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06-20-2020, 12:38 AM
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#1
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Member
Brand: Thor Motor Coach
State: Colorado
Posts: 60
THOR #19181
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Tank sensors
So our new used rig shows the black tank to be 2/3 full even after visiting the dump station this morning and having it connected directly to a sewer drain in our current RV park. So other than ignoring it, what is the easiest way to remedy this situation?
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06-20-2020, 01:26 AM
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#2
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I Think We're Lost!
Brand: Still Looking
Model: Tiffin Wayfarer 24 BW
State: New York
Posts: 22,195
THOR #8860
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Do you have a tank flushing system in the Blackwater tank?
After each trip: I put about a cup of dishwashing soap down the toilet after draining the tank. I then hook a hose up to my San-T-Flush, and put about five or so gallons of water in the tank. I then drain it, and keep repeating the process until I've got clear water coming out.
If nothing else: my stinky slinky ain't a bit stinky!
In theory: it should (MIGHT) clean the sensors in the tank.
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06-20-2020, 02:34 AM
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#3
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Member
Brand: Thor Motor Coach
State: Colorado
Posts: 60
THOR #19181
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Bob Denman
Do you have a tank flushing system in the Blackwater tank?
After each trip: I put about a cup of dishwashing soap down the toilet after draining the tank. I then hook a hose up to my San-T-Flush, and put about five or so gallons of water in the tank. I then drain it, and keep repeating the process until I've got clear water coming out.
If nothing else: my stinky slinky ain't a bit stinky!
In theory: it should (MIGHT) clean the sensors in the tank.
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Do not have a flush system. Might invest in a hose sprayer thing.
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06-20-2020, 03:53 AM
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#4
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Senior Member
Brand: Redwood
Model: 36FB
State: Arizona
Posts: 1,766
THOR #3610
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You can spend hours flushing/rinsing along with lots of $$$ on sensor cleaning products trying improve their accuracy & will have wasted both. I've had several different RVs in the past 40+ years & have yet to own one that those sensors were worth the voltage to illuminate the pretty red lights.
Learn the "burp" sound when flushing the toilet that will indicate it's about time to dump & ignore the sensors.
__________________
Fulltimed 10+ years
Sold '13 Thor Redwood 36 FB
Traded '13 GMC Denali DRW D/A
Replacement undetermined
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06-20-2020, 03:16 PM
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#5
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Senior Member
Brand: Thor Motor Coach
Model: Hurricane 35m
State: North Carolina
Posts: 861
THOR #13505
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Quote:
Originally Posted by donblanco
So our new used rig shows the black tank to be 2/3 full even after visiting the dump station this morning and having it connected directly to a sewer drain in our current RV park. So other than ignoring it, what is the easiest way to remedy this situation?
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2020 RV, have two crap tanks, both sensors are wacked. We us enzymes, only RV toilet paper, water flush at dump station. we drive around with water in tanks, tried ice, etc. They never read right!! Same issues in our old 2016 RV.
Almost every time we dump, they both show 2/3's full! You think they have a better way to measure the tanks by now!
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Retired Squid who has a Retired Squid that drives him around in a RV!
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06-20-2020, 04:13 PM
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#6
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Senior Member
Brand: Redwood
Model: 36FB
State: Arizona
Posts: 1,766
THOR #3610
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Macdaddy brought up another point!
You do not have to pay the higher price for the crappy (pun intended) RV specific toilet paper, any 2 ply that the DW likes that states "septic safe" on the package will do just fine & won't make a bit of difference with the sensors.
The enzymes are typically a waste of $$ as usually aren't in the tanks long enough to do any good, but I'm guessing the parks septic system appreciates the added dose. Most any of the chemicals for your tanks are for odor control more than anything else, so if you want to use one pick one that smells good. Do not use PineSol in your black tank, it smells like you've been eating pine cones, not pleasant, BTDT! Also do not use bleach, it deteriorates the seals. A good shot of liquid dish/laundry soap with a gallon of water in the black tank after dumping will work as good or better than most of much higher priced tank cleaners. Also a 1/4 cup of cooking oil in the grey tanks 2-3 times a year helps keep the valve seals lubricated.
The key to the black tanks on RVs is plenty of water per flush, once it drops hold the peddle for another 5-6 seconds letting the water run in. NEVER EVER leave the black valve open when connected to a sewer hookup. If you want/need you can leave the grey valve open, just close it a day or so (at least a shower or 2) before draining the black tank so you have plenty of rinse for your hose after the black is drained.
Everything you ever wanted to know about the most unpleasant part of rving!
