jwadd
British Columbia
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Joined: 12/18/2007
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I have a 2003 Eagle Cap 950. I am having trouble with the Black Tank sensor. It always reads 2/3 full when empty. Except once, when I flushed and drained the tank 3 times in a row, then it read empty until I got to my next destination and I checked it again - (2/3 full). I have rinsed the tank, flushed the tank, drove around with ice cubes in the tank and it still reads 2/3 full when empty. Any ideas? Could it be as simple as a loose wire on the outside of the tank? What do I check next?
2006 F350 SRW Superduty Crew
Firestone Air Bags
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2003 EC 950 w/ slide
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JUrban
Delaware
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Joined: 06/28/2004
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What you're experiencing is a terribly designed system that just about never works right without constant attention. The only reason RV manufacturers use it is because it's dirt cheap.
The first thing I replaced on the new Allegro bus was the tank indicating system. There are a few out there. On my last Class A I used one from Snake River Electronics and the one on the Bus is a SeeLevel by Garnet Instruments. The reason I used the SeeLevel was so I could put an additional indicator panel in the wet bay. Once these outside the tank systems are installed, there is NO maintenance. They use the currently installed wiring, and are a relatively easy install for a handy person.
John
2008 Tiffin Allegro Bus 40' QSP
2006 Chevrolet Colorado Toad
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skipbee
Glen Arm,Md. 21057 USA
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There are several flushing spray systems that you may be able fit to your black tank. When you dump you hook up a shot hose and spray into the tank hopfully cleaning the sensors. Before I had this system I used a spinning head wand that with hose atteached I stuck down the toilet. We also could put a bag of ice down the bowl and drive around that would help to clean it. Always dump with a full tank add water if needed that also helps.
skipbee
2004 F350 Diesel CC SRW 19.5" Rikson W/T 4WD
2005 Lance 1121 with a little less of everything
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All that glitters is not gold. All who wander are not lost. Wm. Shakespeare
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Eycom
Fl to NY
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Joined: 09/12/2004
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Been there, done that. Got a Sani-Flush and all that happy horse...! Finally, I covered the sensor light on the monitoring panel with a small piece of black electrical tape until I could overcome my compulsive anal concern for a light that is almost ALWAYS wrong. In the end, the black tank still holds and empties 24 gallons with far less stress, expense, and work. I know some 'idiot' lights are critical, but that ain't one of 'em. RV'n is supposed to be fun and I refuse to allow one little light to ruin it for me. YMMV... LOL!
F-350 PSD/CC/DRW
Lance 1121-Nicely Appointed
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xnorp
Spokane Washington
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Joined: 07/29/2004
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Have to agree with Eycom I just ignore mine and look in the hole once in a while to see how full it is getting. Go camping have fun.
xnorp
2000 F-250 SD PS 04 Snowriver 9'6" Rancho 9000X Super Springs Vision 19.5 w/Toyo M608Z
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skipbee
Glen Arm,Md. 21057 USA
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Yes I agree, covering the indicator light is a good solution. When we used to fly charters into the Islands, it was SOP to chew gum, to use to cover blinking lights on the panel which could be seen by the customers.
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TwoMaineiacs
Near Freeport, Maine
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Joined: 04/08/2006
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Second TC - neither black tank indicator has ever worked correctly. After a while you just learn how often you need to dump it. Forget it and enjoy the TC. Never thought about just covering up the indicator light. Smart!
Joe
2008 Host Rainier 9'6" dual slide on a 2005 Ford F-350 Diesel DRW
On the Road Again from Rural Maine
Our travel blog with photos
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PJ Colahan
Antioch, CA
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Joined: 04/15/2008
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I also have the same problem. Sometimes it read correctly and other times..... well.
I am getting ready for our trip to Oregon next week. Will be loading the camper on the truck. One of the projects will be to fill the tank half way and dump the ice in. Also been told that adding a 1/2 cup of fabric softener from the laundry helps lubricate and loosen stuck sensors.
I'll let you know if it works.
I bought one of those rotating spray heads to flush the tank. After I got it I couldn't find anyplace to access the tank to install it without removing the tank first. The heck with that. If it means a bad reading sensor then so be it.
Good luck.
PJ
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jwadd
British Columbia
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Joined: 12/18/2007
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Thanks everyone. I guess I just expect things to work. I have my roll of black tape and am ready to just ignore it. The sun is bright and the beer is cold.
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Mainecoon
Meadville, PA 16335
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Joined: 04/19/2007
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Just had my Okanagan for one year and it has same problem. I well keep watching this topic to see what others have to say. Being new to using a truck camper this forum has been a great help.
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