Black tank Question

[twam911]

Hi, Im a newbie to owning a TT 2003 Salem 31bhss. I bought this from a couple in November and asked if they drained tanks and winterized it. They said they had but I still went and put RV antifreeze in sinks shower and toilet (2.5 gals).
When I got back later to tarp the RV we noticed that the Dump pipe (permanet) was almost level. We turned on power and it said the blk tank was about 2/3 full. I attempted to open the valve and it would not move. I banged on bottom of tank and it was pretty hard. So Im concerned I may have a problem there.
Any thoughts?
Located in Iowa/
Mike

[RandK-M]

First thing is that you can rarely rely on the tank gauges to be accurate, especially if they have the stock probes. They often reed 2/3 full or more when empty without a good flushing. For the black tank, if it's a straight drop to the tank, you can look down the toilet opening and see how much is in there, if anything. Is it cold where you are? The valve could be frozen.

Ray

[Chuck_S]

Only necessary to drain tanks to winterize them.

I've never used more than a gallon of RV antifreeze to winterize my whole trailer, just enough for the water pump and drains. I can't imagine where 2.5 gallons could be used. Water in the plumbing gets blown out. Dry pipes won't freeze. Open top tanks can freeze like the ice cubes in your refrigerator.

Not sure what a "Dump pipe (permanet)" (sic) might be.

-- Chuck

[twam911]

Originally Posted by RandK-M

First thing is that you can rarely rely on the tank gauges to be accurate, especially if they have the stock probes. They often reed 2/3 full or more when empty without a good flushing. For the black tank, if it's a straight drop to the tank, you can look down the toilet opening and see how much is in there, if anything. Is it cold where you are? The valve could be frozen.

Ray

Ray,
I am in Iowa gets -5 to 30 in the winter. I bought camper after it got below freezing so Im hoping the handle is just froze up. I hope nothing was in the tank so it doesnt get damaged. In spring it will get a good cleaning.

[twam911]

Originally Posted by Chuck_S

Only necessary to drain tanks to winterize them.

I've never used more than a gallon of RV antifreeze to winterize my whole trailer, just enough for the water pump and drains. I can't imagine where 2.5 gallons could be used. Water in the plumbing gets blown out. Dry pipes won't freeze. Open top tanks can freeze like the ice cubes in your refrigerator.

Not sure what a "Dump pipe (permanet)" (sic) might be.

-- Chuck

Chuck, I bought the camper after our temps went below freezing and was told they winterized it. I have no clue if the lines were blown out. All faucets were left open.
Each campsite has a dump pipe so the camper has PVC dump pipe. This is on a year round campsite that I lease. I dont plan on moving from the campsite.
Mike