Black Tank Capacity on the Comumbus 340RK

TheRamaraos · 07-16-2015, 11:25 AM

I am hoping to get some help from the forum or Forest River folks who may be monitoring threads on this forum.
We bought a 340RK this past Feb and now are on our first long trip from Dallas to Oregon. I am finding that the black tank fills to 2/3 within 24 hours. We are three of us, using the toilet and public facilities in the RV park and when we are out and about. I really do not believe we are dumping more than 5-8 gallons of waste a day.
Can anyone shed some light as to what the issue may be. The specs show a black tank capacity of 43 gallons.

Thanks,

TURBS · 07-16-2015, 11:27 AM

Don't believe the tank monitors.
Wait till full then dump.
2/3 may be closet to half depending on where they mounted the probe.

We are a family of 5 and didn't fill our 35 gallon black tank in 3 days

TURBS
08 duramax tuned n modded
2011 32bhok Sabre
2015 camping "11 nights"

donanddona · 07-16-2015, 01:39 PM

The only sure way is to measure. After a good flushing, get a bucket and fill it to the brim. Then dump again.... We use lots of "Wet Ones" (Walmart) to conserve water...

TURBS · 07-16-2015, 01:40 PM

Problem is you definitely want to use the maximum amount of water allowing you to get thru your stay.

TURBS
08 duramax tuned n modded
2011 32bhok Sabre
2015 camping "11 nights"

VinceU · 07-16-2015, 02:16 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by TheRamaraos

I am hoping to get some help from the forum or Forest River folks who may be monitoring threads on this forum.
We bought a 340RK this past Feb and now are on our first long trip from Dallas to Oregon. I am finding that the black tank fills to 2/3 within 24 hours. We are three of us, using the toilet and public facilities in the RV park and when we are out and about. I really do not believe we are dumping more than 5-8 gallons of waste a day.
Can anyone shed some light as to what the issue may be. The specs show a black tank capacity of 43 gallons.

Thanks,

Two things can happen:
1. Probes are mounted low and indicate as such. Where 1/2 tank shows on the 2/3 probe. Common, I've had it in two units.

2. M/T and flush the tank. Calibrate a 5 gallon bucket for 4 gallons and add 11 buckets or less and fill till level reaches toilet base. That's your true capacity, - a gallon or two for margin. While filling check your level lights and note the gallons at each level. The tank may be less than advertised size, no surprise.

Dmitchem · 07-17-2015, 05:49 PM

We also have. 340 and are able to go for a week to 10 days using sparingly. Normal 3 day weekend will be 1/4 to 1/3 full but the 2/e light will be on. 2/3 light comes on at less than half tank. As mentioned empty and fill measuring and checking when sensor light comes on.

MacDR · 07-21-2015, 07:16 PM

I also have the 340RK I have never filled the black tank after a week of 3 people use.. We use a lot of water during the flush and never believe the sensors.. The kitchen gray water sensors are also a bit wonky.

Columbus 340RK
43 days Camping 2014 'Winterized'

Don and Elaine · 07-21-2015, 07:55 PM

Another thought, there might be and probably is, semi digested tissue or other waste debris on the sensors inside the tank. The only way to remedy the situation is to fill the tank approximately halfway and drive, hopefully the swishing around in the tank as you drive will clean off the sensors. It has worked for me and I added a bucket of ice cubes also. I did see where a test was done and the cubes didn't work but it did for me!

jtownstumpjumper · 07-21-2015, 08:17 PM

X2 on the ice cubes...always dump all extra ice in as we get ready to leave for home.

TheRamaraos · 07-23-2015, 12:06 AM

Thanks to all of you. I notice now that the tank lights at 1/3 when used about 5 times and then goes to 2/3 in a day, staying at 2/3 for a full four days. I am not sure about the sensors and toilet paper getting stuck as it shows empty, goes to 1/3 and to 2/3. Best advise you all gave me is to learn how it behaves and that is what I did.

Sorry for the late response. We were at an RV park in Diamond Lake with not wifi and internet access the past 6 days.

bobfa · 07-23-2015, 09:37 PM

340rk- ours behaves the same. Can easily go 5 days. If its really full ours will burp and smells a little telling its time to dump.

TheRamaraos · 07-24-2015, 12:48 PM

Thanks bobfa. Learning process for us.

hilitephoto · 08-01-2015, 09:36 AM

Same with my '16 320

Pirates55 · 08-05-2015, 03:28 PM

Mine will sit at 2/3 full for several days. We are a family of 4 and I'm the only male in the trailer. I just let it go until its really full then dump. I only dumped 2 times during our 10 day stay in Myrtle beach this summer.

TheRamaraos · 08-16-2015, 09:27 AM

Respected Forum Members,

I really do want to say thanks for all the help regarding our first long RV experience and the issues we had to deal with. After 38 days on the road, we returned home this Friday. I must admit that the entire experience was just fantastic and we enjoyed every minute of our trip to Oregon from Dallas.

the wifi in all the parks was quite unreliable, and hence the delay in getting back to you. I did learn how to deal with the black tank and dumped every 4 days. This seemed optimal for the three adults that used the facility. The one thing I do need to find out about is the spillage into the exit pipe after travel even when the valve is closed during travel. What causes this?

I need to also replace the dual USB chargers on the phone docking unit. Could not get this to work.

Thanks again. We are looking forward to gaining more experience during our upcoming trips.

VinceU · 08-16-2015, 03:04 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by TheRamaraos

Respected Forum Members,

I really do want to say thanks for all the help regarding our first long RV experience and the issues we had to deal with. After 38 days on the road, we returned home this Friday. I must admit that the entire experience was just fantastic and we enjoyed every minute of our trip to Oregon from Dallas.

the wifi in all the parks was quite unreliable, and hence the delay in getting back to you. I did learn how to deal with the black tank and dumped every 4 days. This seemed optimal for the three adults that used the facility. The one thing I do need to find out about is the spillage into the exit pipe after travel even when the valve is closed during travel. What causes this?

I need to also replace the dual USB chargers on the phone docking unit. Could not get this to work.

Thanks again. We are looking forward to gaining more experience during our upcoming trips.

The leaking by is from a dump valve either black or grey based on color or odor. Sometimes the valve blade cannot close due debris in groove or needs to be changed out. They costs less than $10, rinse tank before removing. The pipe will be dry when valves are correct and cap is removed.

glraz · 08-17-2015, 04:52 PM

I was told by the dealer that Forest River said that is normal operation for dump valves to leak a little while traveling. I don't agree but need to find the correct time to fight that battle. I guess if I have to will contact Forest River direct.

Pirates55 · 08-17-2015, 05:10 PM

I would contact the factory. I was told by my dealer that my front gray tank had a check valve that allows it to leak. I had to call the factory and then the factory called my dealer to tell them they were wrong and how to fix the problem.

There are some really bad dealers out there these days.

TheRamaraos · 08-17-2015, 05:33 PM

Thanks Pirates55. I have not dealt with the factory or dealer yet. Dealer and I are in touch to discuss the various things that need attention. All minor except for the leak from the black tank valve. Should take care of it. They have dealt with me nicely and well in the past six months.

You may also like: