Smilies are On
[IMG] code is On
HTML code is Off
Trackbacks are Off
Pingbacks are Off
Refbacks are Off


Similar Threads
Thread Thread Starter Forum Replies Last Post
Heaters, heaters, heaters. doorgunner Furnaces, Heaters, Fireplaces & Air Conditioning 80 12-02-2013 10:20 AM
Tank heaters-forced air? Jfed Eddie Bauer - All Models 14 11-30-2013 09:57 AM
Holding tank heaters Judy Edwards Full-Timing, Winter Living & Workamping 2 11-08-2012 06:13 PM
Adding Tank Heaters fr8tshaker Fresh Water Systems 7 10-17-2008 07:15 AM
Tank Heaters -vs- Antifreeze TitusLivy Winter Living 21 09-10-2007 04:07 PM


Featured Campgrounds

Reviews provided by

Disclaimer:

This website is not affiliated with or endorsed by the Airstream, Inc. or any of its affiliates. Airstream is a registered trademark of Airstream Inc. All rights reserved. Airstream trademark used under license to Social Knowledge LLC.



All times are GMT -6. The time now is 08:15 PM.


Powered by vBulletin® Version 3.8.8 Beta 1
Copyright ©2000 - 2024, Jelsoft Enterprises Ltd.