Grey water gauge problem

**GenTom** · 03-08-2015, 03:02 PM

We have a Solitude 369RL, but I would think that this question applies to all products. My grey water 2 always shows 2/3 full even when the drain handles are open. any one have any suggestions or fixes? I'm not sure it hasn't been that way since new. I know it is not full as we are spending 3 months in it and I know it would be backed up inside by now. Thanks in advance for any help.
Tom

**Paul & Deb** · 03-08-2015, 03:40 PM

You'll find lot's of us with the identical problem even though different models. Mine has been that way since we picked it up. I don't care though. I have a very good sense for how much goes in and how many days we can dry camp before I need to consider dumping. Should it be that way? No, but many are. If you want to drop the belly wrap you can check the wires or even change out the POS OEM probes for some upgraded styles but I am just going to leave mine the way they are. I don't want even the dealer to drop the coroplast unless it's something much more important than the waste water level sensors.

Just my .02

**LCBoyer** · 03-08-2015, 04:03 PM

The in tank sensor are easily fouled. No sure fire way to keep them clean

**GenTom** · 03-08-2015, 05:52 PM

Thanks for the replies. We had our Kountry Star for 13 1/2 years before the Solitude and 3 motor homes before that and never had a problem with the grey water sensors. I'm starting to wonder if it is a panel issue rather than a tank sensor problem. I agree that I don't want the dealer pulling the bottom down just to fix bad sensors. Could it maybe be a staple in the wires, if they even use staples to hold the wires?

**Cate&Rob** · 03-08-2015, 06:05 PM

Hi Gen & Tom,

You raise an interesting question . . .
I am new to RVing and it seems really odd to me that everyone accepts that tank level gauges will be totally random. I know that all four of mine are. Based on various discussions, the assumption is that this is because of fouled sensors. Maybe there is a more systemic problem in how these sensors are wired on Grand Design products ? I don't like the idea of dropping the belly cover . . . but, I hate things that don't work.

Rob

**Paul & Deb** · 03-08-2015, 06:09 PM

Originally Posted by GenTom

Thanks for the replies. We had our Kountry Star for 13 1/2 years before the Solitude and 3 motor homes before that and never had a problem with the grey water sensors. I'm starting to wonder if it is a panel issue rather than a tank sensor problem. I agree that I don't want the dealer pulling the bottom down just to fix bad sensors. Could it maybe be a staple in the wires, if they even use staples to hold the wires?

Sure. I think a staple through a wire would be a strong possibility but where to check? One of my grey tanks read 2/3 on the walk through at the dealership! Nothing but test water ever in it and certainly nothing to "foul" it. Another possibility is that the wires were connected to the wrong sensors on the tank. There are 4 sensors for each tank. If the wires were switched, I would imagine t could result in a constant misreading.

I think that is more likely but certainly pulling the panel and messing with the wires coming in to the panel would be worth a try.

**Bigpops** · 03-08-2015, 07:33 PM

Originally Posted by GenTom

We have a Solitude 369RL, but I would think that this question applies to all products. My grey water 2 always shows 2/3 full even when the drain handles are open. any one have any suggestions or fixes? I'm not sure it hasn't been that way since new. I know it is not full as we are spending 3 months in it and I know it would be backed up inside by now. Thanks in advance for any help.
Tom

I am on my 3rd RV in 20+ years and this has always been a problem. I occasionally drain my grey tanks, leave the valves open and the cover off, letting all the moisture evaporate. After a few days check the gauge. It should read empty, if not contact the dealer to repair. The sensors are not real reliable and I think there some after market ones you an buy and install if you are really concerned with the actual levels. I never have been and have survived.

**TNFSolitude** · 03-09-2015, 07:50 AM

if it's still under warranty definately take it to the dealership. Also, consider re-posting this in the tech area where GD is more likely to see it and comment.

**Jahna** · 03-09-2015, 03:04 PM

Three units two of them new, never had a sensor work right after the first use. Just the nature of the system. There are a billion cures and nothing is 100% in fact most are snake oil and might work but doesn't solve the problem to begin with. Once you get used to your rig you will know, it's shower 4 time to drain! Day 10 time to dump. Or the ever fool proof "honey I can't drain the galley so I think you better dump."

Ditkitty · 03-09-2015, 04:16 PM

Originally Posted by Bigpops

I am on my 3rd RV in 20+ years and this has always been a problem. I occasionally drain my grey tanks, leave the valves open and the cover off, letting all the moisture evaporate. After a few days check the gauge. It should read empty, if not contact the dealer to repair. The sensors are not real reliable and I think there some after market ones you an buy and install if you are really concerned with the actual levels. I never have been and have survived.

I have the same experience as this....mine always say there is some in them, but after draining and leaving it sit for awhile, the sensor eventually responds - it doesn't usually take days, but it definitely takes longer than you'd expect. Our previous RV did the same thing.