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If you love to camp in winter weather conditions, it can mean amazing travel opportunities for you. Beautiful cold climates, less tourists around, and you can see it all from the comfort of your RV!

However, what happens when your fresh water tank freezes due to these cold climates? Can anything be done to prevent your RV’s precious liquids from freezing? Thankfully, there is a product out there for you: RV tank heaters.

RV tank heaters are a wonderful invention, and something that may come standard on newer RVs. But what are they, and are they right for you? Let’s take a look, and go over some of the best tank heaters for your RV!

But if you want to skip ahead and just see what made the list you can check out our favorites here:

What are RV Tank Heaters?

RV tank heaters, also known as RV tank heating pads or RV holding tank heaters, are exactly what they sound like. They are heaters, usually found as pads, that attach to your various RV holding tanks.

These tank heaters run off of your RV’s existing power, either using the AC shore power or the battery operated DC power. There are tank heaters designed to use either energy source, depending on your preferences, and sometimes the heaters have dual power options.

These tank heaters may sound complicated to install, given their need for electric power. However, they may be easier to install than you think, especially with helpful youtube tutorials! 

While RV heating pads mainly exist to be installed on the outside of your holding tanks, you can purchase smaller heating pads as well. Often angled or manufactured in various shapes and sizes, these heaters are more versatile. 

These pads attach to your various pipes and fixtures, which means that you don’t have to worry about water or fluids freezing up in any areas of concern. They are also very similar to the larger pads in terms of installation.

RV tank heaters are often installed standard or as a relatively common add on to new RVs. Given the popularity of RV travel year round, more and more manufacturers are considering tank heaters a necessity.

However, if you don’t own an new RV, tank heaters are an easy after market installation. They can be incredibly useful for full timers in cold climates, or anyone worried about getting caught in the snow for a few days!

When Do I Need RV Tank Heaters?

While there are other options to keep your tanks from freezing, there are times when you need RV tank heaters. If you are planning to camp in your rig during freezing temperatures for more than one night, RV heating pads are an excellent solution, and a necessity to many RV owners.

Most RVers recommend using tank heating pads when the outside temperature reaches 32 degrees Fahrenheit or below, especially for extended periods of time. However, you can only use RV tank heating pads when you have liquid in your various tanks.

The pads are made to prevent the fluids and liquids in your various tanks from freezing, leading to expanding and cracking of your tank. However, if you turn your tank heater on when there is no liquid present, you may cause just as much damage to your tanks than if you had just let it freeze!

Some RV tank heaters have thermostats and can automatically detect when it is time to turn on. This can be the most convenient, though expensive, option for those of you shopping for after market heating options.  

You can always use RV antifreeze for your pipes and tanks, though these products are best for a rig that is left sitting for the winter. However, you may wish to check out some of these products if RV holding tank pads are out of your budget. 

Overall, you should plan on a way to heat your RV’s tanks if you are travelling in winter weather conditions, even if there isn’t a snow storm coming. Ambient freezing temperatures can quickly freeze your RV’s various systems, which means more damage and money spent in the long run! 

Types of RV Tank Heaters

Most RV tank heaters can be found in pad form with easy to install instructions. However, there are many types of specifications to RV tank heaters, as well as various sizes and purposes. Let’s check out the different types.

Standard Pad Heater (AC or DC)

The most common type of RV tank heater comes in a heating pad form, complete with easy to install, peel and stick adhesive. These pads will fasten to the underside of your holding tanks and allow you to hook them up to your existing RV power system.

These pads come in various energy consumption amounts as well as sizes. They are also available in AC shore power or DC battery power options, and sometimes both power options are available. 

The AC power heating pads are usually more expensive than their DC counterparts. However, the AC powered heaters usually use fewer amps, which could be an important distinction to make when you are budgeting.

These pads range in price depending on their manufacturer, but certainly because of their various tank heating sizes. The bigger the tank, the more expensive it will be to heat. However, RV tank heating pad manufacturers are aware of this, and usually scale their pads to appropriate sizes.

The amperage draw ranges from 1 amp to as many as 12 amps, depending on the size of the heater. Calculating your amperage is important when it comes to maintaining your RV during your camping trip, so keep your newly installed tank heaters in mind. 

If you plan on boondocking and relying on your RV’s batteries during this time, your heating pad may drain your batteries faster than you think! However, having tanks that aren’t frozen is definitely a huge benefit.

Pipe and Pipe Elbow Heaters

If you have a newer RV with tank heaters installed, you may be wondering if there is anything more you can do to further protect your new rig. You’re in luck! Besides using nontoxic antifreeze, you can buy heaters for your pipes and the elbows of your pipes.

