Tank Heaters Power Load

[FlyStar]

Question: The electric holding tank heaters appear to be 12 volts since the cooling fan on the converter runs continuously. How much current do they draw? Do all 4 tanks have heaters? 2021 Reflection 312 BHTS Trailer. Thanks.

 

[BreakfastinAmerica]

Use advanced search withquestion. Many previous comments.

 

[CoChris-MGRV]

Question: The electric holding tank heaters appear to be 12 volts since the cooling fan on the converter runs continuously. How much current do they draw? Do all 4 tanks have heaters? 2021 Reflection 312 BHTS Trailer. Thanks.

As Bob said, there have been multiple discussions on this. You can use the search function in the upper left of each page to find the discussions and more detailed information.

In answer to your question, on our Solitude each tank has a heater (we have four tanks) draws about 5 amps from the 12V supply (either the converter or the batteries) when on. When all are running, it is a 20 amp draw. Pretty substantial. Our heaters appear to have a built in thermostat, so they may not run all the time (depending on the tank temperature).

Chris

 

[Second Chance]

Another angle on tank heaters: fresh and waste tanks freezing is the last thing you need to worry about in low temps. The mass of liquids in the tanks is much greater that that in the water lines, water pump, etc. - these other things will freeze long before the tanks. It's a formula that includes temperature, time and exposure to wind, etc. Our 2016 Reflection fifth wheel did not have tank heaters. We weathered single-digit temps with high winds - once for 4 or 5 days - and the tanks never froze... although the water lines to the kitchen island did.

Rob