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Tank Heating Pads Necessary?

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Jim
 Jim
(@j_a_wolfe)
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Hello. I just contracted to purchase a 2018 Redwood 3921GK. I have a question though. The brochure is a bit confusing because in one section it states "Tanks Heated via Forced Heat" but in the Options Section is shows "Holding Tank Heating Pads" as an option. The build sheet for my coach does not include the tank heat pads as an option on my coach. I plan to use my coach year round and it will definitely see some cold temperatures. Are these heating pads necessary and if so could they be dealer installed? Thank you!

 
Posted : August 9, 2017 12:17 PM
Jim
 Jim
(@j_a_wolfe)
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You said the heat pads are included so you should be good. You don't say where you are located or what temps are expected. If you are in FL then you probably don't need any heat. But SD is another situation!

 
Posted : August 9, 2017 12:23 PM
Jim
 Jim
(@j_a_wolfe)
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Ooops!!!! Thanks for the reply nw snowbirds. I mean't to to say the optional tank heating pads were not included in my coach (I edited my post). I'll winter in Colorado and the temp can drop to zero.

 
Posted : August 9, 2017 12:29 PM
Jim
 Jim
(@j_a_wolfe)
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Heating pads are an option I would add. The forced air is just a duct off the furnace blowing hot air at the tanks

 
Posted : August 9, 2017 12:43 PM
Danny_and_Linda
(@danny_and_linda)
Posts: 884
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If you can get them I would. If your using your RW in cold temperatures with the furnace running it shouldn't be a problem without them, if you're not in coach in those temps the tanks would be drained & most likely batteries disconnected so they wouldn't do much good.
Definitely get the disc brakes & H rated 17.5" tires, you won't be sorry you spent the extra few dollars. Also the FlexAir hitch.

Travelin' Texans
Former '13 FB owner
Currently rvless!!

 
Posted : August 9, 2017 1:08 PM
Jim
 Jim
(@j_a_wolfe)
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When you do the PDI, have the front shoe boxes pulled. You'll see it is nothing like the brochure. Have them fix the insulation issue before signing the papers and driving off the lot.

In addition, have them pull the belly pan down and see if there is any insulation in there. Probably not. Have them fix that as well.

We are in Texas. We full - time. This last winter was relatively mild but we had a few cold spells at 16 degrees. The floor was frigid. I can only imagine that the tanks were BARELY far from frozen. You could not walk on the floor without shoes or your feet might freeze to the floor.

Speaking of that...Pull the belly pan down and see if your tanks are supported. I can almost guarantee you that they are not. Have them fix that as well or you'll ;likely have bagging tanks that will rupture in a few years.

Back to the cold...If heater blankets are an option and you plan to stay in cold temps and you did nothing to insulate the belly, then you may want to opt for the blankets. We don't have them. After I get through insulating the belly, then I might increase the furnace ducting in the basement area. The belly pan folds on the edges and allows a lot of free cold air in there.

Another thought....While the belly pan is off, you might want to consider installing the electric valves on your tanks. The manual pull cables are a PITA after a while. Besides, it's much easier to push a button.

Watch the ice maker line in the back of you have the Norcold or Dometic Refrigerator. They do a sorry job of insulating that line and freezing in the winter is a potential.

 
Posted : August 9, 2017 8:51 PM
(@Anonymous)
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It would hurt to get the tank heaters. Question is are they 110VAC or 12V. if you are all season in CO, you should consider skirting. Not matter what, those weeks of -17 are not going to be pleasant.

 
Posted : August 9, 2017 11:56 PM
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