Community Forums

RAMBLE0N · 07-05-2018, 04:43 PM

Hello Anybody

The fresh, black and grey tank monitors in my '01 Signature don't measure accurately. I'd hoped it was as simple as making sure the "stick on" sensors were "stuck on" but that didn't change the readouts.

At least the sensor end is made by Tech Edge

I've searched for any posts on this topic and haven't found any...can't believe I'm the only one to have had this problem but maybe I am that lucky.

Any help appreciated

ThePowells · 07-05-2018, 11:59 PM

Welcome to the forum!

We're sorry that it took a problem for you to join us.

Here is a link to over 600 threads about tank sensors.
https://www.google.com/search?q=%22t...earch=irv2.com

MSHappyCampers · 07-06-2018, 10:01 AM

Hi !

Welcome to IRV2! We're sure glad you joined the gang!

Since it affects all tanks I would suspect a bad ground connection.

Good luck, happy trails, and God bless!

All_talk · 07-07-2018, 01:11 PM

I would give therm a call.

I have the original Larson system in my Vogue and recently contacted them about troubleshooting some issues. I got a quick call back from an engineer, very freandly and helpful people. Especially when I was asking them to support a system that was discontinued long before the current ownership acquired the company.

Gary

ThePowells · 07-07-2018, 10:50 PM

Very few OEM systems are “accurate” per se. Crud on the inside of the tank, improper placement, or just cheap stuff will make a difference. I check my black tank level at every flush and gray tank before showering. If any doubt there I simply bleed off some gray water.

If you aren’t happy with yours, you can install a See Level system or simply empty them and add a few gallons at a time and check your sensors and note at what level the lights come on.

RAMBLE0N · 07-09-2018, 09:21 AM

Thanks for the feedback to all. Monaco used what I'd call a fuel gauge in the early 2k years so no lights. The panel covers all three water tanks as well as the propane tank. The propane tank reading is dead on accurate but the water tanks all hover around 1/4 to 1/3 full when empty and maybe jump to full but nothing in between. Since seeing the gray tank back up into the shower I've never let gray or black tanks to get anywhere near full since.

I suspect I was hoping for a magic pill to solve this but see that I need to work my way up from zero. From all I've read this means starting with tank cleaning (read lots on how people have accomplished that) then sensors and so on in a more methodical manner.

Thanks Again for the input and feedback.

Ret.LEO · 07-09-2018, 09:29 AM

The solution to your problem:
https://www.garnetinstruments.com/rv-shop/

RAMBLE0N · 07-12-2018, 11:17 AM

Thanks Leo. I'll keep this in mind but replacing the existing would require some serious effort in changing the panel where the current system is located. Monaco used the larger switches plus the gauge. The panel is easily 14"x5". I need to invest the time make sure dirty tank, poor sensor attachment and so forth are not to blame before going down path of a replacement system.

Thanks again

All_talk · 07-12-2018, 12:42 PM

I'll add a little of what I've learned about these systems in the hopes it could be helpful.

First most of this information came from reading on the Tech Edge web site: https://www.tankedge.com/ And looking up the patents on the original Larson system.

The systems measure the level by sensing the change in capacitance, the sensors use external foil strips, there is nothing inside the tank. The earliest systems (like mine) have only the foil strips and connecting wires at the tank and all electronics are at the control board. The later systems added a "sensor" at the tank. My system has trim pots to adjust the readout of each tank (see picture below).

As far as troubleshooting goes I would encourage you to contact Tech-Edge.

My fresh tanks works well but my black and grey seem to have a short range. If I adjust the grey so it reads full correctly it shows 1/4 when its empty. And I cant get the black sensor adjusted high enough, it reads 3/4 when the tank is full and 1/4 when its empty. I have been busy and haven't had a chance to get back to Tech-Edge with this info but once I do I will update with what I learn.

Gary

terryl · 07-12-2018, 05:51 PM

Interesting subject matter. I have a KIB (or KLB) monitor system in my rig. Not 100% accurate, but close enough to keep me out of trouble. After emptying my grey water tank after the last trip, the led showed "empty", but a couple of weeks after parking it, it now shows "full". I opened the drain again, and there was nothing in there (maybe half a bucket), but the reading hasn't changed. Checked all of the connections on the outside of the tank, and pulled the panel off the wall, and nothing appears to be disconnected off the circuit board.

I hate the thought of leaving on a 3-week trip in 2 days, and the only way of knowing when the grey water tank is full is when the bathtub stops draining.

Anyone have any ideas? Thanks!

oneknight · 09-20-2018, 05:56 AM

I stumbled on this post looking for further insight on these tankedge sensors.

I retrofitted seelevel on my '08 Monaco back in 2011 or so. Through the years, I ran into countless failed sensors @ over $100 each (but at least solveable)
AND the gray sensor started reading half full when it was empty.

This past January, I traded up to a 2017 Entegra. It came factory with seelevel.
From the git-go, the gray read 50% when it was empty!
I asked Lazydays to fix it on a warrantee call, and they killed both the black and the gray sensors! They sent me a new sensor, and I couldn't get it on in one piece either!
Access to the tanks on this coach is tough, and the sensors install between them!

I just ordered a tankedge system. I like that it can be user calibrated, and I like that it can be installed on the "irregular" ends of the tanks, where it will be accessable.

Wish me luck, and any tips are more than welcome!