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Old 08-02-2016, 08:59 PM   #1
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Holding tank level monitors

I'm posting this for a recently retired friend and former coworker. He bought a Crusader 295rst 5th wheel. The black and grey tank level monitors do not work at all. There is also a galley tank, this one works, but registers as the tub/shower grey water tank. The dealer (Dixie RV) wants to charge him $138 to check it. The unit is just 3 months old and he says it has never worked. I am trying to fix it for him to save the 80 mile trip and paying the dealer for what should be a warranty issue.
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Old 08-02-2016, 09:04 PM   #2
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Holding tank level monitors

I don't even look at the monitors they are never accurate.
I'd suggest they just learn to know when they need to dump.
I've had many rv's and none of them worked half the time accurately.

I've heard and read if they "really" want to use the tank monitors are to get Horst probes.

Even if i had accurate gauges I'd still not use them, years of "knowing" when it's time is best for me.


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Old 08-03-2016, 04:35 AM   #3
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Do a search for a cleaning black tank called Geo Method. This worked for me.
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Old 08-03-2016, 04:52 AM   #4
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Quote:
Originally Posted by gtacosta View Post
I'm posting this for a recently retired friend and former coworker. He bought a Crusader 295rst 5th wheel. The black and grey tank level monitors do not work at all. There is also a galley tank, this one works, but registers as the tub/shower grey water tank. The dealer (Dixie RV) wants to charge him $138 to check it. The unit is just 3 months old and he says it has never worked. I am trying to fix it for him to save the 80 mile trip and paying the dealer for what should be a warranty issue.
Is this a brand new trailer?
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Old 08-03-2016, 05:03 AM   #5
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If it is under warranty I would get it fixed........ but I rarely if ever look at the tank monitors. Our first three RVs did not have them.

Just curious which Dixie RV ?? There are several.


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Old 08-03-2016, 06:54 AM   #6
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I have a 16 Crusader 294...monitors worked the first couple trips but the last couple trips its been sporadic. Even with really well cleaned tanks and different methods. Same issue galley tank is shower/bathroom sink. I, like others above rarely check, it's just 2 of us and I have a pretty good idea at this point when the time comes...and if I screw it up I have a portable tank...also like above if under warranties then it's on the dealer...good luck...
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Old 08-03-2016, 01:11 PM   #7
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In our experience the only things more unreliable than tank monitors are politicians. Best to learn how to gauge the tank levels independent of the monitors. Good luck!
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Old 08-03-2016, 01:28 PM   #8
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As someone else mentioned, check out the geo method. I've starting using that before every trip and add 2-4 gallons of water and then empty it before we leave the CG and so far my indicators for my black tank have been pretty close. Before we leave the CG I run the blank tank flush, empty, it, run it again, and let it fill all the way up, then drain it again. Then if I know we're doing another trip, I'll do the geo method with 2-4 gallons of water on the way home from the CG and let it slosh around
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Old 08-03-2016, 01:36 PM   #9
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My grey tank gauge is inaccurate. I know it's full when the water won't go down the kitchen sink drain. I carry a blue tote in case I don't have full hook ups. The black tank is usually pretty accurate. When we have full hook ups we tend to fill the grey fast because of showers. When we have water/electric only we do tend to be a little more water stingy.

My camper has the heated underbelly so I can't see the tanks without removing that.
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Old 08-03-2016, 03:09 PM   #10
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If they don't work at all, I would check the connections behind the panel. If those connections appear to be fine, I'd take it to the dealer for warranty work, because it is either at the tank, or a break/disconnect somewhere else.

Which Dixie RV is going to charge him to even look at it?

It is amazing how many people respond to these without even reading the entire post.
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Old 08-03-2016, 03:32 PM   #11
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If the unit is only 3 months old, there should be NO CHARGE from the dealer to look at it.
I suggest he find another dealer.

I realize you are trying to help a fellow camper but I too agree.. those level indicators (even when you think they are working) are useless.
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Old 08-03-2016, 04:14 PM   #12
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We had the fresh water indicator quit. I checked behind the panel and everything was ok. I crawled under the trailer to check the module that connects to the tank probes. (Actually a resistor network). What I found was 3 bare wires and no module. Apparently the bright red color attracted a ground squirrel and he took it home with him. Found replacement online and bought a couple of spares.
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Old 08-03-2016, 06:48 PM   #13
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Is the camper new (3 months old) or a used new to them (3 months old) unit ? .... not really clear as to the year in the OPs original post .


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Old 08-03-2016, 06:59 PM   #14
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tank monitors

Black tank flush, again and again and again until it reads empty. I had no idea how many lumps get left behind until I had a black tank flush. Will never be without one now. Grey tanks are infamous for clogging and of course there is no tank flush, which there should be. Mine was stuck on one third for weeks and suddenly it read empty. Grey not as critical tho, cause it probably is a piece of food or soap scum. Very different with black tank as it is usually a turd. Nice to get rid of those little devils.
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Old 08-24-2016, 10:13 PM   #15
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Checkout installing an iSeries tank monitoring system. It uses copper foil tape on the outside of the tanks. I've used these on 3 campers now and they are accurate 99% of the time. They also show 1% increments. Cost is around $300 plus your time to install and does require running new wires, but definitely worth it. I also hear Sealevel is an similar system that works well.
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Old 08-25-2016, 06:56 PM   #16
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Best to clean tanks seems to be household dish washer liquid . Put a half tank water in a cup of dish wash in go drive to next stop drain it. Dish soap will clean the probes.
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