I can never rely on my tank sensors to give an accurate reading and I was searching for a solution out there. I came across a replacement sensor call a Horst Miracle probe http://www.horstmiracleprobes.com/index.php that seems to be a logical and simple solution. I am simply wondering if anyone has replaced their sensors with these and do they work as advertised?
Thanks
Phil
Work interferes with our camping!
2008 Aerolite Cub 235
TV 2004 Aviator
Me=65 DW=Younger than me DS=94 DD=96 DD=93
Thanks for reminding me! I promised a follow up report a few weeks ago.
I installed the Horst Miracle Probes back in August and the tank readings were instantly and remain accurate. When the tanks are drained the little LED meter reads Empty, not 1/3 or 2/3 full. As the level increases the meter shows a higher level. Only two months and three cycles thru the tanks, but I'm happy.
They claim they work by isolating the probes from slime and other "stuff" on the tank walls that cause false readings, and by the hooded probe in the black tank not getting draped or pasted with paper products. Theory aside they've been accurate so far.
The hardest thing about retrofitting the probes vice the sensors in the tank is getting the old sensors out. Quite simply there is no way to pull them out. They're essentially a grommeted bolt and the bolt head and tapered plug is inside the tank. Pulling on them just causes the tapered grommet to grip harder.
Easiest solution is to just drill new holes, pop the new probes in, and move the wires. Easy if you can get a drill in there. I couldn't and ended up removing the wires, pushed the bolts into the tank, sliced the grommets off flush, and pushed the remaining plastic and rubber parts into the tank as well. The new probes fit the old sensor holes perfectly.
Second hardest part was removing the wiring from the old sensors. They're double nutted and it takes a very thin wrench to hold the bottom nut while the top is removed to release the wires. You'll need that same thin wrench to hold the bottom nut to tighten the top nut on the new probes.
The black probe has a notch on the bolt to show the orientation of the interior hood. No guesswork.
I was worried about using my Flojet pump because of these bolts and plastic parts in the tank so used my stinky slinky at a of full service campsite to be sure they came out. Saw the grey tank probes exit thru a clear elbow but the black tank had too much stuff to see. Dumped two nights ago for the last time of the season using the Flojet and nothing steel hit the blades.
As an aside I use an enzyme in the tank to aid digestion and give the tank a shot of Odorlos weekly to keep the culture alive. I don't dump every trip. Only when 2/3 full or more. I'm convinced that driving home a week ago with both tanks 1/3 full and sloshing the enzyme culture around the tanks helps keep them clean all over.
Both tanks read Empty when drained. Even before using the Tornado or back flushing to get the tanks as clean as possible for winter storage.
-- Chuck
'06 Roo 23SS behind '07 Expedition out of Cleveland Our Photo pages
I don't really understand everyones infactuation with these sensors. Maybe it is because we have only done weekend or 3 day trips so far and empty the tank after every trip. With a 30 gallon black tank I cannot imagine filling it up ever being that much of a concern. My black tank sensor always reads full like everyone elses but it never makes it anywhere near full. What am I missing?
aarond76 wrote: I don't really understand everyones infactuation with these sensors. Maybe it is because we have only done weekend or 3 day trips so far and empty the tank after every trip. With a 30 gallon black tank I cannot imagine filling it up ever being that much of a concern. My black tank sensor always reads full like everyone elses but it never makes it anywhere near full. What am I missing?
many of us camp where there are no hookups. we mainly camp at Calif. state parks where 99% of the campsites don't even have W/E, let alone a sewer hookup.
so, we have to rely somewhat on sensors if we are camping for longer than 3 days.
we rarely camp for LESS than 4 days. so having an idea of where the holding tanks are, is important.
but i do agree that a lot of people worry too much about the black tank, when the gray tank is the one to worry about.
Dan- Firefighter, Shawn- Musician/Entrepreneur, Zoe- Faithful Golden Retriever, 2007 Chevrolet Avalanche LS, 2007 Rockwood Roo 23SS w/Equalizer and Prodigy, and 5 Mtn. bikes and 2 Road bikes
aarond76 wrote: I don't really understand everyones infactuation with these sensors. Maybe it is because we have only done weekend or 3 day trips so far and empty the tank after every trip. With a 30 gallon black tank I cannot imagine filling it up ever being that much of a concern. My black tank sensor always reads full like everyone elses but it never makes it anywhere near full. What am I missing?
You're missing staying longer then a weekend. Try 8 or 9 nights without hookups, then you too can use a flashlight to look down the crapper, which is not an option for the grey.
Back to he OP... Looked at the Evergreen TT's this weekend, they have gone to sensors similiar to this Seelevel
Bob & Deb
W Ma.
04 GMC 1500 4X4, 5.3L
06 Starcraft 18SB
Yep!, agree with Chuck_S on the "reliable" sensor on the grey tank. Have had that sensor alert me twice. First time I thought the kitchen sink was just draining VERY slowly - now I know why - filling up the shower. Thankful I decided to clean the bathroom at that moment - can't imagine the mess I would have had. We've learned from time and experience just how soon we have to worry about dumping. We do dump the both tanks after every trip. Just like to know we're starting out empty.
2007 ROO 23SS
2003 F-150 Super Crew with stabilizers and Prodigy
Sam, World's Best Yellow Camping Lab
7 "stay-at-home" K-9s
The obsession with tank level indicators doesn't bother me.
The obsession with constant dumping the tanks amazes me! But I come from cruising boats where the holding tanks only get pumped a couple times a summer, not every weekend.
When we're camping on non-full service sites, which is probably 95% of our camping, we don't dump the Black tank every trip for several reasons.
1. The tank isn't near full.
2. It's not necessary if using Odorlos(tm) and an enzyme treatment.
3. I'd have to wait in line at the dump site while the obliviots search for their hoses, dump, back flush, etc.
Our grey water tank, on the other hand, fills several times a weekend as I use our shower. I truck it to the dump site in a four-wheel cart and back haul fresh water since our favorite state parks seldom have anything more than electric on site. I make a final grey dump the last evening when there's no one at the dump. Whatever remains in this tank goes home too.
When the Black tank is 2/3 or more it gets pumped at home or dumped on entrance to the next state park, or on the next full service site. Rarely a need to use the Flojet, but she's very handy to have.
The longer the Black tank sits with the enzymes and Odorlos the easier it is to dump. It's all liquid after a week or so.
The grey tank can dump on my lawn if critical, but usually just follows the black by whatever dump method I use.
Offline
, Shawn- Musician/Entrepreneur
, Zoe- Faithful Golden Retriever
, 2007 Chevrolet Avalanche LS, 2007 Rockwood Roo 23SS w/Equalizer and Prodigy, and 5 Mtn. bikes and 2 Road bikes
