Foretravel Motorhome Forums => Foretravel Tech Talk => Topic started by: NubianNomads on May 03, 2018, 11:59:23 pm
Title: Tank Monitors
Post by: NubianNomads on May 03, 2018, 11:59:23 pm
When we bought our 1990 GV U225 a year ago the monitors did not work. We hired an RV mechanic to help us to no avail. We installed a new back-up camera and they hooked up the leads for the monitors but again, no luck. It looks like a sealevel would work if the leads work but in our case, no dice. Has any ever used an external only system? I found the Gobius online and although it is twice the price of the sealevel system, it appears to be very simple to install. As always, your feedback is much appreciated.
Amazon.com : Osculati GOBIUS Waste Water Tank Level x4 sensors measuring... (https://www.amazon.com/Osculati-GOBIUS-sensors-measuring-system/dp/B00OJH657M/ref=cm_wl_huc_item)
Leigh
Title: Re: Tank Monitors
Post by: Jeff & Sandy on May 04, 2018, 06:52:14 am
We've been pleased with our SeeLevel system. Seem like a better value.
Title: Re: Tank Monitors
Post by: floridarandy on May 04, 2018, 07:50:39 am
+1 SeeLevel
Title: Re: Tank Monitors
Post by: craneman on May 04, 2018, 08:14:21 am
SeeLevel is also an external system, I will be installing one in the near future.
Title: Re: Tank Monitors
Post by: Chris m lang on May 04, 2018, 08:20:50 am
Where do you get the sea level system Chris
Title: Re: Tank Monitors
Post by: Roger & Susan in Home2 on May 04, 2018, 08:37:33 am
Shop around. I got mine here, best price at the time. Garnet 709 SeeLevel II Tank Monitoring System (https://www.rvupgradestore.com/Garnett-Technologies-Model-709-SeeLeveL-II-p/709-1003.htm?gclid=EAIaIQobChMIjYO8sIrs2gIVyy-BCh0sfQbYEAQYAyABEgJMR_D_BwE&gdffi=d722fab84a06472899ce2a16e4d2ed3f&gdfms=97C9120539734558B48D2BAF1296FD34)
also at Amazon
Amazon.com: SEE LEVEL 709: Automotive (https://www.amazon.com/SeeLevel-7091003-SEE-LEVEL-709/dp/B004A34I10/ref=sr_1_1?s=automotive&ie=UTF8&qid=1525458467&sr=1-1&keywords=seelevel+709)
My tanks are about 22" tall. Yours may be different. Standard strips are 12". You can order the kit with 16" strips or order an extra set of 12" strips and use two (trimmed) strips per tank or just order two kits with 12" strips. Then you can have a display inside the coach and one outside in the wet bay which is very handy.
Three extra 12" strips cost about the same as an entire kit with a display.
You want the strips to start and stop 1 to 2 inches feom the top and bottom of the tanks. You hit zero on fresh before you actually run out and 100% before you are overflowing. Same on waste tanks. Maybe even leave a bit more distance to the top of the tank for earlier warning sort of thing.
Do the prep work on the tank carefully and they will stick fine. Preposition everything with painters tape to make sure it is where you want it before sticking it on.
Title: Re: Tank Monitors
Post by: jor on May 04, 2018, 11:06:32 am
A lot of us just run new wire and located the SeeLevel display on the cabinetry somwhere. There are several good threads on SeeLevel installation in different models along with the great photos. Just search for SeeLevel and they'll come up. jor
1 It looks like a sealevel would work if the leads work but in our case, no dice. Has any ever used an external only system? ↵
Title: Re: Tank Monitors
Post by: Pamela & Mike on May 04, 2018, 12:30:12 pm
Your tanks are about 22" tall. Standard strips are 12". You can order the kit with 16" strips or order an extra set of 12" strips and use two (trimmed) strips per tank or just order two kits with 12" strips.
With this coach being a U-225 it should have the short tanks. The 12" strips have worked just fine on these coaches.
Mike
Title: Re: Tank Monitors
Post by: John44 on May 04, 2018, 12:32:01 pm
Just a reminder,see-level does have a booth at"Q" and probably a discounted installation.
Title: Re: Tank Monitors
Post by: rsihnhold on May 04, 2018, 01:03:54 pm
I went with the iSeries Tank Monitor (https://tankedge.com/products.html) system. It has worked flawlessly so far. About $200 on Amazon. (https://www.amazon.com/TECH-EDGE-ISERIES-TANK-MONITOR-KIT/dp/B019QGZGKC/ref=sr_1_1?s=sporting-goods&ie=UTF8&qid=1525453121&sr=1-1&keywords=iseries+tank+monitor) It hooks up the same way that my Audit system hooked up with aluminum tape on the tanks and a sensor mounted to it.
Title: Re: Tank Monitors
Post by: Roger & Susan in Home2 on May 04, 2018, 02:34:20 pm
If your tanks are shorter you can use the 12" strips. Mount the waste tanks strips closer to the top, you want to know when they are getting full, and the fresh tank strip closer to the bottom, you want to know when you are running out. They do have 16" strips as well.
