Forum Discussion

mcoley's avatar
mcoley
Explorer
Apr 04, 2014

Tank level indicators

Just used our '07 Antiqua for the 2nd time since we bought it last Oct. Folks on this site have been great at helping me resolve issues. Now I want to know what may be common problems with LED type tank level indicators. I have three: grey, black and fresh. So far I have only used the grey and black. It seems like the black may be working since I can believe that having two LEDs lighted seemed proportional to how much waist I dumped. Note that I use a Flush King to back flush the tank. The grey water tank was nearly full but displayed only the first LED as it does when empty. Can these indicators ever be relied upon? If so, what are common problems that I can look for?
  • Oasisbob's avatar
    Oasisbob
    Explorer
    Apr 04, 2014
    I use flush King as well. Great invention. Still my guages lie like politicians. After nine years of camping with this HTT I still wonder if my geay and black sensors are crossed.
  • bikendan's avatar
    bikendan
    Explorer
    Apr 04, 2014
    mcoley wrote:
    Can these indicators ever be relied upon?


    NO!!

    a quick search on any RV forum, about the OEM sensors, would give you months of reading about how nearly useless they are.
    many install aftermarket ones, like Horst Probes, for better accuracy.

    many of us simply shine a light down the toilet, for better info.:W
  • Padlin's avatar
    Padlin
    Explorer
    Apr 04, 2014
    I've never had problems with the grey or fresh, just the black. The black can read 2/3 or full at any time and any level, I've gotten used to how long we can go before worrying about how full it is. As that point I do like Dan mentions and use a flashlight.
    Your grey issue sounds like a bad sensor or wiring. Although I've tried, I've never been able to figure out how they work so I'm no help fixing it.
  • Campfire_Time's avatar
    Campfire_Time
    Explorer
    Apr 04, 2014
    These are like the idiot lights in your vehicle. They are just a guide. Don't rely on them, but don't ignore them.
  • glsimms's avatar
    glsimms
    Explorer
    Apr 04, 2014
    I installed the Horst probes during this off-season.

    Can't wait to see how accurate thay are!!
  • Old-Biscuit's avatar
    Old-Biscuit
    Explorer III
    Apr 04, 2014
    Those 'sensors' are just a metal probe stuck thru the side of the tanks.
    4 probes......
    1 ground (down low)
    1 for 1/3 level (down low same level as ground probe)
    1 for 2/3 level
    1 for full

    They work off conductivity.
    When 'wet' a circuit is made between the level probe and ground probe

    ANYTHING on them (Stuff, toilet paper, scum etc.) will cause them to register.

    You can buy probe cleaners, you can back flush until blue in face, you can use the GEO Method......you can end up pulling your hair out.

    K.I.S.S.
    When toilet 'burps'........time to dump black tank
    When a sink or the shower starts to drain slower then usual...time to dump grey.
  • Jerry9n's avatar
    Jerry9n
    Explorer
    Apr 04, 2014
    I put in the Horst probes and they have performed perfectly. But, when I did that, I found out the company that built the trailer (now defunct) did a rotten job of placing the probes. I put up an earlier post with a wiring diagram that may be helpful.

    Clicky
  • Chuck_S's avatar
    Chuck_S
    Explorer
    Apr 04, 2014
    Horst probes in mine the past 6 or 7 seasons. They occasionally show a fuller black tank than is the actual level but they rinse well.

    The diagram above is how they're wired. I just replaced the probes one at at time so there was no doubt what wire went to what probe. I needed a thin wrench to get the nuts off. Just ground down a cheap open end wrench to squeeze in.

    -- Chuck
  • llowllms's avatar
    llowllms
    Explorer
    Apr 05, 2014
    Chuck_S wrote:
    Horst probes in mine the past 6 or 7 seasons. They occasionally show a fuller black tank than is the actual level but they rinse well.

    The diagram above is how they're wired. I just replaced the probes one at at time so there was no doubt what wire went to what probe. I needed a thin wrench to get the nuts off. Just ground down a cheap open end wrench to squeeze in.

    -- Chuck


    Chuck has the solution. I installed the babies five years ago and the have done an excellent job. In fact, I'm putting in a set for a camping buddy of mine this May. By the way, they are not that expensive either.

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