Forum Discussion

Lynnmor's avatar
Lynnmor
Explorer
Mar 29, 2014

Tank Monitor Idea

We all know that the common tank level indicators are totally unreliable. Some higher end class A's have a way to adjust the tank level readings. See this youtube video for information: Adjust
There are some electronics guru's here that might chime in and give some input as to what components would be needed to build a simple trim panel for our cheap systems. It seems to me that if a small amount of resistance were added to a sensor line, to compensate for the increased conductivity of dirty tank walls, the readings could be corrected.

11 Replies

  • Horizon170's avatar
    Horizon170
    Explorer
    Apr 15, 2014
    MEXICOWANDERER wrote:
    Honorable No Maintenance Tank Monitor Kit





    That is nice but it doesn't have the half moon modification in the access panel. :)
    My RV doesn't have a monitoring system and I really don't see a need for one. I know that after 3 days I need to empty the tanks.
  • BFL13's avatar
    BFL13
    Explorer II
    Apr 15, 2014
    After you empty the tank--defined as nothing more comes out--which is not necessarily the same thing as empty-- the monitor says 3/4 full.

    Oops, that must mean there is gunk on the sensors. Ok so you crank your adjustment gizmo to read zero instead of 3/4.

    Now you start filling the tank more every day and what will the monitor say? You just added more gunk that might confuse the sensors. Will it come out right? Who knows? Tune in next week for the exciting conclusion to this drama. :)
  • Lynnmor's avatar
    Lynnmor
    Explorer
    Apr 15, 2014
    Old-Biscuit wrote:
    Way too much time involved in worrying about tank sensors.

    Are you going to constantly 'adjust' resistance based on how clean/dirty probes are?
    And how are you going to measure the amount of clean/dirty?

    Toilet 'burps' time to dump black tank
    Sink/shower starts to drain slower than usual..time to dump grey tank
    On-board pump goes burrrrrrrr and no water from faucet....should have added more water to fresh water tank when dumping holding tanks

    RVng is about FUN!
    :B:B


    My toilet burped, so I ran outside and pulled black handle.

    Then the DW said the water was up to her ankles in the shower, so I ran outside and pulled the gray handle.

    Next thing you know she says the water stopped, so I go outside to find a garden hose, but was met with an angry crowd of people with blue vests.

    Don't think I am welcome at that Walmart anymore.
  • Lynnmor's avatar
    Lynnmor
    Explorer
    Apr 15, 2014
    Well I went ahead and built a "black box" to install in the monitor wiring harness. I now can adjust for the resistance change caused by deposits on the tank walls. By getting the settings back to nominal, the monitor should work correctly for some time to come. For now, it works like new, and if that changes it can be quickly adjusted.

  • Clay_L's avatar
    Clay_L
    Explorer
    Mar 29, 2014
    Harvard wrote:
    Capacitative Tank Level Sensors


    The capacitive types can also be fooled by gunk build up the tank walls.
    That statement is based on personal experience - I have the TrueLevel non contact sensors Winnebago went standard with in 2005 class As. My gray tank reads 1/3 full when empty and my black tank reads full when empty. I have pressure washed the black tank twice and after a few months it reads full again. The guy next site over has another brand and his are reading wrong also.
  • time2roll's avatar
    time2roll
    Nomad
    Mar 29, 2014
    I know it takes a week to fill when conserving. It is only the top (full) indicator that matters and that one consistently works. No worries here.

About Technical Issues

Having RV issues? Connect with others who have been in your shoes.24,260 PostsLatest Activity: Jun 08, 2025