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Old 01-31-2014, 07:01 PM   #1
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JRV Tank Monitor problems

Upon arriving home after a recent trip with empty waste tanks I checked the monitor and it said Tank 1 was almost full, tank 2 1/3 and batteries were fair. Concerned, I plugged in for a day with no change in readings. Fresh water reading seems correct.

Checked batteries with tester- all fine. Cleaned terminal connections although they looked fine (2010 17B). Put volt meter on main panel and see 12 volts there. Installed new JRV monitor panel, same exact readings. Any thoughts out there?
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Old 01-31-2014, 07:35 PM   #2
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You could have two issues going on. The sensors may be covered in the black and gray water tanks for one and you may have a weak battery. I have a gray water tank that never gets below 1/3, even after emptying.

I have tried the magic wand (hose attachment) inside the tank and still cannot get the sensor to work properly. It may not be something on the sensor, rather the sensor may have just failed. Supposedly, Escape had customized some magic wands to spray inward, perhaps to better get at the sensor. Nor sure of the angle. For the black tank I fill it up with ice cubes on the way home from a trip and after dumping. The ice acts as a scouring pad, of course you have to empty it again at home.

If you are using a single 12 volt battery, 3-4 years is pretty much the life span, particularly if you drain it below 50%. Have you tried any other measurements on the battery?
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Old 01-31-2014, 09:14 PM   #3
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Thanks for input; am going to take batteries to an auto parts store for better testing. They are stamped 12/09. Would be good if that were the prime reason. As for the waste tanks, we only use black tank for #1 and no paper, yet the sensors could still be gunked up and will try wand for first time.

I want to acknowledge George at Escape for his time in trying to help me resolve this issue. We have been out for a total of almost 30 days since buying this from the original owner who garaged it with no problems. George and Reace have been very generous with their time and Tammy sent out replacement table guides when our double dinette fell off the track due to a missing stop screw. They're the real deal!!
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Old 01-31-2014, 09:31 PM   #4
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Since you said batteries, I am assuming you perhaps have dual 6 volt. If that is the case, they could last up to 8 years. However, being the second owner, you do not know how the batteries were cared for. I think it is a good idea to take them to a professional, I would like to see them do an equalization charge for four hours at 15.6 volts. That is the recommendation from Interstate. This process has brought many a battery back to life for more years of service.

If the black tank sensor does not clear up you can always use a dip stick.
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Old 02-01-2014, 12:16 AM   #5
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Never had the gray register wrong, black yes, many times. Seems to come and go on mine, leaving the reading always in question. The way your battery reading is off I'd figure that one out first, could be as simple as the batteries or the meter itself.

Tank Sensors are replaceable if it comes down to it, I know folks who have gone to these RV Holding Tank Sensors - Get accurate grey and black holding tank monitor readings with good results. Depending on placement of the sensors and their proximity to the trailers frame, replacement may not be an easy job. Finding them in the first place could be an issue if you've got the underbelly spray on foam. I've just learned to use a flashlight to check the black when I think it's too early to be full. I'm taking it one can see down the loo in an Escape and into the black tank.
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Old 02-01-2014, 06:17 AM   #6
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I don't know what it is about the sensors. It's not just an Escape issue. I've read on other forums, with really big trailers, all the problems.

I've camped in my Scamp now for more than 10 years. I've learned to use my ears. You can hear when the gray tank is getting fuller and of course the eyes work when flushing the toilet. As long as my hearing is okay and I can see... I'm good.
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Old 02-01-2014, 01:56 PM   #7
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After adding some distilled water (not very much) and charging again overnight, my battery indicator says Good. Next, I used the wand a few times, and the tank 1 level went from 2/3 to 1/3.; tank 2 went to E. Seems like I was trying to fix something that wasn't broke with the controller, but the battery reading of Fair after first overnight charge is what set this in motion. I did push a little harder on the 220/110 adapter because it doesn't want to go all the way on the trailer's.
Thanks for all the input. All's well.....now I can go escape somewhere(-;
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Old 02-01-2014, 03:32 PM   #8
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These small inexpensive voltmeters make a nice addition to the minimal info you get on battery charge from the built in monitors. I like these as they plug into any 12v receptacle in your trailer. Battery Charge Monitor
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