__________________
Fulltimed 10+ years
Sold '13 Thor Redwood 36 FB
Traded '13 GMC Denali DRW D/A
Replacement undetermined
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06-20-2020, 04:29 PM
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#7
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Site Team
Brand: Thor Motor Coach
Model: ACE 27.1
State: Florida
Posts: 14,119
THOR #7035
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Quote:
Originally Posted by macdaddy1111
2020 RV, have two crap tanks, both sensors are wacked. We us enzymes, only RV toilet paper, water flush at dump station. we drive around with water in tanks, tried ice, etc. They never read right!! Same issues in our old 2016 RV.
Almost every time we dump, they both show 2/3's full! You think they have a better way to measure the tanks by now!
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"They" do. It's an aftermarket add-on sonar system (Squids should get sonar) but will cost you extra $$.
__________________
Ted & Melinda
2016 ACE 27.1
2016 Chevy Sonic Toad - Selling
2020 Chevy Colorado Z71 Trail Runner Toad
2024 Chevrolet Trax 2RS - Soon 2B TOAD
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06-20-2020, 04:44 PM
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#8
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Senior Member
Brand: Thor Motor Coach
Model: Forest River Forester 235
State: Indiana
Posts: 4,883
THOR #6826
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Travelin' Texans
Macdaddy brought up another point!
You do not have to pay the higher price for the crappy (pun intended) RV specific toilet paper, any 2 ply that the DW likes that states "septic safe" on the package will do just fine & won't make a bit of difference with the sensors.
The enzymes are typically a waste of $$ as usually aren't in the tanks long enough to do any good, but I'm guessing the parks septic system appreciates the added dose. Most any of the chemicals for your tanks are for odor control more than anything else, so if you want to use one pick one that smells good. Do not use PineSol in your black tank, it smells like you've been eating pine cones, not pleasant, BTDT! Also do not use bleach, it deteriorates the seals. A good shot of liquid dish/laundry soap with a gallon of water in the black tank after dumping will work as good or better than most of much higher priced tank cleaners. Also a 1/4 cup of cooking oil in the grey tanks 2-3 times a year helps keep the valve seals lubricated.
The key to the black tanks on RVs is plenty of water per flush, once it drops hold the peddle for another 5-6 seconds letting the water run in. NEVER EVER leave the black valve open when connected to a sewer hookup. If you want/need you can leave the grey valve open, just close it a day or so (at least a shower or 2) before draining the black tank so you have plenty of rinse for your hose after the black is drained.
Everything you ever wanted to know about the most unpleasant part of rving!
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Disagree with respect to enzymes. When I store my machine between trips I make sure there is a good bit of water in the tanks and add an enzyme treatment. I believe it helps break down the gunk.
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06-20-2020, 05:01 PM
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#9
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Senior Member
Brand: Redwood
Model: 36FB
State: Arizona
Posts: 1,766
THOR #3610
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Quote:
Originally Posted by 16ACE27
"They" do. It's an aftermarket add-on sonar system (Squids should get sonar) but will cost you extra $$.
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Pete'sMH
Disagree with respect to enzymes. When I store my machine between trips I make sure there is a good bit of water in the tanks and add an enzyme treatment. I believe it helps break down the gunk.
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For storage, yes add the enyzmes.
When traveling & dumping weekly, or more often, they do no good.
__________________
Fulltimed 10+ years
Sold '13 Thor Redwood 36 FB
Traded '13 GMC Denali DRW D/A
Replacement undetermined
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06-20-2020, 06:21 PM
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#10
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Senior Member
Brand: Thor Motor Coach
Model: Hurricane 35m
State: North Carolina
Posts: 861
THOR #13505
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RV Living
Where you get to play with your dookie twice!!
__________________
Retired Squid who has a Retired Squid that drives him around in a RV!
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06-20-2020, 06:42 PM
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#11
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Senior Member
Brand: Thor Motor Coach
Model: Hurricane 35m
State: North Carolina
Posts: 861
THOR #13505
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Quote:
Originally Posted by 16ACE27
"They" do. It's an aftermarket add-on sonar system (Squids should get sonar) but will cost you extra $$.
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I am a retire sonar tech squid chief! Ha
Found these.
Gobius Pro, Bluetooth Level Indicator
$170 for one senors 330 for 3 sensor package.
Might get them for last ditch warning.
But I really want to use my RV app and display panel that is on my RV and phone.
I just ordered these to have put on our tanks since it is always in the shop!
