Community Forums

JJtravel · 08-13-2019, 11:33 AM

Just purchased a new Grand Design Travel Trailer. I've owned three previous RV's and have alway been able to physically see the fresh water tanks. It is nice to confirm what the idiot lights are NOT telling me. Was wondering if there is a way to see the the fresh water tank on our 315RLTS? Seems the fresh water light is proving my understanding of what they are for. We do full timing and love to dry kamp when the chance arrives. Not too concerned about the black and gray tanks... easier to gage since I'm not worried about running out of the contents and can more easily anticipate how full they are getting.

Cumminsfan · 08-13-2019, 01:39 PM

I've never worried about my fresh tank since I can always add water if needed. Can't dump the grey or black when dry camping unless you have a tote.
You should be glad you can't see your tank. It means that there's insulation and a water proof membrane covering it of which is all above a coroplast cover. I wouldn't want to own an RV that had exposed tanks.

IC2 · 08-14-2019, 06:22 AM

If you have to 'know' how much water is in the tank, about the only reliable measuring gadget is the Garnet SeeLevel: https://www.garnetinstruments.com/rv-shop/

These are a great addition that I put on our last 5ers tanks but not yet on the current RV. They will tell you by percentage what's there - plus a battery charge monitor. Not cheap nor simple to install though.

JJtravel · 08-14-2019, 08:48 AM

on my former motor home the water tank was entirely enclosed in the vehicle and well insulated. I was able however to remove a panel inside an outside storage compartment and see the side of the water tank. I could also see the water sensors attached to the tank and also see that they were not well placed on the tank I might add. I was able to determine EXACTLY what fresh water I had left. We would easily go from green to red in a matter of a day (no long showers or excessive use). I could physically see the level of the water in the tank and it would be HALF full. The tank was 90 gal. So, red meant I was nearly out? Maybe rainbow colors would be better.. hahaha.

bneukam · 08-14-2019, 09:48 AM

Water tanks are placed to allow for balanced towing. Enclosed below the floor allows them for flexibility in floor plans.

tuffr2 · 08-14-2019, 09:56 AM

My fresh water indicators in the 3 RV's I had all worked and were accurate enough for me.

Not sure why a visual check is needed?

Drain it and if the indicators say empty that is one check. Fill it full and the indicator should say full that is a 2nd check.

If full and you start using water the indicators should show the new water level as it goes down. 2/3 then 1/3 then empty.

All the sensor positions I have ever seen seemed to be positioned correctly.

Cumminsfan · 08-14-2019, 11:19 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by tuffr2

My fresh water indicators in the 3 RV's I had all worked and were accurate enough for me.

Not sure why a visual check is needed?

Drain it and if the indicators say empty that is one check. Fill it full and the indicator should say full that is a 2nd check.

If full and you start using water the indicators should show the new water level as it goes down. 2/3 then 1/3 then empty.

All the sensor positions I have ever seen seemed to be positioned correctly.

x2
My grey and especially the black can be off. After years of using them we have a feel for what our limits are.
As a side not when filling the fresh I fill till it flows out the overflow as per my MFG recommendations. If I use the lights when filling I'll short myself X amount of gals of water. I bought one of those water meter gal readers. It gives me an idea of how much is going in.

Gimpyknee · 08-14-2019, 11:42 AM

I don't have the make/model handy (it's at home), but I have a 5m waterproof endoscope, it's slightly larger than a pencil diameter. If you really have to see somewhere - that's the tool. It has a mirror tip and a magnet tip, too. I'll post the specifics when I get home this evening.