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G_and_D's avatar
G_and_D
Explorer
Oct 07, 2013

Holding tank sensors

My tanks are full even after I dump them. I have read comments on the forum where there are sensors you can buy that stay outside the tank. Does anyone have experience with these? What are some good manufactures and costs.

Thanks
  • Cajun Bill wrote:
    having a similar problem with my black tank. Tried leaving the tank about half full when I made a run to try to get the fluid movement to clean/knock loose the sludge/paper, etc., but didn't help. Thinking about hitting the inside with a pressure washer (don't have a wand cuz I have the sewer flusher option). Any downside to that? Other than the obvious, i.e. splashback of unpleasant stuff?


    I did that twice and it worked for a while and then the crud built up again and the readings were wrong again.

    I had to make an L using plumbing parts so the washer could be directed to the tank side.The hole in the cap on the L output has to be really small. Less than 1/8 inch - maybe 1/16.

    By the way I have the non-contact sensor system Winnebago went standard with in 2005. A lot of people say they have no problem with the system. I think us full timers have more crud build up than weekend warriors.
  • having a similar problem with my black tank. Tried leaving the tank about half full when I made a run to try to get the fluid movement to clean/knock loose the sludge/paper, etc., but didn't help. Thinking about hitting the inside with a pressure washer (don't have a wand cuz I have the sewer flusher option). Any downside to that? Other than the obvious, i.e. splashback of unpleasant stuff?
  • I installed a SeeLevel II system to replace the broken OEM system that was in my coach when I bought it in 2008. The installation was pretty easy using the existing tank wiring, and the system has worked flawlessly. The percentage readings are much more accurate than the simple OEM style readings, which can be particularly important when boondocking. I give the black tank a good flush with a tank wand once or twice a year, but tank wall crud buildup has never affected the readings as far as I can tell, although I know it can if it gets thick enough. For me, the SeeLevel system has been a very worthwhile investment.
  • Too much money for other probes...I'm not that concerned with levels

    Toilet 'burps'...time to dump
    Sink/shower starts to drain slower than usual...time to dump

    Water pump goes 'burruppp'.......should have put more water in tank

    If weekending.....dump when leaving
    If boondocking....figure about 5-6 days then find place to dump
    If at FHU CG......who cares

    Haven't even pushed the monitor buttons in at least 6 yrs. and we FT :B
  • Horst Dynamics makes extra long probes that stick into the tank past the slime on the inside of the tank. I put a set in and so far they work. The slime conducts and these probe are supposed to eliminate this.
    Ed
  • After you use your rig for a while you get a good handle on how long it takes to fill the tanks. Generally the grey tanks work pretty good. The black is pretty wacky. I have thought about upgrading sensors but for me far to much work and money for the benefit.
  • I quit looking at the gauges years ago..... The black tank is always wrong but I'm never gonna fill that up in a weekend and the shower, well I just dump it when I think its time or when the wife or kids yell it's backed up.

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