Fix your RV Tank Sensors
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- เผยแพร่เมื่อ 12 ก.ค. 2021
- Fix your RV Tank Sensors! Tired of your sensors always reading 2/3 full? Check out this unique way to fix your sensor readings!
Check out Unique sensor cleaner: uniquecampingmarine.com/colle...
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Unique also has a Sensor Cleaner product specifically for this application. uniquecampingmarine.com/collections/rv-products/products/sensor-cleaner
Can I put digest in my shower drain and kitchen sink .
Todd, thanks for the kind words and getting our name out there! Your videos are always informative and make us laugh. :)
We use the Unique liquid and it works wonders!
Trusted and true. Prior to each dump, totally fill the black tank until you see the water at the bottom of the toilet. Let it set and then as you keep the water flushing, open the dump valve and watch to see clear liquids exiting the dump valve. I use a clear hose adapter to ensure I see the liquids flowing out of my black tank. This has worked for me over the years and has never had an issue with my levels giving erroneous readings. The problem with many RVers they leave their dump valve open while parked at an RV site. Many RV parks are starting to require NOT to have the dump valve open until ready to flush and dump.
OMG! Love your outtakes! Oh yeah, and the video content is always informative too!
Thanks for sharing! A very common issue. Worth the view.
We love using Unique products thanks to your previous video.
You must have the perfect job for you, cause you have so much fun doing it!
Todd! You are the best!
nice to know theres a great way to clean those sensors.
I tried this stuff on my tank with no effect. Ended up changing my probes to the Horst probes. So far, so good. My probes are bolt-in not hot spun so the change was easy. Video on the other channel.
The “fix” for the stick on external sensors is pretty simple. They are capacitive coupling type proximity sensors. I’ve used variants of them in industry for decades. The sensitivity is such that slight coatings inside the tank will trigger them. The fix is to carefully remove the sensor. Clean off the adhesive thoroughly. Then apply two layers of 3M double stick tape completely covering the sensors. This reduces the capacitive coupling. The tank levels will still register just fine but will be less sensitive to coatings inside the tank. My gray tank works great now and the black tank will only hiccup if there is a piece of paper stuck on the inside where the sensors is.
So tired of TH-cam unsubscribing me from channels. This is the 3rd time I have had to subscribe to your channel.
Great info as always. Ty
Me too. Thanks for the toilet sensor demucking tip.
Good info! Thanks
Thank you!
Thank You Sir!
We used the Volterra power blue after using the RV digest that didn't work....I emptied the tanks..used a 5 gallon bucket to flush out the gunk in the black tank...then we took the big bottle of Volterra and divided it among the 3 tanks and drove with it and about 5 gallons of water in each of the tanks...yes it worked..was a 8hr drive..split between 2 days...
All I know is you recommended the unique I used it in my 1988 Terry 29 R and it has worked phenomenally. It liquefied the toilet paper. Seriously paper all gone. And it's the best my sensors have worked since sometime in the 90s. I don't care what anybody says. It's the best product I have used in the last 40 years.
That's awesome to hear! Glad it's working out for you.
@@NationalRVTrainingAcademy I've turned my brother on to the product and he manages a campground that has a lot of RVs coming in and out of it this time of year. If he likes it I'm sure he's going to recommend it to people at his campground.
Thanks for this. New rv owner here your information is great. And it's drive like a banshee.....
Oh. I thought the word was "Memphian"
Great information! Lynn and Danny
Thank you for your help and thank you for making me laugh!
I've had same problem, cured using 1 cup powdered Borax and 1/2dawn dish soap. Flush out holding tank and fill all tanks about 1/4 full of fresh waster then add Borax and soap.Tanks and sensors will clean themselves while traveling from one campsite to the other and then flush mixture out .
Did you add to the shower drain and bathroom sink?
Womanac!! Love it..im keeping it 😎
Thx Todd, Sgt B.
I recently purchased a 2019 Grand Design Reflection fifth wheel, The owner had been parked at a RV Resort for over a year with full hookups and camper never moved, The day I picked up we drained all tanks, He said the Black tank reads 3/4 full at all times and not to worry. After researching all tank cleaners I found this on U tube and after reading the reviews I thought I would give it a shot.Filled my Black tank per Instruction and poured in 16oz and let sit overnight, next day took my camper on a 20 minute ride and then dumped my tank, BOOM sensors read empty, I will be using Unique products in the future.
Big shout out to Todd for the info, Really like all the content he shares with us.
Thanks Brian G
Didn’t work on mine and left in tank 1 extra day.
Question: How do you know what type of sensors you have? Is it in an owners manual? Can a RV inspection tell you the type of sensor you have? Thank you for these informative and interesting videos 🖖🏻👍🏻😘🙏🏻
Wouldn’t using your external black tank flush clean the debris from the sensors ? Also I could see where debris from black and grey tanks could fool sensors but why would my fresh water tank monitor not jive with my actual levels. Really appreciate your short videos they are very informative
How do you fix the fresh water senor? Is it safe to use the same product that you talked about for the blank tank?
