Kencoll
Meridian, Idaho
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I have a new 2011 Montana 3150RL fifth wheel, and I have been having some problems with the black tank since the first time I dumped it.
It seems to drain slower than what I have experienced with all the other rv's I have owned, in that the discharge does not have much force and the flow fills only about 1/2 of the transparent elbow going into the dump station drain.
After dumping, the monitor will show either 1/3, 2/3, or Full. It varies, but never shows empty. If it reads 2/3 full and I hold the button in for a few seconds, the 2/3 light will gradually fade out and it will stay on 1/3.
After using the tank rinse-out until the water runs clear, it still will not go to empty. However, if I fill the tank with water using the rinse-out and dump again, it drains much faster than before. It gushes out with a lot of force and fills the transparent elbow completely. The monitor will then read empty, but will go back to 1/2 or 2/3 full again after just a few toilet flushes.
Before risking an expensive repair bill (Keystone says they will not cover it unless a problem is found with the tank or monitor system), I would like to know if any other Montana owners have run into similar problems.
I do know that black tank monitors are norotious for erroneous readings, but mine was malfunctioning brand new before the tanks had a chance to scum up (ulness just one tankfull of waste will do that).
Camping World, where I purchased it, says they cannot duplicate the problem, but it happens every time I use it, but then I have not seen them take any notes when I describe the problem either.
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downtheroad
Pacific Northwest
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Joined: 02/18/2003
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Couple of thoughts...
Black tank sensors...What you are seeing is pretty common. It doesn't matter who manufactured the trailer...stock black tank monitors tend to have a low IQ. They have a very hard time figuring out what they are suppose to do.
The reason why you get low flow when you dump is because the tank is mostly empty...Like you said, when you completely fill it with the flush system and then dump...if flows faster. That's because a full tank has much more volume/force than a tank that is not full.
Best not to dump it until it is at least 2/3rds full.
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larry barnhart
wenatchee. wa usa
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We have adjustment screws on our monitor. Do you have them on yours?
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scotthas
Redcliff, Alberta
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I would wait to dump until flashing full, I had the same issue and just go by the full light flashing. Then I know that it is going to be time to dump. (even then I still have quite a bit of usage)
I think the sensor work the way they are supposed to but they may not be place in a good spot... I find that once the tank has a chance to dry out when not in use it goes to empty on the panel. Don't put to much into it. I would just make sure that you use enough water and flush throughly when your dumping so you don't get a build up of junk. Happy trails 
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Suzanne and Brad
Oregon
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Kencoll,
Are you in our rig? We have a 2011 Montana and have the exact same problem with all three of our tanks (1 black and 2 gray). We've also experienced the same issues with black tank flush, the 2/3 - 1/3 thing, everything as you describe it. This is our 3rd rig - know not to go by sensors, but it is frustrating, especially the gray from the kitchen, since we can hear the black and have a good idea how many showers/laundry loads it takes to fill the other gray tank.
We've tried different products, we've tried the Geo method, etc....
I look forward to reading about other people's experiences as well.
Happy Travels!
Suzanne & Brad
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bpounds
Whittier CA
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I wonder if you are using enough water with each flush? Concentrated waste flows slower than diluted waste.
Just an idea, probably not valid because I know you are an experienced RVr.
As far as the sensors go, just don't bother using them.
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USAFBILL
Alabama
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Joined: 09/20/2002
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Might try opening your commode valve while dumping to see if the flow increases. This would tell you if you are in fact vented.
Good Luck
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routemaster
Deming
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Do you have the problem I had the slug was left in the black tank use to flot to the gate to slow up the discharge??
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laknox
Arizona
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routemaster wrote:
Do you have the problem I had the slug was left in the black tank use to flot to the gate to slow up the discharge??
That was going to be my suggestion.
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Pipeman
Windsor, Ontario, Canada
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As others have stated, the sensors shouldn't be trusted. In our trailer, the burp method is used....we know when the black tank is nearly full because when flushing, a bubble of air will form in the toilet. Just another pea for the pod.
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Ontario, Canada
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