jwcgc29
Wirtz, Virginia
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Joined: 10/04/2007
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We recently discovered that all the holding tanks in our new 08 5th wheel are almost 30 percent smaller than the factory literature and specs stated. (the manufacturer shall remain nameless until it has had an opportunity to address, explain and remedy the issue) It appears that the capacities are based on highly optomistic, theoretical physical dimensions and not the capacity stated by the tank manufacturer, Ameri-Kart.
Has anyone tested their holding tanks to assure that they hold what your particular manufacturer states ? Is overstatement an RV industry standard or are capacities typically accurate ?
08 Carriage Cameo F34CK3
07 GMC Sierra 2500 HD 6.6 Duramax
00 Chevrolet Tahoe (retired T/V)
55 Beautiful, brunette RV loving Wife
06 Cavalier King Charles Spaniel "Roxy"
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vonzoog
Delaware
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Joined: 05/19/2005
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No, I have never done a physical check of the tanks.
Your situation is a new one on me.
If you have to ask why I drive a Diesel, then you will never understand.
2004 RAM 2500 SLT Quad Cab 4x4
Cummins(305/355) 48RE Auto 11.5 Rear
2004 Laredo 29GR
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rockhillmanor
On the Road
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Joined: 12/06/2003
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jwcgc29 wrote:......Has anyone tested their holding tanks to assure that they hold what your particular manufacturer states ? Is overstatement an RV industry standard or are capacities typically accurate ?
YUP! When the water comes up in the shower she's full, and when you flush and can see blue water that one's full too. 
I've stated it before but 'my' revelation was when I found out my shower dumps into the gray tank.
Specs DIDN'T mention that lovely feature on my RV.
Do youself a favor and run a hose to your sinks/shower and see which ones dump into the black tank before you head out. My first trip out I took 2 nice long showers and I had a full 'black' tank and no where to dump.
31 ft Four Winds
Chevy Tracker 4x4 BlueOx Aventa LX
We must be willing to get rid of the life we've planned,
so as to have the life that is waiting for us.
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Oakman
MO
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Joined: 01/29/2002
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How did you go about testing the capacity of the tanks?
2002 Dodge 2500 V10
2008 Wildcat 28RKBS
Honda 2000 gen
TomTom One 3rd edition GPS
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jwcgc29
Wirtz, Virginia
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It is my understanding and observation that in most units, the shower drains to the grey tank. (I think you meant black and not grey in the first reference in your post) I have read where some makers drain the vanity and/or kitchen sink into the grey, but since the shower uses the most water of the group, I would find it odd to have it drain to the black. I have seen the DWV plumbing in our unit and only the potty drains to the black.
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jwcgc29
Wirtz, Virginia
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As for testing, I would take a 5 gallon plastic gas can, and fill it as many time as necessary to fill your tanks. Your DWV plumbing will typically hold a few gallons (especially the potty, since the drain is 3" diameter) If your specs say 50 gallons, see if you can pour 10 x 5 and so on. To get really exact, also use a 1 gallon milk jug, etc. Testing the black will also have the added benefit of rinsing it out.
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Polishnurse
Schodack, NY
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Joined: 03/13/2007
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Just a note: When is full - full. If you take a five gallon gas can, and fill it the top, wouldn't that be more like 5.5 to 6 gallons. You might want to check the accuracy of your measure before you begin wasting your time. I mean if you going to waste time, you might as well waste meaningfully. The manufacture is not only going to stand behind his product, but will go so far as to tell you he has no control over the installation of said tank, who will refer you back to the coach manufacture. The bottom line, when the tank was installed, the depth of drain pipe, vent pipes, penetrate into the tank will also determine the bottom line actual capacity of said tank. Where as you are still a few quarts to a few gallons short of a full tank. Good Luck and happy measuring. Bill JMHO
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hwybnb
Southern California
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Joined: 05/02/2001
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Not unusual in my experience. Some RV manufacturers quote tank capacity from the specs used by the tank manufacturer, which are based on the overall dimensions of the tank. Usable capacity might be less depending on how the tank is installed and where the fill and drain ports are located. As the previous poster noted, fussing about it is a waste of time. The manufacturer isn't going to do anything about it.
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outdoorsman2007
In the Woods - Somewhere!
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Joined: 04/12/2007
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The tank may very well be the size the manufacturer stated in the literature, but if the pipe ends down in the tank, it will limit the amount of fluid the tank will hold.
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sharker6
Shelbyville, Kentucky
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Joined: 11/05/2006
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I just checked their dimensions on the tank drawings and the 45 gallon tank is real close 10200 cu. in. = 44.1558 gallons (US Liquid). Propably an I.D. / O.D. difference or because I rounded the dims. off.
2005 Xterra off road 4X4, 2007 26' Aluma-Lite, WD w/ friction sway, Prodigy, Yamaha EF2400, 400w inverter, front carrier w/ rod holders, Dish Network
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