tank level sensor cleaning

[bobalpep]

both my gray and black level indicators read 2/3 full when emptied. I suspect sensors are dirty. Thinking of; draining tanks just before a trip, putting a few gallons of water in each with some kind of detergent. The water sloshing around due to the travel movement would clean the sensors. Question is what detergent to use? or perhaps someone has had success with some other cleaning method?
Thanks
Bob

[Herk7769]

The secret of tank cleaning (and it is more than just sensors) is prevention.

The liquid Calgon Water Softener (not fabric softener!) and detergent treatment in each tank WORKS.

Once there is slime on the tank walls only a thorough cleaning with a cleaner made for tank sensors will give you a hope of cleaning the tank walls of conductive slime.

I solved my problems by replacing the button sensors with sensors that have a Teflon collar the does not allow sensor to WALL contact and only will complete the circuit through the liquid.

http://www.forestriverforums.com/for...ion-16089.html

and here is some additional information on gray tank cleaning:

http://www.forestriverforums.com/for...tor-26746.html

[wbdvt]

I have read on this forum that people have put in Calgon detergent. I have also heard on putting in ice cubes prior to traveling with it. This has been talked about on the forum but mainly about sensors in the black water tank.

[Herk7769]

Originally Posted by wbdvt

I have read on this forum that people have put in Calgon detergent. I have also heard on putting in ice cubes prior to traveling with it. This has been talked about on the forum but mainly about sensors in the black water tank.

No, not the detergent; the water softener. And not water softener SALT either!

[BarryD0706]

I think it's a travesty that a quality organization like Forest River hasn't switched to capacitive tank-level sensing. See this: https://tankedge.com/ or this: http://www.rvgauge.com/.
NUWA is/was using the second of these and I was very impressed. The first is available from Camping World.

Everyone wrestles with the old-style sensors. WHY?

[acadianbob]

Originally Posted by BarryD0706

Everyone wrestles with the old-style sensors. WHY?

Because the Japanese haven't started making RVs . . . yet.

[Herk7769]

Originally Posted by BarryD0706

I think it's a travesty that a quality organization like Forest River hasn't switched to capacitive tank-level sensing. See this: https://tankedge.com/ or this: SeeLeveL RV Gauges by Garnet Technologies Inc..
NUWA is/was using the second of these and I was very impressed. The first is available from Camping World.

Everyone wrestles with the old-style sensors. WHY?

Capacitance systems come with their own unique set of problems and are a lot harder to troubleshoot when they go bad. The grass is not always greener.

[TexasBBQ]

Herk,

I'm considering adding camper another project to the list and that's installing those Horst probes. I see in your photo they don't have the internal rubber lip like the button style. Are they help in place by press fit application or do you need to put some pooky on them?

[Herk7769]

Originally Posted by TexasBBQ

Herk,

I'm considering adding camper another project to the list and that's installing those Horst probes. I see in your photo they don't have the internal rubber lip like the button style. Are they help in place by press fit application or do you need to put some pooky on them?

The way the original probe AND the Horst probe works is that hard rubber base squashes down when you tighten the nut on the outside of the tank. They just push into the original holes. When you tighten the nut the black rubber seals the hole.

I pried the old probes out with side cutters as I said in my review.

[Whiteknight]

Another idea: My parents had a '96 TT that was the first one they had with tank sensors and both the black and grey tanks stopped showing empty. I would replace the sensors in the tanks (Didn't know about the Horst probes until now) and they would work for a while but go back to not empty again. I finally installed the "Quickie Flush" on both tanks were they would spray off the sensors, and never had a problem after that. My new V-light had a flusher in the black tank from the factory, but not the grey or galley tanks. I installed one in each before our first trip and have had no problems with any of the three tanks. I have installed a total of 8 on various trailers my parents and I have owned, have not had sensor problems on any of them. Have been very happy with the "Quickie Flush".

[Herk7769]

In the MicroMonitor thread I discuss having to add a flusher for my gray tank.

Grease buildup will eventually coat the walls of the gray tank and connect the probes (even with the Horst probes - took 2 years though) and there is no easy access to the gray tank to add ice cubes, etc.

[BarryD0706]

Originally Posted by herk7769

Capacitance systems come with their own unique set of problems and are a lot harder to troubleshoot when they go bad. The grass is not always greener.

Lou, if you have the time, I'd love to hear more about that "set of problems". Seems to me that occasional troubleshooting complexity would be better than 100% failure across the industry for the old system (except for a few smart folks who have better skills at keeping them clean).

[Herk7769]

Originally Posted by BarryD0706

Lou, if you have the time, I'd love to hear more about that "set of problems". Seems to me that occasional troubleshooting complexity would be better than 100% failure across the industry for the old system (except for a few smart folks who have better skills at keeping them clean).

RV Holding Tank Monitor System | ModMyRV

Has some interesting comments.

Matronics Email Lists :: View topic - Capacitive Fuel Level Sensor - How do they work?

Several more reviews; not all complementary.

The one about his camper catching fire did catch my attention.

As to better than the stock probes? Understanding the system (whichever one you have) and its limitations is critical to being confident about the results. Regular cleaning is required with all these systems to make sure you get accurate readings. As stated in earlier threads, something as simple as "levelness" can have a HUGE impact on sensor probe accuracy.

Just look at the photo of my fresh water tank below. My tank is "FULL" and will take no more water, BUT it is a few degrees nose low. The tank monitor will be showing 2/3 Full (about 1/2 a tank) since the middle sensor is located mid tank. Had the tank been nose high, the tank indicator would read "FULL" even though many more gallons of water could be added.

[BarryD0706]

Lou,
thanks. The "fire" story isn't really related to the sensing system. It was over-current in an aux switch that they will include in their panel to save you some space.

Sure, you can get some failures with anything. A few vs. hundreds IMHO.

After my 5er is out if warranty, I'll be doing this and will have some real-life experience to report.

[Herk7769]

Please do! I did not mean to say they were flawed. Just they are a different way of dealing with the "indication" issue.

Photo document and post in the review section. People really do go there for ideas and "How To" tips (as well as How Not To Do" tips.)

You can find negative reviews on anything on the internet.
Some are baseless; all are useful to some extent.

[jim44646]

When replaceing probes make REAL SURE black tank has a good tilt away from where you are taking old probes out.

[Herk7769]

Originally Posted by jim44646

When replaceing probes make REAL SURE black tank has a good tilt away from where you are taking old probes out.

The review I did was very specific about cleaning out the tanks WELL before you start.