Tank sensors not accurate

[tico333]

Hello: We have a 2018 Reflection 150 Series RL230, the water level sensors in the fresh water, both grey waters and black water tanks are not accurate. On our last trip, prior to leaving with the fresh water tank full, it registered 1/3 full. After our last trip, I dumped all tanks, yet the black tank according to the interior panel shows the tank half full. How do I access the various tanks and test or verify the accuracy of the sensors? Where do I purchase replacement sensors? Thanks for the assistance

 

[SailingOn]

Many of us don't bother looking at the level gauges. Guessing is much more accurate.
The gray tanks fill long before the black tank; we know how many days they usually take to fill, and when the shower doesn't drain we're there.
The fresh water tank gauge is a little more useful, but guessing is still more accurate. We use a flow meter on the fill hose to know what goes in, and we know about how much we use each day.

 

[livinthelife]

Hello: We have a 2018 Reflection 150 Series RL230, the water level sensors in the fresh water, both grey waters and black water tanks are not accurate. On our last trip, prior to leaving with the fresh water tank full, it registered 1/3 full. After our last trip, I dumped all tanks, yet the black tank according to the interior panel shows the tank half full. How do I access the various tanks and test or verify the accuracy of the sensors? Where do I purchase replacement sensors? Thanks for the assistance

Tank sensors are notoriously inaccurate. The more you use your rig, the more you learn about knowing how full/empty your tanks are.

Generally a first step is to attach a flow meter to connection to fill your fresh tank. Compare how much you put in with the amount the tank is supposed to hold. That'll at least give you starting point to learn your numbers.

 

[Redapple63]

Tank registers are notoriously inaccurate for several reasons.

1. May not be installed at correct level in the tank. Have seen this quite often.
2. Quite often on the black tank, will get solids stuck on the sensors inside the tank and cause false readings at that level.
3. Shorts in the wires.

Gray tanks suffer from similar fate as black tanks, but maybe I bit less.

Extra flushing of the tanks can help when draining.

Bill

 

[tico333]

What is the best way you have found to flush the black tank? Is there access to any tanks without going up through the bottom?

 

[livinthelife]

What is the best way you have found to flush the black tank? Is there access to any tanks without going up through the bottom?

Our rig has an inside sprayer in the tank, but the valve we put on the drain hose has a hose attachment so we can actually back flush the tank, if we need to.

 

[tico333]

In a post, someone mentioned this flow meter:
He said, this is the one I used.
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07GSVHCQL?ref_=ppx_hzsearch_conn_dt_b_fed_asin_title_1&th=1
Is this appropriate and if so, where within the water system can I install it? I am very familiar with plumbing and electrical work, I just don't know how to access any portion of the fresh water and waste systems. Thanks

 

[tico333]

In an older Alpenlite we had, I was able to put a flushing tube into the commode with a water hose attached to help flush and clean the black tank. Is the drain system in the rl230 a straight shot allowing this type of cleaning, should I do so or would that damage the sensors? Thanks

 

[Redapple63]

For the black tank you could add a flush sprayer on the tank, but if you have a closed bottom on the rig, that could be a bit of a job.
Several items on Amazon or other retailers that sell rods as others have explained to go directly into the toilet to flush. Others connect to the dump valve that have flushers built in that you attach a hose to as well.

For the gray tank I would use a detergent with hot water. We just run the sink with it water while on full hookups. They also sell commercial gray water additives.

Good Luck
Bill

 

[Scott'n'Wendy]

The only way to get accuracy is to replace the sensors with an external system. Internal sensors will always get material on them which will alter their readings.
You can fuss with trying to clean the tanks thoroughly every time you camp...but it will be a never ending battle.
I just bought this to install.

Holding Tanks Solution – Garnet Instruments

www.garnetinstruments.com

 

[Riverbug]

The only way to get accuracy is to replace the sensors with an external system. Internal sensors will always get material on them which will alter their readings.
You can fuss with trying to clean the tanks thoroughly every time you camp...but it will be a never ending battle.
I just bought this to install.

Holding Tanks Solution – Garnet Instruments

www.garnetinstruments.com

I installed the SeeLevel system a couple years ago and it's great. Only wish I had realized there was a bluetooth version at the time (maybe it wasn't available then). Bluetooth would be handy for watching the tank levels as you are flushing the black tank.

 

[huntindog]

I have had 4 RVs now and all of them have had sensors that worked correctly.
I think it is because my camping style is different from most.

I always boondock for long periods. My trips always involve a lot of dirt roads. It is always at least 300 miles to camp. I always use a tank treatment that breaks down waste. I always dump at home.

So my tanks have more time for tank treatments to work. And the contents get plenty of agitation on the road.

Add all of this together and the sensors work great.

Contrast that with a typical camper that visits a campground close to home for a weekend, then dumps at the campground before heading home.
His sensors do not have a chance of being accurate.

 

[tico333]

I had used a tank treatment several years ago, should do so again. What is the best or most effective treatment for either black or grey tanks? Where and how can I get into the water system to install flow meter? Thanks again

 

[SailingOn]

Flow meter: not anything complicated, just the under $20 gadget that fits on the end of a garden hose, i.e. your fill hose.
black water tank: 1 cup Calgon liquid water softener, 1 cup Dawn dishwashing liquid, a bucket of ice and a couple of gallons of water. Dump all down the toilet and drive a few miles to slosh it around and break up the solids, then dump tanks.

 

[JKellerJr]

I installed the SeeLevel system a couple years ago and it's great. Only wish I had realized there was a bluetooth version at the time (maybe it wasn't available then). Bluetooth would be handy for watching the tank levels as you are flushing the black tank.

I hooked up my seelevel system to a victron touch 50. I put the included seelevel display in the Nautilus compartment. It is useful to monitor while dumping and/or filling especially while using the tank flush.

I think you can add a second display to your existing system. Maybe give Garnet a call.

 

[Rabbit]

All of the tanks on our trailer are relatively shallow. If the trailer is even slightly unlevel front to back or side to side, they may not drain 100% and the residual content can cause false readings. Plus, the possibility of material buildup on the probes, as already mentioned.

I always “celebrate” if on the rare occasion I get all tanks to register empty. By the way if/when this happens, I observe my bubble levels to see if the show level or not, and readjust them accordingly.

 

[JKellerJr]

All of the tanks on our trailer are relatively shallow. If the trailer is even slightly unlevel front to back or side to side, they may not drain 100% and the residual content can cause false readings.

This is a good point also just because the trailer's level doesn't necessarily mean the tanks are.

Its all relative. Consistent reading rather than accurate readings may be a better way to describe the goal.

Unless I want to play with the leveling system to help with draining, Mine never drain to 100% empty. I usually keep a few gallons in the tanks anyway to slosh around and help keep the tanks clean while traveling.

 

[Riverbug]

I hooked up my seelevel system to a victron touch 50. I put the included seelevel display in the Nautilus compartment. It is useful to monitor while dumping and/or filling especially while using the tank flush.

I think you can add a second display to your existing system. Maybe give Garnet a call.

Thanks, I'll check that out. But I do believe I also do not have that option with mine. I'll have to look again just in case. That would be really nice.