These little heaters operate almost identically to your large tank pad heaters, except they are much smaller. Drawing very little amps, these tiny heaters can be adhered to your RV’s various pipes and fixtures.

There are specialty pipe elbow heaters for any tricky pipe corners that may be present in your rig. These pads still have to be integrated into your RV’s electrical system, but it may be something to consider should you not need an entire tank pad heater at this time.

Given their small size and minimal amperage draw (usually less than 3 amps per heater), these little guys are primarily made for DC battery power. This could be a pro or con, depending on your intended usage and travel plans.

These pads may work perfectly if your holding tank heating pads are currently on your AC system. That way, your batteries aren’t taking the brunt of the amperage necessary to keep these heaters running!

Gate Valve Heaters

Even more specific than pipe or elbow pipe heaters, there are also pad heaters specifically made for your RV’s sewer valve! Gate valve heaters are used when the valve is frozen closed and you’re trying to vacate your black and gray water systems.

You may not ever consider this heater as a necessary component. However, imagine this scenario: it’s extremely cold and windy outside and you stop by the dump station to vacate your black and gray holding tanks like your rig’s manufacturer recommends. You pull one of the dump lever handles and it won’t move; this means your RV dump valve is frozen!  

This can mean a really tough time for some RVers who often camp in cold climates. While a frozen valve may not happen very often, it is certainly something that cold weather campers encounter. That’s why there are heating pads made specifically for sewer valves too.

The heat panels used in gate valve heaters are designed a bit differently than your holding tank heaters. These little valve heaters are made to rapidly penetrate the thicker plastic with enough heat to thaw the frozen tracks of the gate valve, fast! 

Sounds cool, right? There are a few caveats to this, such as the RV gate valve heater must be controlled independently from all the other heaters, with a separate on/off switch just for the gate valve option. This switch is usually located near the valve itself.

If needed, turn the heater on for approximately 5 to 7 minutes, or until the valve is freed.  Turn off the switch and evacuate the tanks as you normally would.  These heat panels are designed for short term use, and only in freezing cold weather where the gate valve has been frozen closed.

What to Consider Before Purchasing

Before you decide on your favorite RV holding tank heating pads, there are a few additional things to consider. Check out these key facts before we dive into our list of products.

How the heater is powered

We’ve touched on this a bit already, but a key consideration for you to make is how you would like your RV tank heater to be powered. Choosing after market heating pads is often better than having pads already installed, as you can choose the power source that works best for you!

Your holding tank pads can be powered by either DC or AC power. It is rare that they can be powered by both, so this means that the power option you choose matters. If you are planning to be hooked up to shore power for most of your trip, then AC is the best way to go.

However, if you are hoping to boondock in the winter, you will want a tank heater independent of any shore power. DC power will be your best bet, though you will need to keep in mind how many batteries you have aboard your RV and how many amps they can handle.

Choosing DC powered heating pads may be beneficial for those of you hooked up to AC power for this reason: your RV no doubt needs the majority of your AC power for various appliances. So it could be beneficial to have your heating pads hooked up to your battery power so that you always know your AC amperage draw. No one likes a blown fuse!

The size of your holding tanks

You will soon discover that the size of your RV’s holding tanks is one of the main factors when it comes to choosing a tank heater. Most tank heating pads are classified and sold based on the size of the tank that they are capable of heating.

So, knowing the size in gallons of your current holding tanks is necessary! Hopefully you know this number, or can contact a manufacturer to ask what size your tanks are. But, if you’re like me and don’t know how big your tanks are, this step can feel a bit daunting. 

Most RV holding tanks have their capacities written on the outside, which means that if you aren’t sure of your capacities, the tank should hold the answer! Otherwise, especially for older or less known RV manufacturers, check out some forums or RV experts for more information.

Knowing your tank size is detrimental to purchasing a properly sized tank heater. You don’t want a heater that is far too large (which could overheat your tank) or much too small (which could leave your tank partially frozen).

The weather for your upcoming trips

Camping in the snow or other wintery weather can be a magical experience! However, it is important to be prepared for camping trips such as these. Before you purchase your tank heaters, knowing where you plan on traveling will benefit you.

Are you planning on visiting a location that has forecasted temperatures of around 35 degrees Fahrenheit? You may need to worry a bit less about having holding tank heaters. However, is your forecast looking a bit chillier than that?

If your trip is scheduled during freezing temperatures, tank heating pads could make the difference between a fun experience and a miserable trip. Keeping in mind where you are traveling to and that locale’s winter weather is necessary before you make your final tank heater purchases.

