Tank gauges

[Jpheifer]

These tanks are completely clean and empty - I can never get the gauge to go down to E always reads 1/3 - anybody else’s do the same ? Looking for a solution or a reason to stop trying to get this to change - thoughts please from Anyone with experience!

[TitanMike]

Originally Posted by Jpheifer

Attachment 224035

Attachment 224036


These tanks are completely clean and empty - I can never get the gauge to go down to E always reads 1/3 - anybody else’s do the same ? Looking for a solution or a reason to stop trying to get this to change - thoughts please from Anyone with experience!

Hate to say it but I think everyone here has had experience with this issue and it's pretty much normal for the standard OEM gauges.

All it takes to light these lights is for water/moisture in the tank to bridge the gap between the common (bottom) sensor and the next one up the line.

Your tanks may be clean and empty but I don't think they are DRY. Wait until the moisture drys on the walls of the tank and they'll show empty.

Most of us just ignore and kind of get a feel for when it's necessary to dump (or have water back up in shower; just look down through the open valve in the toilet with water turned off). Some invest in more expensive gauge systems that use sensors on the outside of the tank.

[bclemens]

This is still the BEST video to demonstrate this.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DXdZgFLO4hY

We started using these probes for a rental account when I was at Sunseeker. We were going to make them standard across the board but Mr. Horst could not meet the demand, so I think we sent this to Valterra and they bought the company, he retired.

[SeaDog]

that is a great video.

[hhl]

My tank 1/3 level probes are located at bottom on side of the tank.
Located left and right hand corner driver side of the tank. Isata 3
After a few trips my 1/3 level does not turn off. I use water wand and rinse inside the tank both inside corners for a few seconds.
This works for me.

[Jpheifer]

Originally Posted by TitanMike

Hate to say it but I think everyone here has had experience with this issue and it's pretty much normal for the standard OEM gauges.



All it takes to light these lights is for water/moisture in the tank to bridge the gap between the common (bottom) sensor and the next one up the line.



Your tanks may be clean and empty but I don't think they are DRY. Wait until the moisture drys on the walls of the tank and they'll show empty.



Most of us just ignore and kind of get a feel for when it's necessary to dump (or have water back up in shower; just look down through the open valve in the toilet with water turned off). Some invest in more expensive gauge systems that use sensors on the outside of the tank.

Thank you that is about where I am at - not going to continue pissing up a rope - if it’s normal I am good with it - thanks everyone for the input

[Doppleganger]

...the more you know! I'm thinking about replacing my probes before we even put anything in the tanks.

[Jpheifer]

Originally Posted by bclemens

This is still the BEST video to demonstrate this.

We started using these probes for a rental account when I was at Sunseeker. We were going to make them standard across the board but Mr. Horst could not meet the demand, so I think we sent this to Valterra and they bought the company, he retired.

Thank you BC - most helpful - I’m good now and appreciate the great video-

[houstonstroker]

I installed those probes in my rig and no more false readings.

[Jpheifer]

Originally Posted by houstonstroker

I installed those probes in my rig and no more false readings.

Are they hard to install - and where did you get them - they dynamax?

[Jpheifer]

Originally Posted by Jpheifer

Orders the get water set from amazon - we’ll see how they go!

Perhaps should have looked before spellcheck hacked that to bits :
Ordered the grey water set from amazon - we’ll see how it goes!

[halla]

I am adding external tank strips with bluetooth monitoring over the next month or so. We shall see if that helps or not.

[houstonstroker]

Originally Posted by Jpheifer

Are they hard to install - and where did you get them - they dynamax?

Amazon, easy to install.

[Barch]

Originally Posted by houstonstroker

Amazon, easy to install.

LINK ?

[Jpheifer]

Originally Posted by Barch

LINK ?

Valterra T21302VP Horst Miracle Probe - Gray Water Tanks, Pack of 4 https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0136USMXW..._qfpwEbBW3NWYC

[itat]

The hardest part will be getting to the probes if you have the coroplast underbelly cover. I think Horst used to sell them in a set of 3 probes - black/grey/water.

[rskeans]

I also had a problem with false readings. Problem was solved by adding 1 cup of Dawn liquid soap to the black tank before a trip. Added about 5 gallons of water and let it slosh around while traveling. Next time tanks were flushed they all read empty! It was a cheap and easy solution to an aggravating problem.

[itat]

Here is a good video of installing the Horst Probes now sold under the Valterra brand name.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iABA43tHVXI

[itat]

Jpheifer, the Horst/Valterra probes will be the simplest probe replacement solution. If you want more precise gauges, you can look at the SeeLevel II system. The SeeLevel system gives readings in percentages rather than just Empty, 1/3, 2/3 and Full, but its more work to install.

Ray from Love Your RV on YouTube has a series of 3 videos where he does an unboxing, installation and review of the SeeLevel system. Here's a link to the first video.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=V4ANyMbEWok

If you decide to buy either system, make sure you have a look at what your trailer has now so you know how many probes are on each tank and how deep in tank is.

Before you buy any of these probes, look into the "Geo Method" for treating your grey and black tanks. I also use RV Digest-It Holding Tank Treatment

[bclemens]

I've used the sea level system prior to the Horst probes. For an individual, it is likely fine. Our issue was too much interference. They cannot be to close to each other, to metal and they're not potted (at least they weren't) so you can't really get them wet. I've heard good things...but for the money, we did not get the reliability that we wanted. Full disclosure, this was on rentals and over 5 years ago.