If you use the sensor cleaner, does it also clean the tanks, so no need to do both cleanings?
Does Unique work on gray tanks?
You remind me of my son the bicycle mechanic.
Question
Is there instructions on how to properly lower your underbelly to enable change out of tank sensors?
Todd. EDS to loosen up a bit. Wound pretty tight, there. 😄
So what is the orange/red thing called that all the wires are going into? I have one the wires are broke off to short to repair?
My issue is backwards from what you’re demonstrating. My grey tank doesn’t show anything except empty. Is there a way to test sensors with a jumper?
I’m here!
Hi Todd, I recently learned about your channel after watching JD's latest solar install. In regards to the black tank, can you please do a video explaining how the black tank flush works. I'd just like to know what's going on when I do this. Thanks and keep up the great work.
Q. I know the directions say (the longer the better). Im planing on being away from my RV for possibly a week. Is it ok to let the Unique tank cleaner sit in my black that long?
I filled up my fresh water and the sensor only reads 1/3 full? It's a 2018 Sandpiper 38fkok.I sanitize it 2 times a year.
I am guessing that if you’re using the ice in the tank technique, the way you move the ice around is to have the RV in motion. I would advise caution considering how many waste water holding tanks I’ve seen become dislodged due to the manufacturer not placing the mounting bracket correctly and the weight of the water buckles the holding tank. Thanks for the video, I will definitely acquire the RV Digest It tank probe cleaner.
We totally agree!
Only the top one of mine isn't working any thoughts
How do you fix them if they have never worked to begin with?
Can you recommend a macerator? I have purchased 3 different $130 units from Amazon and they have locked up about 1/2 way through the process when draining black water. the black water today looked like soupy oatmeal, so it may not have been dissolved enough. this occurred when I put the hose with a sprinkler head into the toilet.... so it may have dislodged a pyramid.... I didn't see a review or recommendation by you in another you tube, so I am asking here... thx...
The most simple and easiest way to avoid this is to just not put toilet paper into your toilet. We bought a small wastebasket with a lid that sits by the toilet. It works wonderful. But we still have problems with our gray tank sensors. I will try the unique sensor cleaner on our gray tanks.
100$ agree. Interestingly, I've lived in Latin America for 10 yrs and most bathroom pipes can't handle t.p. so there's always a basket next to the toilet for t.p. Where I am now, I.can flush t.p. and had to readjust to flushing, as I was so used to throwing the t.p. in the trash.😊
Can I use this for the sensor cleaning and the camco packs? Will it harm anything?
It shouldn’t harm anything but always check with the manufacturer before mixing product
I'm having an issue with the fresh tank sensor. I have an 80 gallon fresh water tank that is reading full at about 40 gallons. What might cause it to read full when it's not? It is also now registering as ~1/3 full when I completely empty the tank. Any thoughts?
Check your sensors, if you have the type that stick to the side of the tank they could be coming loose or they could have fallen completely off.
You didn't mention using a whirlygig probe that inserts into the toilet and with a water hose cleans out the tank. I used one on our old Class C, but our new TT has an external tank cleaner fitting.
Yeah I use that same tool as well . Have had great results with it . Definitely a good cheap simple solution 👍
What about grey tanks giving false readings is unique also good for those tanks I live in mine full time
Company of this product don’t recommend using it for gray tanks. Use Dawn soap instead.
Is this a better product vs can I packs for cleaning the black tank?
It’s a great product worth a try
What about the gray tank? Mine most of the time shows 2/3 full and I can’t understand how the sensors are getting shorted to the ground wire to turn on the light. I can remove one by one wire from each sensor and the lights go out like they are supposed to.
You can use the same product in the grey tank. Go to the Unique website, they have info on how to do it there.
Related to this which brand and or RV toilet paper in your opinion is the best to use for this issue and overall. TIA.
PS. I never miss your channel. The tips are amazing
TP that is septic safe is normally ok to use. The TP you can find at camping stores are able to dissolve the quickest…so quick that sometimes it dissolves before you’re done using it lol
Question: Could you use Rid X in black tank?
Yes you can
We’ve been live-aboard sailors for 20 years. The holding tank is near and dear to us. Toilet paper goes in a sealed container with a trash can liner and a screw-on lid. When full, it goes in the trash. There is no detectable smell because the TP absorbs all moisture from the poo. Why would you want to fill your tank with paper mache???
btw - Forget about chemicals, except enzymes maybe. They just damage seals and valves, and screw up the bacteria. Wash the bowl and area with white vinegar. It kills odors, cuts through residues, and dissolves hard water calcium deposits.
abtw - When you take off, have the black tank about 1/4 full of plain water. Pump out when you arrive. The sloshing will clean the tank walls.
abtw - Depending on the cubes, ice will weigh about 6 pounds per gallon. It won’t do much good because it just floats around loose. The water sloshing is your friend.
Love your channel! I've heard this product produces heavy sludge in the tank. Any insight on the veracity of this allegation? Thanks!