Budget

Your budget for your RV’s tank heaters is important. While there aren’t too many products on the market so your average cost will be almost the same no matter what, there are certain factors that help with saving some funds.

For example, choosing tank heaters that run on DC power rather than AC power are occasionally less expensive. Plus, choosing the right size to fit your tanks could help you save a few bucks when you would otherwise buy a heating pad that’s too large for your rig!

While it does vary depending on the size of your tanks and number of pads needed, the average budget for purchasing RV holding tank heaters ranges from $100-$500. It all depends on how many pads you anticipate needing and what power option you are hoping for, as well as the potential installation fees should you not be installing these yourself.

How many tanks you want heated

There are three primary tanks of liquid found on RVs: your gray water tank, your black water tank, and your fresh water tank. While the locations of these tanks vary, if you plan to camp in cold weather it is recommended that all of these tanks are heated.

While this may not be ideal for your budget, the last thing you need is for any of these tanks to split or crack. However, I know that my fresh water holding tank is located inside the shell of my rig, which means it is no doubt warmed by my own personal heater! I would not need to purchase a fresh water tank heater, at least not right away.

Most black and gray waste water tanks are found underneath your rig and, unless you have an insulated underbelly, you may want to purchase a heating pad for both of these tanks. Some rigs have the black and gray waste gathered into one tank, so that means you would not have to purchase as many pads.

No matter what, a good rule of thumb is this: if you’re planning to heat one tank, you may as well heat them all! If you’re going somewhere cold enough to merit tank heaters, then you best make sure they are all heated properly.

If you want a power switch inside of your RV

While all RV holding tank heaters are designed to sense the inner temperatures of your tanks, they can’t turn on without you! Having a power switch for your tank heaters is a great option for many reasons.

It could be beneficial to have a switch for your tank heaters inside of your RV should you be camping in cold weather. Could you imagine going outside to manually turn on your tank heaters in a freezing winter storm!? Brr!

However, these switches are not always standard, and it may cost a bit extra to get one, especially one with three distinct switches for each tank heater. Plus, a switch may mean a more complicated electrical installation, something you may not want to do yourself.

If you are having your tank heaters installed professionally, a switch may be something you request. If your budget can handle it, a switch for your tank heaters may be the most convenient and ideal option for you!

Installing Tank Heaters

While RV holding tank and pipe heaters require some finesse to install, it is not impossible for the average DIY-er to do! However, since you will need to alter your RV’s electrical system with this installation, it may be something you’d prefer a professional to do.

If you’re up for the task, installing an RV tank heater is easier than you might think! Besides following helpful youtube tutorials, here is an easy guide to installing your new heating pad.

1. 1. Determine where your pad will be installed. Many manufacturers have specific installation instructions for your new heating pad, but most companies suggest installing the heat panel as close to the drain outlet of a holding tank as possible, and with the power wires running towards the outlet.
   2. Clean the exterior of your holding tanks. Wherever the pad adhesive will be touching, make sure you clean. A simple soap and water mix usually does the trick.
   3. Peel away any paper backing from the adhesive. Be careful that the adhesive does not catch on anything, as it is usually very powerful!
   4. Begin pressing the adhesive side of the pad onto your RV holding tank. Begin at one end and slowly press the rest of the pad onto your tank, one end to the other.
   5. Apply an even amount of pressure to all adhesive sections of the pad. This step is important to ensuring an even and secure fit on any and all RV tank heaters.
   6. Attach all electrical elements. While your battery and RV aren’t hooked up to electricity, attach your heating pad’s power wires to your existing power wires. This is the trickiest part of this installation, and do consider seeking professional installation help should you be nervous about this.

Pipe and valve heaters are installed in the same way, though finding your necessary electrical components may be a bit more difficult. However, any RV repair shop should be able to install these for you with little issues, and you may consider this option if you have not done many RV repairs yet yourself.

Maintaining RV Tank Heaters

Your RV tank heaters are easy to maintain, as they are meant to be installed and forgotten. However, you may wish to maintain them in the following ways. Just like every part of RVing, some maintenance is necessary!