Title: Re: Tank Monitors
Post by: cdm on May 08, 2018, 08:15:53 pm
I went with Sensa Tank RV 100, they were my second choice. My preference was the Sea Level system mentioned above. Reason : when opening up the plumbing bay, I found my tanks to have reasonably accessible front faces, but they are angled on the front. in other words they don't rise vertically at 90 degrees. they rise at about a 45 degree angle, getting closer to the outside as they rise. I called Sea Level, asked if their strips would read the tank levels properly if placed on the 45 degree face, they said no.. I called Sensa Tank, asked if their individual sensors would read properly on the angled face, they said Yes. I realize if I had tackled removing one of the tanks, I could have placed the Sea Level strips on the Vertical sides of the tanks, but that requires disconnecting a lot of plumbing. I am very pleased with the Sensa Tank System. Downside it it only reads 1/4,1/2, 3/4, and Full Amazon.com: Johnson Pump Rv Sensa Tank Rv 100 200600032rv: Automotive (https://www.amazon.com/Johnson-Pump-Sensa-Tank-200600032rv/dp/B0178XM6L2/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1525824098&sr=8-2&keywords=RV+SENSA+TANK+RV+100&dpID=41fX5EiXxrL&preST=_SX300_QL70_&dpSrc=srch)
Title: Re: Tank Monitors
Post by: AC7880 on May 08, 2018, 08:29:47 pm
...................when opening up the plumbing bay, I found my tanks to have reasonably accessible front faces, but they are angled on the front. in other words they don't rise vertically at 90 degrees. they rise at about a 45 degree angle, getting closer to the outside as they rise........................
On the opposite side of the coach the tank walls are verticle. There is a "step" upwards on the fresh tank, but its all verticle before and after the step.
Title: Re: Tank Monitors
Post by: Keith and Joyce on May 08, 2018, 09:43:45 pm
Because of the odd shape of the water tank on mour coach I purchased a small water meter so I could measure the amount of water going into the fresh tank. IE every 10 gallons on the meter = ?? percent on the see level monitor. ( I know super anal) When I get the installation done I will post the conversion graph here. It will be a while.
Keith
Title: Re: Tank Monitors
Post by: Jack Lewis on May 08, 2018, 10:55:17 pm
I went with Sensa Tank RV 100, they were my second choice. My preference was the Sea Level system mentioned above. Reason : when opening up the plumbing bay, I found my tanks to have reasonably accessible front faces, but they are angled on the front. in other words they don't rise vertically at 90 degrees. they rise at about a 45 degree angle, getting closer to the outside as they rise. I called Sea Level, asked if their strips would read the tank levels properly if placed on the 45 degree face, they said no.. I called Sensa Tank, asked if their individual sensors would read properly on the angled face, they said Yes. I realize if I had tackled removing one of the tanks, I could have placed the Sea Level strips on the Vertical sides of the tanks, but that requires disconnecting a lot of plumbing. I am very pleased with the Sensa Tank System. Downside it it only reads 1/4,1/2, 3/4, and Full Amazon.com: Johnson Pump Rv Sensa Tank Rv 100 200600032rv: Automotive (https://www.amazon.com/Johnson-Pump-Sensa-Tank-200600032rv/dp/B0178XM6L2/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1525824098&sr=8-2&keywords=RV+SENSA+TANK+RV+100&dpID=41fX5EiXxrL&preST=_SX300_QL70_&dpSrc=srch)
I am glad you are happy with the Sensa. I am also leaning towards the SeeLevel. I do not understand why the Sensa cured the minor problem of the sloped side?
Title: Re: Tank Monitors
Post by: Bob & Sue on May 08, 2018, 11:40:39 pm
I used two seelevel kits when I did ours. Tanks are a little too tall for just one strip and I really really like the 2 monitors ( 1 over top of the entry door with other Gadgets and one I water bay). When I'm back flushing the black tank with the gray water, I can tell when the tanks have equalized And I can monitor the fresh fill from outside.
Also per see level tech, consider covering the fresh tank strips with 1/4" rubber strips to avoid possible interference from the metal plumbing fittings. Just in case ......
Title: Re: Tank Monitors
Post by: AC7880 on May 09, 2018, 12:11:31 am
Also per see level tech, consider covering the fresh tank strips with 1/4" rubber strips to avoid possible interference from the metal plumbing fittings. Just in case ......
Would 1/4" foam weather stripping work? Is there a good source at Home Depot/Lowes for actual 1/4 " rubber? (I have interference on the fresh tak at certain percentages of fill, black and grey are ok. )
Title: Re: Tank Monitors
Post by: Bob & Sue on May 09, 2018, 05:17:43 pm
The see level guys said to try lowes and sure enough they had exactly what SL recommended. It comes in about 8" squares and is easy enough to cut in half. Then I duct taped the{€.+{!. Out of it.
