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Topic: Water Level Gauge (Read 543 times) previous topic - next topic

Water Level Gauge

Well, the water gauge was working, however, now it isn't! The foil strips are pretty hard to get at on our 95. They are behind the water heater and the only access is through a little compartment wall port hole. I did my best but it just wasn't good enough. Anyhow, we'll probably go with SeeLevel in the future but for now, I knocked off GaryB's very excellent, basic, nifty level. This will be especially handy when filling to avoid the slop over down the bulkhead. Just have to add a floater of some kind. Maybe cork or a colored ball from a hydrometer.
jor
93 225
95 300
97 270
99 320

Re: Water Level Gauge

Reply #1 –
Jor,

Don't worry about stopping just before full to not slop down the bulkhead.  Soon as you drive off, the sloshing of the freshwater will soak the bulkhead guaranteed.
Rudy Legett
2003 U320 4010 ISM 450 hp
2001 U320 4220 ISM 450 hp
1995 U320 M11 400 hp
1990 Granvilla 300 hp 3208T
Aqua Hot Service Houston and Southeast Texas

Re: Water Level Gauge

Reply #2 –
Will it slosh out if I am only 2/3 full?

best, paul

Quote
Don't worry about stopping just before full to not slop down the bulkhead. Soon as you drive off, the sloshing of the freshwater will soak the bulkhead guaranteed.
1999 U320 40' 1200 watts on roof. 12cf AC/DC Cold plate fridge/freezer. VMS 240 CL Honda Element

Re: Water Level Gauge

Reply #3 –
Paul,

I think it depends on how vigorous the slosh is and how full the tank is.  So, if 2/3 full, drive gently.  But that would be very hard to do I think.

I drove behind a tank trailer going smoothly down the interstate and watched a sight tube vary by over 1/4 tank.
Rudy Legett
2003 U320 4010 ISM 450 hp
2001 U320 4220 ISM 450 hp
1995 U320 M11 400 hp
1990 Granvilla 300 hp 3208T
Aqua Hot Service Houston and Southeast Texas

Re: Water Level Gauge

Reply #4 –
If the Audit monitor shows 3/4 full on any tank, it is pretty much full. If it shows empty, that means the tank is less than 1/4 full. I called Javelina to asked about calibration. The answer was, "You can try to calibrate by adjusting the aluminum tape patches." We find the bad readings adequate for most of our adventures.

I have a float valve near the top of the fresh water tank that shuts off the fill (RO filter boost) pump when the tank is full. I normally keep the tank full if a water hookup is handy. I've never seen evidence of water overflowing from the fresh water tank. Perhaps I've never looked hard enough.

I was snooping about under the coach last week. I saw no significant rust anywhere. Bulkheads look good. I saw no spots that appeared to be subject to frequent dowsing.
J D Stevens
1997 U295 CAI 36' Build #5085
2002 Subaru Outback
Motorcade 16869
Bellville, TX

Re: Water Level Gauge

Reply #5 –
JD,
Did you install the float valve in your tank? I've been thinking that would be something that I would like to do... Do you have any details about the installation: such as part numbers, pictures, or such?
Is it a solenoid or a mechanical switch that shuts off the water? And does it also shut off the city water if you have that available?
Thanks, Don
Quote from: J. D. Stevens –
I have a float valve near the top of the fresh water tank that shuts off the fill (RO filter boost) pump when the tank is full.
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Don & Tys
1999 U270 3602 WTFE #5402
Xtreme Stage 1 w/Headlight, Step Conversion, etc.
2009 Honda Fit Sport with Navi
Freedom is NOT "just another word for nothing left to lose"... with apologies to Kris Kristofferson

Re: Water Level Gauge

Reply #6 –
Don,

I installed an RO filter system that filters all water going into the fresh water tank. It comprises two paper/fiber filters, one carbon filter, two cascaded RO filters, a high pressure 28VAC pump, a solenoid valve, and the float switch. The float switch controls the pump and a valve that blocks the shore water when the pump is off. I got all the parts from RV Water Filter Store. Rich at RV Water Filter Store was very helpful. It takes several hours to fill the tank if it is low on water. In a campground with water, I simply turn on the system and it keeps the tank full of RO water. If I don't have the luxury of time to fill, I can easily bypass the RO filters and run the water through the first three filters into the normal fill port. The automatic shutoff does not work in that case.

The mechanical float switch was easy to install near the top of the fresh water tank. I drilled a hole in the tank and sealed the fitting and valve with a touch of silicone caulk. (Kent would probably recommend urethane.) It could control a light or solenoid valve. Several float switches could be installed to provide a reliable "home brew" monitoring or control system.
J D Stevens
1997 U295 CAI 36' Build #5085
2002 Subaru Outback
Motorcade 16869
Bellville, TX