• Clean your RV heating pads regularly. The underside of your RV sees a lot of dirt and grime, especially snow in the winter months! These pads are designed to be waterproof, so cleaning them should be a fairly easy task.
• Check your RV heating pad insulation for any wear and tear. This easy maintenance may be something you want to do after every trip, just to ensure no wayward rock or road debris has damaged your heaters.
• Install RV underbelly protection. The best option for long term protection of your RV tank heating pads is to install RV underbelly protection or insulation. A single sheet of corrugated plastic could be all you need to ensure a long life for your heating pads!
• Make sure your electrical connections have no signs of wear and tear. While a bit of electrical tape can work in a pinch, you shouldn’t be taping up your RV heating pad electrical connections. This can be dangerous in the long run, and maintaining your electrical wiring is key to these heaters lasting a while.
• Make sure your heating pads are off during warmer months and when your tanks don’t have liquid present. You don’t want to burn out your heater while you don’t need it, and you certainly don’t want to damage your tanks when there’s no water inside of them!

The Best Tank Heaters for Your RV

Feeling confident about all of this information regarding RV tank heaters? Do you know what sizes your tanks are and how big of a pad you need? Are you planning to install these yourself, or will you be seeking professional installation help?

I’m sure you’ve answered all of these necessary questions, so let’s get down to the list of the best tank heaters for your RV!

Best Overall: Facon 8.0″ x 25″ RV Tank Heater Pad

You’ll see the name Facon a few times on this list. This brand makes reliable and easy-to-install tank heaters, perfect for many different sized tanks. This one, in particular, is ideal for tanks up to 50 gallons in size!

The built-in sensor in the heater will turn “ON” the tank heater as soon as the tank temperature drops to 45°F( + – 5 degrees). The tank heater immediately starts protecting your holding tank from freezing up. When the temperature in the holding tank rises to 68°F( + – 5 degrees), the tank heater will automatically turn “ OFF”.

The pad size of 8.0” x 25” works efficiently on up to 50-gallon holding tanks, whether it be a freshwater tank, grey water tank, or black water tank. A 3mm foam insulation pad with self-adhesive makes this heater easy to install, no extra adhesive required.

Using AC power, this heating pad uses reportedly low amps and heats your tanks efficiently. It can also be purchased in packs of three so that you have ideal cold-weather coverage for all three of your holding tanks!

While this heater takes our best overall slot on this list, it is important to note that the manufacturer doesn’t recommend installing this unit on the same circuit as a pump motor or microwave oven. This heating pad uses AC power, so this may be a complicated scenario to avoid!

You can check out today’s price on Amazon by clicking here. 

 

Best DC Power Option: Facon 12″ x 18″ RV Holding Tank Heater Pad

As I already mentioned, Facon is going to be on this list once or twice! This particular heater pad is also built for 50 gallon holding tanks, but it is made to be installed using your DC or battery power system, not your AC. This may be a more beneficial option for you.

This heating pad passed the US Standard QAI Quality Certification, which means it is a reliable and safe product. Facon also takes full responsibility for their products and customer dissatisfaction, offering a reliable customer service line and a one year warranty on this heater.

Other than that, the specifications on this model are similar to the last product listed, save for the size of the pad and that it runs on DC instead of AC power. If you own a tank that is larger than 50 gallons, you can purchase additional pads that will fully heat your tanks.

The built-in sensor in the heater will turn “ON” the tank heater as soon as the tank temperature drops to 45°F( + – 5 degrees). The tank heater immediately starts protecting your holding tank from freezing up. When the temperature in the holding tank rises to 68°F( + – 5 degrees), the tank heater will automatically turn “ OFF”. Easy as that!

You can learn more and see today’s price on Amazon by clicking here.

 

Best Dual Power Option: JR Products HTH-A Holder Tank Heater

I said that a dual power RV tank heater was rare, not impossible. Check out this heater from JR Products; an innovative, dual tank heater that can keep up with the rest of the dual energy option appliances in your RV!

Protect your fresh water tank or black water tank from freezing with this holding tank heater. This is a simple way to start preparing your RV for the winter season. It is dual voltage ready for 12V or 110V, and is thermostatically controlled at 34 degrees F.

Reportedly using 1 amp while on AC power and 10 amps while on DC power, this heater works wonders for heating your holding tanks. It is designed to fit tanks up to 15 gallons, so it may be a bit small for some of you with larger RVs. Some reviewers also mention having some trouble with the adhesive, applying some after installation to keep is attached.

JR Products is a supplier of RV replacement parts, hardware and accessories. The product line up includes everything from Hardware to Electrical, Plumbing to LP Gas, and so much more. They are a family owned and operated company, which means they care a lot about your customer satisfaction.

You can see the latest price on Amazon by clicking here. 

 

Best Whole Kit with Switches: RV Tank Heater Pad Kit 12V | Includes Toggle Switch and Wire by RecPro

Are you looking to get your entire RV ready for winter, with an all in one kit? Check out this spread by RecPro! It includes 3 pipe elbow pads, 3 tank heater pads up to 50 gallons each, 60 ft of wire for proper installation, and a triple toggle switch!

