Tank Level Sensors

newbold1 · 08-03-2014, 08:06 PM

After all the years... isn't it crazy that no manufacturer has come up with a reliable sensor for measuring the level of the grey and black tanks. I don't know anyone that trusts the readings. My tank will read full right after being emptied, then a little later it will say 1/3, maybe empty, who knows. It's all over the place.

I've tried the ice cubes in the black tank trick while traveling down the road to clean out the tank. But, that still hasn't made mine read any better.

I've heard of various replacement sensors. I've also heard that they all pretty much stop working as well. At this point, I am used to my tanks and just know how much they can handle before I need to dump. I don't need the gauges to tell me. But, it would be nice if they were usable. Oh well...

glsimms · 08-03-2014, 08:42 PM

I had a set of Horst Miracle Probes installed and problem(s) solved....

http://horstmiracleprobes.com/how.php

Tunce the traveler · 08-03-2014, 10:53 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by glsimms

I had a set of Horst Miracle Probes installed and problem(s) solved....

http://horstmiracleprobes.com/how.php

Sounds like the answer I'm looking for but how hard are they to install and do I have to drop the tank?

tnchuck100 · 08-04-2014, 04:45 AM

If you want something that is accurate this does the job. I have installed this system in my last two campers.

http://www.rvgauge.com/rv.htm

Seann45 · 08-04-2014, 06:43 AM

I installed a black tank flusher this spring (Camping world $39.00 install special) and after using the flusher once the probes started working properly again... Now I am doing my happy camper dance..

edatlanta · 08-05-2014, 04:48 AM

I gave up on chasing a solution to the probe issue. After 4 years of full time I know when the tanks are getting full - no probes necessary. The black tank is easy. After a couple of weeks it will be getting close. When it burps it is definitely full.

Camper_bob · 08-05-2014, 08:12 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by edatlanta

I gave up on chasing a solution to the probe issue. After 4 years of full time I know when the tanks are getting full - no probes necessary. The black tank is easy. After a couple of weeks it will be getting close. When it burps it is definitely full.

Sorry, this is probably a n00b type question, but what is this "burp" you speak of? I think I know what you mean, but as I haven't experienced it, I'm not entirely certain. Since it's just me and DW and our longest trip has been 3 nights, I'm always filling the black tank with water to get it full enough to dump. That is to say, we've never filled it "naturally", for lack of a better term.

edatlanta · 08-06-2014, 04:50 AM

If the black tank is completely full and you try to send more into it, as the liquid starts to fall out of the potty an air bubble will form. It actually looks like the bank is burping, but what you see is the air coming out of the tank as the liquid is starting to go in. Looks sort of like a burp I guess. It definitely means "drain me now".

Clayton4971 · 08-06-2014, 05:51 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by edatlanta

If the black tank is completely full and you try to send more into it, as the liquid starts to fall out of the potty an air bubble will form. It actually looks like the bank is burping, but what you see is the air coming out of the tank as the liquid is starting to go in. Looks sort of like a burp I guess. It definitely means "drain me now".

We live in our unit three to four months a year and use the same method .i think what really happens is the level reaches the vent pipe and it can't breathe so you get the burp

Camper_bob · 08-06-2014, 07:38 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by edatlanta

If the black tank is completely full and you try to send more into it, as the liquid starts to fall out of the potty an air bubble will form. It actually looks like the bank is burping, but what you see is the air coming out of the tank as the liquid is starting to go in. Looks sort of like a burp I guess. It definitely means "drain me now".

Quote:

Originally Posted by Clayton4971

We live in our unit three to four months a year and use the same method .i think what really happens is the level reaches the vent pipe and it can't breathe so you get the burp

Yeah, that's about what I figured. I guess I'm glad I've never had the occasion to observe the "burp", it doesn't sound pleasant...

edatlanta · 08-07-2014, 04:37 AM

Mine only burps once and I drain it. No problem here and again I just don't worry about the tank sensors. Tired of fighting them.

4 year full time anniversary in 3 days.

Fawcett · 08-07-2014, 08:40 PM

Mmmmmhmmmmm buuuurp!
Gross I've seen it too 9 gallon black tank has us stretching the limits for sure

newbold1 · 08-12-2014, 11:10 AM

I too gave up on the sensors. Since I am still under my warranty period and because the underbelly of my RV is fully enclosed I haven't wanted to mess with replacement sensors. If there are better ones out there I just wish that the RV manufacturers would install those vs. what we get.

It's nothing I am going to spend any time or money on. Just a gripe that they all seem to be universally unreliable. At least the ones you get by default when buying the RV.

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