Can ThermaHeat RV Holding Tank Heater Pads Be Compressed

Question:

ReInstall on 2017 Mercedes 3500 Roadtrek Adventurous Class B. In reviewing your responses I did not see this question posed. In light of the bracket/brace placement for both my fresh and gray water tanks, I must place these between the tanks and the 2foot wide and 1/8inch support brackets/braces that hold up the tanks-thus placing fairly significant pressure placed on the pads where they meet the brackets. Without shoring up the braces with spacers where not contacting the pads, can these pads work when compressed? If so, how much compression can they withstand- 0, 50 or...?

asked by: Brian C

Expert Reply:

I reached out to my contact at LaSalle Bristol regarding their ThermaHeat RV Holding Tank Heater Pads like # 277-000164, and she did say that the pads should be applied to the bottom of the tank and should not be subjected to any kind of pressure or compression. Compressing the pads like you described would not allow for proper operation and may even lead to damage.

Your best option for using the pad will be to try and add some spacers between the brackets to relieve that pressure that would be applied.

An alternate option you might consider is a heating cable like the Valterra # W01-1573. This self-regulating heating cable can be wrapped around the tank with zip ties or fiberglass tape to keep water from freezing. This allows for a bit more of a custom application where you can hopefully avoid interference with the brackets on your setup.

I have attached a short video review below that you can also check out.

expert reply by: Chris R