Both the tank heater pads and the elbow heater pads are specifically designed to insulate and heat your tanks and pipe elbows, respectively. Used by RV owners for years, they provide warmth and water safety down to -11° F, depending on your RV’s design and if the pad was properly installed. 

The tank heater pad measures 12” W by 18” L and the elbow heater pad measures 13” L by 3” W. Both pads are 3.0 mm thick and are rated for a DC connection. The tank heater pad covers fresh, grey, and black water tanks up to 50 gallons and includes a 36” lead wire. The elbow heater pads are to be used with 3” elbow pipes and come with an 18” lead wire.

While the tank heaters have automatic sensors telling them when it is time to turn on and off, the elbow heater pads do not. Because of this, the toggle switch is easy to use and read, with a clearly defined label on it as well as an LED light built into the switch, allowing you to see whether the heater pads are on even in the middle of the night. You should be all set with this kit!

You learn more and see the latest price on Amazon by clicking here. 

 

Best for Large Tanks: UltraHeat 75 Gallon RV Tank Heater

UltraHeat is known as the original and #1 selling anti-freeze protection brand of products for RV and marine holding tanks and drainage systems, first introduced in 1988. This brand has apparently been the RV industry standard to use since 1991. So there’s no doubt in my mind that this large capacity heater will be ideal for many of your needs!

Archived as an “Industry Changing Product” in the RV Hall of Fame back in 2011, this tank heater has been copied but never beaten in performance or longevity. Reportedly, heat panels originally installed back in the early 90’s are still satisfactorily working today, which means you should trust this brand’s reliability.

UltraHeat products use exclusive UltraHeat Technology and are designed and have been used by everyday RVers to effectively perform in temperatures down to and even below -11°F (-23.9°C) depending on your RV’s design and installation modifications or add-ons. It is recommended by seasoned RVers for use in everything from mildly cold weather to the most extreme and unfriendly climates.

All Tank Heater models have a built-in sensor to maintain holding tank fluid contents between 44°F (7°C) and 64°F (18°C) once power is supplied. This particular model is built for tanks up to 75 gallons! Even your largest tank should be heated by this reliable brand.

Check out the latest price on Amazon by clicking here. 

 

Best for Your Pipes: Facon 3″ x 8″ RV Elbow Pipe Heater Pad

Yep, you guessed it. It’s Facon branded heating pads again! This time, they’ve made smaller-sized heaters, built specifically for your RV’s pipes and elbow pipes. These little guys come in a pack of two, a pack of three, or a pack of six, leaving you with plenty of options to fully heat all of your RV’s exposed pipes!

These heating pads measure three inches by 8 inches, small enough to cover any pipe elbows or straight piping. It is ideal for pipes that measure an inch and a half in diameter, but that is a fairly standard unit of RV pipe measurement. They use about half an amp of DC power each, which means you will hardly notice their energy draw.

The main downside of these heaters is that they only really have an on or off mode. However, the low level of heat that they give off will protect your pipes during harsh winter conditions. Since they are not thermostatically controlled, it is important to only use them during cold months.

Read reviews and check the latest price on Amazon by clicking here. 

 

Best on a Budget: RV Holding Tank Heater Pad by H&G Lifestyles

Looking for an RV holding tank heater that won’t break the bank? This two pack of heaters by H&G Lifestyles gives you two for the price of another company’s one! What other perks are there to this heating pad besides a reasonable price tag? Let’s take a look.

H&G Lifestyles heater pads are designed to protect RV water tanks from freezing. This pad provides protection against ambient temperatures down to -20 degrees Fahrenheit while maintaining an inside water temperature well above freezing. Using reliable AC power to do so, this pad has a low amp draw as well.

Built for tanks up to 50 gallons, this two pack should have most of your winter weather needs accounted for. The standard power plugs may be a perk, depending on what you are looking for. However, you may be expecting to install your pads with DC power, so this may not be your best option if that’s the case.

Other than maintaining a reliable temperature inside of your holding tanks, these heaters come with a 2 year warranty. This should protect your purchase and allow your pads to be replaced should anything happen to them. No matter the price or budget, having reliable customer service is important!

You can learn more and check the latest price on Amazon by clicking here. 

Conclusion

Choosing a tank heater that fits your RV is an important part of preparing to camp during inclement weather. If you’re a dedicated cold-weather camper, RV holding tank heaters are great purchases to make. Just turn them on, and enjoy defrosted holding tanks, no matter how cold it gets outside!