Horst Miracle Probes
This pic of my levels after dumped and let rinse run for ten minutes on each tank!
__________________
Retired Squid who has a Retired Squid that drives him around in a RV!
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06-20-2020, 06:53 PM
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#12
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Site Team
Brand: Thor Motor Coach
Model: ACE 27.1
State: Florida
Posts: 14,119
THOR #7035
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Quote:
Originally Posted by macdaddy1111
I am a retire sonar tech squid chief! Ha
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SS?
Me? ETC(SS/Nuc) retired for longer than I was active.
__________________
Ted & Melinda
2016 ACE 27.1
2016 Chevy Sonic Toad - Selling
2020 Chevy Colorado Z71 Trail Runner Toad
2024 Chevrolet Trax 2RS - Soon 2B TOAD
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06-20-2020, 07:25 PM
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#13
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Senior Member
Brand: Thor Motor Coach
Model: Hurricane 35m
State: North Carolina
Posts: 861
THOR #13505
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Surface dude was FFG system suit tech (fat bonuses) haha
I retired in 96, wife retired in 97. was CTO Chief
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Retired Squid who has a Retired Squid that drives him around in a RV!
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06-21-2020, 12:55 AM
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#14
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Member
Brand: Thor Motor Coach
State: Colorado
Posts: 60
THOR #19181
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Quote:
Originally Posted by macdaddy1111
RV Living
Where you get to play with your dookie twice!!
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Truth hurts - made us laugh a lot on that one!
Quote:
Originally Posted by Travelin' Texans
The key to the black tanks on RVs is plenty of water per flush, once it drops hold the peddle for another 5-6 seconds letting the water run in. NEVER EVER leave the black valve open when connected to a sewer hookup. If you want/need you can leave the grey valve open, just close it a day or so (at least a shower or 2) before draining the black tank so you have plenty of rinse for your hose after the black is drained.
Everything you ever wanted to know about the most unpleasant part of rving!
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This should be pinned! Excellent advice, thanks.
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06-21-2020, 01:23 AM
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#15
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Senior Member
Brand: Thor Motor Coach
Model: Windsport 29M
State: Pennsylvania
Posts: 223
THOR #10254
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Pete'sMH
Disagree with respect to enzymes. When I store my machine between trips I make sure there is a good bit of water in the tanks and add an enzyme treatment. I believe it helps break down the gunk.
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Pete - what enzymes are you using...something like Ridx?
Thanks
__________________
Bryce, Gracia & Shadow (4 yr old mini-Daschund mix)
US Army vet- 82nd Airborne Div
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06-21-2020, 02:00 AM
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#16
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Senior Member
Brand: Thor Motor Coach
Model: Forest River Forester 235
State: Indiana
Posts: 4,883
THOR #6826
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Quote:
Originally Posted by BandG
Pete - what enzymes are you using...something like Ridx?
Thanks
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I use a powder called Happy Camper. There are others though.
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06-21-2020, 02:03 AM
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#17
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Senior Member
Brand: Thor Motor Coach
Model: Hurricane 34J
State: Iowa
Posts: 111
THOR #15642
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LPG isn't calibrated yet but I love our new tank sensors. Garnet See Level with Bluetooth. Can't get image to attach.
Only dumped once our last trip when I probably would have dumped twice or three times assuming we were close to full.
How many people use additives with every tank versus just while in storage?
__________________
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06-21-2020, 11:30 AM
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#18
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I Think We're Lost!
Brand: Still Looking
Model: Tiffin Wayfarer 24 BW
State: New York
Posts: 22,195
THOR #8860
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Every tank for us!
__________________
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06-21-2020, 12:00 PM
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#19
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Senior Member
Brand: Thor Motor Coach
Model: Windsport 29M
State: Pennsylvania
Posts: 223
THOR #10254
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Pete'sMH
I use a powder called Happy Camper. There are others though.
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OK, saw that one when I searched. Much appreciated.
__________________
Bryce, Gracia & Shadow (4 yr old mini-Daschund mix)
US Army vet- 82nd Airborne Div
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06-27-2020, 02:39 PM
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#20
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Member
Brand: Thor Motor Coach
State: Colorado
Posts: 60
THOR #19181
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Quote:
Originally Posted by chrisngrod
LPG isn't calibrated yet but I love our new tank sensors. Garnet See Level with Bluetooth. Can't get image to attach.
Only dumped once our last trip when I probably would have dumped twice or three times assuming we were close to full.
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While this really appeals to the geek in me, just can't 'see' my way to $333 for this convenience. This might change after we've got some boondocking under our belts...
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