Heated holding tanks

[debtech]

I have a 2014 Redhawk 29XK, I have a question about the heated holding tanks, 12V pads.
I assume these pads are located somewhere on the holding tanks, but how are they turned on when temp drops to freezing.

[NC Roamer]

The pads are stuck on the underside of the three tanks: black, grey and fresh. In the bathroom of our Greyhawk there is a red switch to turn on the tank heaters. The switch lights up when on. The heaters do not turn on automatically as temps drop. And the tanks must have a few gallons of liquid in them to safely run the heaters.

But the tank heater pads puzzle many of us. The much smaller, exposed water lines beneath the chassis will freeze long before the large holding tanks. The black/grey water outlet pipes will also freeze earlier as well. Those pipes and lines are my main concern in sub-freezing temps.

[Bikester]

Originally Posted by NC Roamer

But the tank heater pads puzzle many of us. The much smaller, exposed water lines beneath the chassis will freeze long before the large holding tanks. The black/grey water outlet pipes will also freeze earlier as well. Those pipes and lines are my main concern in sub-freezing temps.

Agree. It's puzzling.

[ctbailey]

the gate valve of the outlets of my gray and black on our TT are pretty close to where the 3" pipe (or 1-1/2" gray) drain pipes exit the "heated" enclosed underbelly. So... While I agree some drain pipe is technically exposed, the majority of the exposed drain pipes are downstream of the gate valves.

So with the liquid effluent temps being 40 degrees, the small amount of exposed "upstream" drain pipes should be a degree or two above freezing.

Of course with enough water flowing into the tanks, including some hot water, most weekenders will be fine. The troubles start while the unit sits for a week without any inflow.