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Old 10-29-2016, 06:03 AM   #1
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Tank heaters?

Hi there
Going into our first winter with our 31FK Greyhawk. We live in New England and want to use our unit for guest housing over Thanksgiving.
We have tank heaters, but no pipe heaters. Wonder what the point of the tank heaters is if the pipes exposed under the unit aren't heated. Anybody know?
Also, if we keep the unit heated via our home 30 amp shore power and use the tanks, will we be okay to keep water on?
Thanks for sharing thoughts and experience.
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Old 10-29-2016, 07:06 AM   #2
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Many have puzzled at the reason for tank heaters when the pipes are unprotected. I would think the smaller diameter pipes would certainly freeze long before a 32-gallon tank.

We have stayed in our Greyhawk when overnight lows dropped into the upper 20s for 3-4 hours without problem. But the previous daytime temperature was in the mid 40s so the RV was not close to freezing when the sun went down.

If the temperature is really frigid, I'd not risk my waterlines. Perhaps you could leave the water supply system, including the water heater, dry and your visitors could shower in the house. They could still use the toilet and flush with jugs of water kept in the RV.

But with the FW and GW tanks empty, do not turn on the tank heaters. They can damage empty tanks.
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Old 10-31-2016, 10:22 PM   #3
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Roadrower View Post
Hi there

Going into our first winter with our 31FK Greyhawk. We live in New England and want to use our unit for guest housing over Thanksgiving.

We have tank heaters, but no pipe heaters. Wonder what the point of the tank heaters is if the pipes exposed under the unit aren't heated. Anybody know?

Also, if we keep the unit heated via our home 30 amp shore power and use the tanks, will we be okay to keep water on?

Thanks for sharing thoughts and experience.


It won't be a problem at all. We really need a significant amount of time below 32 before lines freeze solid.

Your rig if kept heated will work just fine through thanksgiving. Winterize it now with air, just to be on safe side. The weekend when guests are here, fill the FW tank, run the heaters and the hot water heater.

The reason the exposed pipes are not heated at the dump outlet is because there is no water there until you pull the handle. If any short run of exposed pipe exists, there is on average about 20 gallons of effluent which you say your tanks are heated.

Be sure you have a good place to dump the holding tanks, and as soon as company leaves, dump and re winterize.

It takes constant sunlight hours below 32 before solid icing occurs... we don't experience that until late January early February. But daytime highs in the 40's will keep the interior of the coach well above freezing.


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Old 11-29-2016, 12:40 PM   #4
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Thanks for your prompt reply! The visit went well.
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Old 11-29-2016, 12:41 PM   #5
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Thanks for your prompt reply. The visit went well!
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Old 11-29-2016, 12:42 PM   #6
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Thanks for your quick reply. The visit went well!
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Old 11-29-2016, 12:50 PM   #7
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Thanks for the info!

Just to clarify, it is not just the effluent pipe that is not heated. There are no pipe/hose/tubing heating elements at all. Just the tanks are heated. I would think the 1 inch diameter hoses that are exposed underneath the unit would freeze and cause damage well before frozen water in a large tank that has plenty of room for frozen water expansion.

In any case our dealer recommended winterizing with antifreeze and using toilet for liquid waste only.

Ended up finding enough space for all in the house.

But will definately file away your comments for future.
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