Black & Grey Water Tank Heaters Axis 24.1

[SailingVehicle]

We are in the cold now and concerned about the grey and black water tanks freezing. I notice on the fluid monitor panel by the entry door there are 2 switches: one for the grey water tank heater and the other for the black water tank heater. They give me thought that there may be heaters in them. If there are, I cannot find information in the Owner's Manual. If there are, is there a minimum amount of fluid that should be in each tank before I turn the heaters on?

Thanks

[Oneilkeys]

Just because you have the switches does not necessarily mean that the heaters are installed. In my Vegas, I had them. In my Axis I do not, but I still have the two switches. Look under the black tank on the driver's side and see if the heating pads and wires are attached. If you do have them, I do not believe that there is a minimum amount if water that needs to be in them, but I would make sure that there was some water in them before I turned them on.

[tigwelder]

my 2016 axis rolled off line on 9-10-15 and has the heaters on tanks.

[Oneilkeys]

Actually, the date does not make a difference. The heaters are add on items and it depends which add ones the dealer asked for or Thor put on. My 2016 came without the outside TV or the heaters. I did not want either.

[samven]

The heaters are black pads that should be stuck on the bottom of the tanks. Notice I said should as most of the time they are peeling off. But they have thermistors in them so that they will shut off if the temps go above a set point. I had the pads and switches on mine but they never worked until I traced the wires and found that they never connected the wires to the switches behind the control panel. I thought they had forgotten to run them because I could not find them anywhere. Finally with and inspection mirror and flashlight I found them coiled up in a void next to the panel. After help from the good people here as to what colour went were I got them connected and they started working. One more project complete on my new DIY RV kit.

[Oneilkeys]

"DIY RV kit", I love it. That's it exactly!

[Mo_Mike]

Does THOR give merit badges for each project you complete?😎

[samven]

I dont know about merit badges but I would really like to be reimbursed the warranty rate just for the problems I had to refix after the dealer fixed them. My dealer is real nice but the last time I was in I just asked the mechanic to throw the parts in the RV and write it up as done, At least that way I did not have to undo the fix before I redid it.

[SuperD]

Originally Posted by samven

I dont know about merit badges but I would really like to be reimbursed the warranty rate just for the problems I had to refix after the dealer fixed them. My dealer is real nice but the last time I was in I just asked the mechanic to throw the parts in the RV and write it up as done, At least that way I did not have to undo the fix before I redid it.

I like the idea of getting the parts and doing it yourself!!! Lol

[Oneilkeys]

I wish Thor would just give me the parts. I took my Axis in for three warranty items. They managed to replace the LED strip under the headlight. They destroyed the replacement awning by dragging it across the tarmack before trying to install it and had to order another. When I tried to leave I realized that after replacement of the radio, I now had no backup or side cameras. The had put the new radio in, but neglected to hook it up. Wonderful.

[Calsea]

The right grey tank is showing full, the left empty. However water is not draining. Is there something I need to do to switch tanks?

[gmc]

Originally Posted by Calsea

The right grey tank is showing full, the left empty. However water is not draining. Is there something I need to do to switch tanks?

Letting us know you specific coach can help us help you... Things like an extra dump valve, etc are unique to specific coaches.

Typically the separate dump tanks are plumbed to different fixtures... so no switching of tanks...
The gauges are notoriously bad - often read at least partially full when empty.
If the tank is on the far side from the dump hookup - look for that extra dump valve near the tank (allows keeping the under rv dump line empty in colder weather...)

[steve76]

Originally Posted by gmc

Letting us know you specific coach can help us help you... Things like an extra dump valve, etc are unique to specific coaches.

Typically the separate dump tanks are plumbed to different fixtures... so no switching of tanks...
The gauges are notoriously bad - often read at least partially full when empty.
If the tank is on the far side from the dump hookup - look for that extra dump valve near the tank (allows keeping the under rv dump line empty in colder weather...)

Is it recommended to keep the dump valve on the far side from the dump port open or closed when stored? The valve right under the tank in my class C.?

[gmc]

Originally Posted by steve76

Is it recommended to keep the dump valve on the far side from the dump port open or closed when stored? The valve right under the tank in my class C.?

I don't have that setup - but would be inclined to say keep it closed - and therefore the line under the RV empty...
Would certainly be the case for winter storage in colder climate.... and I wouldn't want to have to hook up to a sewer just to drain that section if I didn't get out camping again before winterization...

[Calsea]

Originally Posted by gmc

Letting us know you specific coach can help us help you... Things like an extra dump valve, etc are unique to specific coaches.

Typically the separate dump tanks are plumbed to different fixtures... so no switching of tanks...
The gauges are notoriously bad - often read at least partially full when empty.
If the tank is on the far side from the dump hookup - look for that extra dump valve near the tank (allows keeping the under rv dump line empty in colder weather...)

Yes of course it would help.. It help too if I actually knew what I was doing. I think it is a just plug sink drain. Thank you for your reply. Going to dump station tomorrow for first time. Armed with instructions, videos and help from a fellow camper if need be. Wish me luck!

[Calsea]

Originally Posted by steve76

Is it recommended to keep the dump valve on the far side from the dump port open or closed when stored? The valve right under the tank in my class C.?

Thanks Steve foe the reply!