Tank Sensors

[Rich5117]

I hate to ask, have a 2016 33IK have been out for little over a month. Both the gray and bath tank sensors are reading 2/3 full. Never had this issue in our previous Wildcat. Anyone else having problems. We have not moved so I have not had a chance to do a proper cleaning using dish soap and a good drive. I do use a drop in for the gray and bath tanks made for soaps and greases, have used this also in previous Rv. Black tank is good

[Rest and Relax]

I find tank sensors never work properly after the first use.



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[bob caldwell]

X2

[Mark and Linda]

Mine work good sometime and other times I wonder. When the water backs up in the tub, time to dump the gray water....

[wowzer]

Your mad if you put any validity in tank sensors.

[SilverbackMel]

I generally put on a HAZ MAT suit and mask with 6 layer rubber gloves. Go
open the end valve and if sprayed to look like "Linus", pretty much dump time! Leave spewed poop to dry to mark my territory.
Same suit comes in handy when washing the dreaded sewer hose or " brown snake".
Every time this happens, wife says: " told you not to buy an RV". 😄.
One WOULD THINK the mfgr could buy reliable parts! But WHY?! Money is in the aftermarket sales.
My suggestion: non leakable top cap, long "stick" like farmers used on tractors many, many years ago to check the oil. When poop hits the near full line, ut ohhhhh! Honey, I am really into this game. Can you get it this time?! 😘
Worth a shot! ( perhaps a poor choice of words )
My other suggestion, which will NOT BE FOLLOWED, are glass tanks hidden behind view panels; look, see; DUMP 👍.
Ok, enough of this CRAP. Go have a fun day and just leave the caps off! Never a problem.
Another issue resolved! Yes!!

[dieselguy]

Although you apparently had exceptional luck with your Wildcat sensors ... welcome to the real world of stock RV tank sensors. Like the Pirate Code, your sensors are really just guidelines. (Pirates of the Carribean movies) The sensors are just little nodes implanted in the end of your holding tank. If any little thing sticks to them ... they read positive to that level. You'll learn to gauge how long you can go and signs of near full such as the stool burping when near full once you use your fiver for a while. There are accurate alternate sensor systems out there that adhere to the side of your tanks and generally use existing wires. You'll have to drop a couple of belly panels to install.

[VinceU]

Originally Posted by Rest and Relax

I find tank sensors never work properly after the first use.



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Shouldn't be that way. Both tanks will have residue build up on tank walls over time. Get into a habit of cleaning the tanks with chemical or water rinse on a regular basis. They will always work. Forget TP draping 6 inches vertically probe to probe, it ain't happening. The tanks contents even dry cause a circuit probe to probe. If allowed to build up.
Easier to prevent than to clear up. Works for me.

[dieselguy]

VineU ... give us your steps on tank care ... there several thousand of us out here that just don't seem to have the technique down.

[Mr Havercamp]

Even if they're operating perfectly, they suck.

Using a 30 gallon freshwater tank as an example.
If it reads empty you could be empty, or have 9.9 gallons.

9 gallons is enough for a shower and to flush the crapper, empty not so much.

If it reads 1/3 you could have 10 gallons or 19.9 gallons.
If it reads 2/3 you could have 20 gallons or maybe 29?

And that takes for granted they installed the sensors accurately which they never do. Black and gray tanks are even more inaccurate because they never calculate the placement to allow for the sloped bottom of the tank. On a 30 gallon black tank they usually have the 1/3 sensor located so it lights up at about the first flush.


Install this. https://www.garnetinstruments.com/rv-shop/products/
It works every time.

[SilverbackMel]

A couple of processes: dawn detergent and ice on a summer day works "slick".

Spray lube valve rods where possible.

Or as I do:
Valterra Back Flush Valve $42 on Amazon. Gets everything OUT and you have a view cap to see when it runs clear. EZ directions.

Thetford DRAIN VALVE LUBE: $11.39 on Amazon. Designed to lube the internal rod components.

Lastly NEVER leave black tank drain lines OPEN when on site. Seals dry out and sewer smell is not good with dinner!!

Frequency depends on your RV use. It took longer at winterization to ensure all systems were clear before adding anti freeze. I use very little water and anti freeze in the holding tanks.

[Rest and Relax]

Originally Posted by VinceU

Shouldn't be that way. Both tanks will have residue build up on tank walls over time. Get into a habit of cleaning the tanks with chemical or water rinse on a regular basis. They will always work. Forget TP draping 6 inches vertically probe to probe, it ain't happening. The tanks contents even dry cause a circuit probe to probe. If allowed to build up.
Easier to prevent than to clear up. Works for me.

I empty and flush my tanks every weekend and take tank monitors do not work but no a big deal I have never had s--- on my floor yet.


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[bob caldwell]

Buy some lye....let'er rip where you are

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[Oaklevel]

Never had a tank sensor work properly never worried about it ...... Just after the years have a good idea how long the tank takes to fill........ the trailers of our past did not have them............

[VinceU]

Originally Posted by dieselguy

VineU ... give us your steps on tank care ... there several thousand of us out here that just don't seem to have the technique down.

I built my own lance for black and an separately for grey, both have ball valves for local control. Lances were tested on the lawn to provide low volume high velocity jet stream. They will thrust like a jet engine and strike nearby surfaces very hard, just what's needed. Forgotten the orifice size where ideal, maybe 3/32-


The grey tank washer is similar but uses hose to snake down tank vac vent below bath tank in Georgetown.
Both jets must be lowered 1-2 inches at a time and rotate full circle. The key is concentrate in direction of sensors for good scrub.
Of course the level systems are indicators, not gauges i.e.:approx levels, still nice to know "almost empty or full".