PhoebeG

Colorado

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Hi everyone,
We just bought a 2012 3905 and really haven't had any problems. We were worried after reading a lot of the negative experiences people have had. We're full-timer's so we're thrilled it hasn't had to spend any time in for repairs.
One of the reasons we bought this particular toyhauler was because of the large amount of fresh water capacity (about 160 gallons supposedly). This was huge for us since we're living in it 24/7 and love to boondock.
However, we haven't been able to fit more than about 70 gallons in our fresh water tank at any one time. It can be dry as a whistle and still won't take anymore than 70 or so gallons. Very disappointing!
Has anyone else had this issue? If so, did you find out what the problem is? My husband is convinced that they must have put the wrong size tank in...he's going to drop the bottom panel and take a look-see but I thought I'd go ahead and ask all of you since you're so knowledgeable and helpful!
Thanks so much,
Phoebe
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Y-Guy

Tri-Cities, WA

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Have you talked to Dutchmen or your dealer? I'm wondering if it has a 2nd tank that isn't filling properly, perhaps poor venting. There could also be a switch to open or closer that tank off depending on how it's plumbed. If you haven't yet done it, make a couple of calls before you drop the bottom off.
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asuperheat

Florida

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My 3795 has two tanks, one fill totaling 162 gallons. Kinda sounds like only one tank is filling for some reason.
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mpierce

Scranton, ND

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I filled mine using an electronic meter. Showed 170 gal, so is pretty close. Sounds like one filling.
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strudeau

Livermore California

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I have put up a couple of prior post on this topic. I also have the 3905. Do not remove the bottom, you will be wasting your time. The issue is how the two tanks fill and the connections between them.
Go ahead and start filling your tanks. When they get to the point where they seem to be full, shut the water off. Hopefully you have an air compressor handy because you need to force air into the vent hole adjacent to the water fill pipe. You will be shocked how much air rushes back out the hole. You can continue filling your tanks at this point.
Somehow when the tank fills it doesn't displace the air in the tank, thus it will not allow the water to fill completely.
FYI your two fresh water tanks are 75 gallon capacity for 150 total gallons. The balance is in your water heater.
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grizzly660fan

Utah

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as strudeau mentions its likely not venting properly. I sometimes will have this happen, usually if I let it sit for a while the vent opens up, it can open with such force that you get wet as it shoots out air and water. I find if I fill slower it happens less often than filling as fast as the fill hose will allow.
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atfulldraw

Texas is home

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Sounds like a vent issue....when mine went back to the factory, they added a vent so that my tanks would fill completely.
as their standard M.O. when they fixed the problem, they also created another one.....now the vent drips water out whenever I go up or down a hill
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PhoebeG

Colorado

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Wow, everyone...thank you so, so much! We'll definitely try those things today. It would be great to have that much fresh water :-)
We always assumed it was just one tank but since we now know it's 2, does anyone know how the tanks are configured underneath there? When we have the hose in the fresh water 'fill hole', does the water fill one tank and then the other or is it filling both at the same time? Are the 2 tanks connected with a valve or a hose or are the 2 tanks somehow melded together or what? Sorry if my questions are sounding naively newbie'ish but that's what I am :-) We jumped into our RV adventure with both feet...this is our first RV and we're full-timers!
Haven't had any regrets just lots of questions. Again, thank you all so much for taking the time to educate me...I love this place!
Take care,
Phoebe
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asuperheat

Florida

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On my 3795, "its the same as your 3905" the tank fill goes into one tank. The two tanks are connected by 2 lines, a tank fill (low) and a tank vent "high". The tanks also have a seperate vent line leaving each tank then teeing into one vent line. There is also tank drains on the bottom of the tanks.
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2btowed

glendale,az

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Had an initial problem with mine also not venting correctly.I use a smaller diameter extension hooked onto my hose,about 3ft long.I shove this down the fill pipe and you can fill the air comming back up the side of the tube.I can fill much faster,WFO, and it will eventually shoot water back out the vent tube,and I know it is full.You might have to experiment with the length of the 1/2 in tube length,it just has to get into the top of your tank or where the air can get around the incomming water.Hope this helps.I carry my adapter in the TH all the time,and use it everytime I fill. good luck..
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