Water Tank Heaters for Well Insulated 30 Gallon Tanks on a 2017 Ford E450 Box Van

Question:

Hello, I have read most of the QandA about the 277-000163...very helpful. Im building a custom rig to live in this winter and chase snow in the western mountains. We have a 2017 Ford E450 cutaway with a 16ft box on her. The below floor storage box I built for fresh and gray water. This box has been sprayed with 1inch + of closed cell foam on all 6 sides for about an 8 r-value. I have two 30 gal tanks 34inch x 17inch x 12 Question 1.. Tanks are each supported on 4 - 1x2inch wood slats and foam... do I need to make a recessed area for the pad ? Question 2... Im planning to run off 12v only 90 of the time as most campgrounds are closed. To keep my battery draw low do you think I can go with a smaller pad. Im totally open to your suggestions on this rig so fire away.

asked by: Robin

Expert Reply:

ThermaHeat RV Holding Tank Heater Pad # 277-000163 or any of the others needs to be in direct contact with the tank so you would need to clear away anything that is in the way of making that direct contact.

But considering what you will be doing I strongly recommend having a spare battery with you as well as an AC charger such as # CTEK56353. Safety First!

expert reply by: Michael H