Adding Tank Heaters to Your RV: A Step-by-Step Guide

Introduction Welcome to Full Moon Adventure Club! In this guide, we will show you how to add tank heaters to your RV. If you own a non-four season RV and want to ensure your tanks don't freeze up during winter, this step-by-step tutorial is perfect for you. Adding tank heaters is not a difficult job and can be completed in approximately four hours. It is also a cost-effective solution to protect your grey and black water tanks from freezing. Let's get started!

Why Add Tank Heaters? For those who own non-four season RVs without enclosed and heated underbellies, adding tank heaters is crucial to prevent freezing during winter. By installing tank heaters, you can ensure that your grey and black water tanks stay functional and don't suffer from freezing. This guide will walk you through the process of adding tank heaters to your RV, providing you with the peace of mind to travel in colder conditions.

Determining Your Tank Size Before you begin installing tank heaters, it's essential to know your tank size. Take the time to measure the length, width, and height of your tanks, and calculate their gallon capacity. This information will help you select the right heating pads and plan your installation accordingly. We'll show you how to measure your tanks accurately and calculate their gallon capacity, making the process easier for you.

Planning Your Tank Heater Installation To ensure a successful tank heater installation, proper planning is essential. Consider where your tanks are located and where you want to position the switch plate for controlling the heaters. Additionally, determine whether you'll connect the heaters to your battery bank or RV's converter for power. Careful planning will help you determine the amount of wire required and ensure a smooth installation process.

Preparing the Tank Surface Before applying the tank heaters, it's crucial to prepare the tank surface properly. Start by cleaning the surface using a wire brush to remove dirt and debris. Follow up with a scrub using soap and water to ensure a thorough cleaning. Once clean, use rubbing alcohol to remove any remaining residue. This step is vital for ensuring a strong adhesive bond between the tank heaters and the tanks.

Installing the Heating Pads With the tank surface prepared, it's time to install the heating pads. Ensure the pads fit properly on your tanks, particularly near the outlet where the lowest point is located. This positioning allows for efficient fluid drainage during tank emptying. We'll provide installation tips, including how to handle tanks with ribs, and explain the importance of proper contact between the pads and the tanks.

Running the Wiring Running the wiring is a critical step in the tank heater installation process. Select the appropriate wires for the job and protect them using PVC tubing and electrical tape. Carefully route the wires along the RV frame, avoiding any pinch points or areas that may interfere with moving components. Our guide will walk you through the process, ensuring your wiring is secure and well-protected.

Securing the Wiring After running the wiring, it's essential to secure it in place. Use zip ties to fasten the wiring along the RV frame, keeping it elevated and away from potential hazards. Avoid dangling wires that can be caught on branches, rocks, or other debris while off-roading. We'll provide tips on securing the wiring properly and ensuring it remains in place throughout your RV adventures.

Wiring the Tank Heaters Once the wiring is in place, it's time to connect the tank heaters to the power source in your RV. We'll guide you through the process of properly grounding the heaters and connecting them to either the battery bank or the RV's converter. This step ensures a safe and efficient power supply to your tank heaters, allowing for reliable operation in freezing conditions.

Mounting the Switch Plate The switch plate allows you to control the tank heaters individually. We'll guide you through the process of drilling holes and mounting the switch plate in a convenient location within your RV. You'll learn how to wire the switch plate for independent control of each tank, providing flexibility in heating based on your specific needs.

By following the steps outlined in this guide, you'll successfully add tank heaters to your RV, ensuring your grey and black water tanks remain functional even in freezing temperatures. Get ready to enjoy worry-free RV adventures in colder climates!

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