I could see that happening if there’s not enough water in the tank. This literally turns dog food into liquid in less than an hour. So if there’s not enough water to dilute the broken down solids, I could see that turning into something that could build up.
@@NationalRVTrainingAcademy excellent point! Keep water level high enough to avoid the sludge. Thanks for the feedback!
When filling the fresh water tank I like to add a touch of bleach, can the sensors stand up to this ?
Used a couple of the products..never worked for me.
I bought a used RV, and my level indicators are on the hood range above the stove. They've never worked -- even when I didn't realize the black water tank valve was closed and it started to bubble up in the tub. The test button seems broken. I've never filled up my water tank because I never wanted to have to deal with cleaning the water tank itself only to find out that nothing is hooked up to the overhead hood. How do I know if the proper wires are hooked up to the hood and what can I replace it with? I would like to get a sleeker hood and just have another meter mounted on the wall if possible.
You would have to test the wires and make sure you have good voltage coming to the panel. But if it's the wires heading to the sensors then it would be easiest to find another tank monitoring system and rerun those wires to a new display. If you wanted to monitor your batteries then look into a battery monitoring system. like the victron BMV-712, this has bluetooth and can give you current data on your battery. The monitor panels are notorious for being unreliable.
I have been full timing for four years, and although I don’t disagree with your advice, you must do regular cleaning with a tank sprayer. And the factory auto flush systems aren’t enough. I still use the old fashioned stick wand about every third time that I use the auto flush and dump the tank. The stick never fails to bring my monitor back to zero.
I agree stick wands are great. Depending on the design some are far better. The tip isn’t saying it’s the only way, just a good solution.
Dump the black tank every few days or when it's at 1/3. Don't let it build up in there keep the upper sensors clean.
That stuff it expensive, and it didn't work for me. I take great care of my tank, and have an internal spray flush I use at least every other time I dump. I've even tried the hand wand, which didn't work either. These have to be the worst made things on an RV. You would think, that with all the need, someone would come up with a better system that works! Might have to make that my mission.
Understanding that the factory systems have usually a conical spray pattern makes them inherently flawed. When I bought my new fiver with the factory system I was anxiously awaiting the results of my test. Using nothing but the factory sprayer I drained a full tank and turned the sprayer on for about 10 minutes and fully drained the tank. I then closed the valve and filled the tank and dumped it and more waste drained out. One more time I filled with the factory sprayer and fully drained the tank and the water looked good but my sensors still showed one third full but it was completely drained. I then used my old standby the stick wand, and filled the tank, and got more sludge. After filling one more time I got clean water and all sensors were working. I still use the factory system but about every third dump I use the stick, and I’m a full timer.
How do you fix fresh water tank sensors. Mine only reads 1/3 full when the tank is completely full. 2020 model.
Check and see if they are sensors that sick to the side of the tank. They may have to be resealed to the tank.
Or the wires may have broken off.
This "smells" like product placement.
Calgon and dawn is wayyyyy cheaper and work 100x better
Be a good consumer buy more products. We need you to spend more money..
I have zero improvement using Unique sensor cleaner on the kitchen gray tank. Use a screen to prevent food to get in tank, but to no avail. Next step....replace sensors.
Don’t put TP down your tank put in in a trash can. Problem solved!!!!!
That’s a personal preference and one that can lead to an unpleasant odor, flys, and accidental hand to skid mark contact. Keep your tank healthy and problem solved as well.
@@NationalRVTrainingAcademy just change the trash liner Every day I’m very particular about my Tiffin bus I only camp with my wife and don’t have others in my coach it’s never been a problem in the years I’ve owned my Allegro bus.
@@stevest.martin3940 I never used toilet paper in my tank and no one has ever pooped in it and used plenty of water... And guess what??? The sensors stopped working about 6 months in.
@@lenasterne7208 you must not own a Tiffin? You probably have a class C Tiffin puts there sensors on the outside of the tank so there is no intrusion into the tank. Good luck
Not sure why these ancient sensors are even used on modern RV's when non-contact ultrasonic sensors are not very expensive and far more accurate.
At least but a spray jet over the sensors for when you do a tank flush - it would blast anything off the sensors.
The RV industry is so ultra-cheap that it makes RV'ing a total pain in the butt. Everything is falling apart all the time. My rig is 2021 model year and I have been repairing it since day one.....not even worth taking it for warranty service because it would effectively just live it's whole life in warranty.
This channel is fantastic for encouraging owners to get smarter, roll up their sleeves and figure it out.
Yeah, I bought mine new two years ago. Took it to the space I planned as a semi-permanent location for working remotely, and ever since then the tank sensors showed 3/4 full at all times even though it had never been previously used. To get warranty done, I'd have had to take it back in, which I couldn't as when I bought it I didn't have a truck to pull it, I had rented one to get it to that location. I have fixed the dozens of other broken things that occurred immediately after purchase on my own.
Worst built sensors ever!.
Two minute tech tip Tuesday is never two minutes…. just sayin’
Thank You Sir!