Title: Re: Tank Monitors
Post by: jhardman on May 11, 2018, 10:42:12 pm
Don't have the technical knowledge of many of these gurus, but I'm very happy with our SeeLevel update!
Title: Re: Tank Monitors
Post by: Susan on May 12, 2018, 01:44:04 pm
I used two seelevel kits when I did ours. Tanks are a little too tall for just one strip and I really really like the 2 monitors ( 1 over top of the entry door with other Gadgets and one I water bay). When I'm back flushing the black tank with the gray water, I can tell when the tanks have equalized And I can monitor the fresh fill from outside.
Bob & Sue,
How do you back flush the black tank with the gray water?
Thanks, Susan
Title: Re: Tank Monitors
Post by: craneman on May 12, 2018, 01:52:19 pm
Do a search for 3rd dump valve. Many members have installed one
Title: Re: Tank Monitors
Post by: Jack Lewis on May 12, 2018, 02:00:52 pm
I use the following Flush King to back flush the black tank at least twice with clean fresh water (with the clear coupling, you can see when the tank is clean) before using the remaining water in the grey tank to flush the black tank. Using the grey to flush the black you leave both dump valves open until the equalize. Done this for over 10 years and keeps black tank clean. I just am not a fan of equalizing the tanks until I've flushed the black tank using the Flush King. I then use "Happy Camper" brand treatment. I use to have my tanks checked by a franchise that did that with a camera. After two years they said I was wasting my $$$ having them check my tanks in the future, as my tanks were as clean as any they see. The Happy Camper product does not just cover up odor with another odor, it eliminates all odor with enzymes.
My sewer valves were just all renewed by the previous owner. So...it will be a while before I install the 3rd valve with a black water flush system to allow clean water into the black tank. A pair of See Level monitors will come first, later this summer, (one inside and one at the wet bay). Amazon.com: Valterra F02-4350 Reverse RV Flush Valve: Automotive (https://www.amazon.com/Valterra-F02-4350-Reverse-Flush-Valve/dp/B008O9DV78) Amazon.com: Happy Campers Organic RV Holding Tank Treatment - 64 treatments:... (https://www.amazon.com/Happy-Campers-Organic-Holding-Treatment/dp/B007S0LDME/ref=pd_lpo_vtph_263_tr_t_2?_encoding=UTF8&psc=1&refRID=4WBBYCPY29DZ65EKQQ78)
Title: Re: Tank Monitors
Post by: amos.harrison on May 13, 2018, 06:18:52 am
Without a 3rd valve you can backflush by raising the middle of the sewer hose to create a trap, then open the gray valve(after draining the black tank) until the tanks equalize(you can hear when the water stops rushing between tanks). Then close the gray valve and drop the hose. When water stops draining into the sewer you can repeat the process. Usually three times is enough(by checking the water draining into the sewer to make sure it's clear) so you can drain the rest of the gray water. Flushing always works best when the gray tank is close to full.
Title: Re: Tank Monitors
Post by: FourTravelers on May 13, 2018, 08:14:30 am
I use one of these instead of a permanently installed one. Just hook it up before the sewer hose and hook the hose to it.
Title: Re: Tank Monitors
Post by: Bob & Sue on May 13, 2018, 11:40:58 pm
Ditto.
Title: Re: Tank Monitors
Post by: Neal Pillsbury on May 14, 2018, 12:05:15 am
Without a 3rd valve you can backflush by raising the middle of the sewer hose to create a trap, then open the gray valve(after draining the black tank) until the tanks equalize (you can hear when the water stops rushing between tanks). Then close the gray valve and drop the hose. When water stops draining into the sewer you can repeat the process. ..................... Flushing always works best when the gray tank is close to full.
Right on Brett! (+)1 Lifting the discharge hose to create a loop seal and direct the grey tank effluent into the black tank is how I learned to do it 20 years ago. It hasn't failed me since.
There are lots of ways to do things and it seems to me, every owner should have a personal philosophy on what they hope to accomplish with the time and money that they spend on modifications to their coach.
Some favor "Keeping up with the Jonses", ignoring all logic, cost and reason.
Some, thrive on incredible compounding of coach complexity, with each and every passing whim.
Others just create obsessive nuggets of pure gold amongst the landscape of FT wonderment.
I obsess on simplicity, increased reliability, lowered maintenance costs (through ever-smarter predictive maintenance), KISS and common sense.
Using "Lift-The-Hose-Simplicity", the OEM Thetford sewer fitting (used by FT and most other high end coaches), a transparent joint elbow connection to the in-ground system, plus a high quality sewer hose, all properly joined, saves me time and money, is reliable, is maintenance free, is definitely KISS and operates purely on common sense, while giving excellent feedback on black tank condition.
Another nugget of "common sense" wisdom - always close the Black Tank gate valve with grey water flowing INTO the Black tank (in order to be sweeping any "hung-up" debris IN, instead of OUT, as you close the Black valve.