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08-13-2020, 01:45 PM
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#1
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Senior Member
Join Date: May 2013
Location: West Hills
Posts: 125
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Recommendations for cleaning grey tank sensors
What would you recommend to clean the sensors in both of the grey tanks in my 2013 29rks. I clean the black tank religiously with Calgon and Dawn and have had very few black tank sensor issues.
Thanks in advance
__________________
Jeff Frankel
2013 Cougar 297RKWS
2019 Ram 2500 6.4l Diesel
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08-13-2020, 03:29 PM
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#2
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Senior Member
Join Date: Nov 2017
Location: Mico, TX
Posts: 7,467
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Quote:
Originally Posted by pakuma
What would you recommend to clean the sensors in both of the grey tanks in my 2013 29rks. I clean the black tank religiously with Calgon and Dawn and have had very few black tank sensor issues.
Thanks in advance
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Why do you wish to clean the gray tank sensors?
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wiredgeorge Mico TX
2006 F350 CC 4WD 6.0L
2002 Keystone Cougar 278
2006 GL1800 Roadsmith Trike
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08-13-2020, 04:27 PM
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#3
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Senior Member
Join Date: Jan 2013
Location: Indiana
Posts: 2,719
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Unless you are in a permanent site, you add the Dawn and a some water to the tanks and go for a drive. When you reach your destination, flush the tanks out. Do this every time you move and your sensors will respond.
However, if you are sitting in a permanent spot and not moving the camper, you might as well forget the sensors completely. The only possibility is to use a toilet wand down the toilet attached to a garden hose, and work it around and around and around: ... no, not my video. But a simple demonstration.
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2019 Montana High Country 375FL
2014 Chevy Duramax HD 6.6 - 3500 Diesel Dully Long bed Crew Cab
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08-13-2020, 04:36 PM
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#4
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Site Team
Join Date: Jul 2014
Location: Modesto
Posts: 20,348
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I have had about 98% success using Dawn Ultra Blue and hot water.
__________________
2012 Copper Canyon 273FWRET being towed by a 1994 Ford F350 CC,LB,Dually diesel.
Airlift 5000 bags, Prodigy brake control, 5 gauges on the pillar.Used to tow a '97 Jayco 323RKS.
Now an RVIA registered tech. Retired from Law enforcement in 2008 after 25+ yrs.
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08-14-2020, 07:26 PM
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#5
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Senior Member
Join Date: Oct 2019
Location: Central FL
Posts: 1,090
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Quote:
Originally Posted by pakuma
What would you recommend to clean the sensors in both of the grey tanks in my 2013 29rks. I clean the black tank religiously with Calgon and Dawn and have had very few black tank sensor issues.
Thanks in advance
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Do the same with the grey as you do with the black if you're having good results.
I use Dawn religiously in the kitchen sink when doing the dishes. And I make sure I use "plenty" of it for that purpose of keeping things as clean as possible down there. I only had one issue one time a while back with a malfunctioning sensor in the grey tank. I used a couple of black tank drop in pods, filled the grey with fresh water and let it sit for a few days. Then dumped it and all was well. Not sure why the malfunction, but it was a one time thing.
__________________
2023 Cougar HT 23MLE
2020 F250 XLT CC 6.2 4WD
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08-14-2020, 07:40 PM
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#6
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Site Team
Join Date: Feb 2014
Location: W. Texas
Posts: 17,692
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There are many ways to "attempt" to clean your sensors and then you "hope" that whatever they say is accurate. I've had temporary success...for a very short time and a lot of trouble buying this and that to clean it out etc. Over 35 years my tanks know what they are doing and they talk to me. I also know how long it takes doing usual "business" to empty the tanks.
The monitors are a new "revelation" in the last several years that have led many folks unfamiliar with camping in an RV to "depend" on them...have to have them. The were never there before and things worked perfectly; I never look at my "indicators" because I don't need to.
__________________
Danny and Susan, wife of 56 years
2019 Ram 3500 Laramie CC SWB SB 6.4 4x4 4.10
2020 Montana High Country 331RL
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08-15-2020, 07:52 AM
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#7
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Senior Member
Join Date: Nov 2017
Location: Mico, TX
Posts: 7,467
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My question was never answered; why clean gray tanks? There is no toilet paper or such to gum up the sensors from working.
__________________
wiredgeorge Mico TX
2006 F350 CC 4WD 6.0L
2002 Keystone Cougar 278
2006 GL1800 Roadsmith Trike
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08-15-2020, 08:02 AM
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#8
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Senior Member
Join Date: Nov 2017
Location: Picacho, Az
Posts: 6,809
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Quote:
Originally Posted by wiredgeorge
My question was never answered; why clean gray tanks? There is no toilet paper or such to gum up the sensors from working.
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My question is why are you wasting time trying to fix something that won't work past the next tank full anyway.
I'm like the other Danny & haven't even looked at the pretty red lights in years, just listen.
__________________
Full-timed 10+ years
Sold '13 Redwood FB
Traded '13 GMC Denali DRW D/A
Replacement undetermined
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08-15-2020, 08:43 AM
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#9
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Senior Member
Join Date: Nov 2017
Location: Mico, TX
Posts: 7,467
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Quote:
Originally Posted by travelin texans
My question is why are you wasting time trying to fix something that won't work past the next tank full anyway.
I'm like the other Danny & haven't even looked at the pretty red lights in years, just listen.
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Danny You not needing to look at the sensors isn't my point here. I asked the OP WHY clean the gray tanks. The OP never mentioned the sensors and there is no reason for them to malfunction in gray tanks due to not cleaning. The OP got lots of black tank wisdom but I personally have NEVER cleaned a gray tank and can think of no good reason to do so.
__________________
wiredgeorge Mico TX
2006 F350 CC 4WD 6.0L
2002 Keystone Cougar 278
2006 GL1800 Roadsmith Trike
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08-15-2020, 10:33 AM
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#10
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Senior Member
Join Date: Nov 2017
Location: Picacho, Az
Posts: 6,809
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Quote:
Originally Posted by wiredgeorge
Danny You not needing to look at the sensors isn't my point here. I asked the OP WHY clean the gray tanks. The OP never mentioned the sensors and there is no reason for them to malfunction in gray tanks due to not cleaning. The OP got lots of black tank wisdom but I personally have NEVER cleaned a gray tank and can think of no good reason to do so.
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Totally agree!
__________________
Full-timed 10+ years
Sold '13 Redwood FB
Traded '13 GMC Denali DRW D/A
Replacement undetermined
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08-15-2020, 01:03 PM
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#11
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Site Team
Join Date: Jul 2014
Location: Modesto
Posts: 20,348
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I had a customer bring in his class C with gray tanks reading full and shower not draining. Turns out he left the gray open all the time, and it no longer drained.
I had to take the gray valve apart and “chip away” all the soap scum and hair. It was GROSSER than doing a black tank valve. Needless to say after I cleared what I could I used a 1/4 bottle of Dawn ultra and hot water. Got it read 2/3. Instructed him to use it a couple more times and keep the valve closed until needing to be dumped. 2 weeks later he came back for something else but said his sensors were working as designed.
My point is Dawn Ultra blue and hot water WORK!! And as I have said since I’ve been a member, with proper maintenance ALL sensors will work as designed.
__________________
2012 Copper Canyon 273FWRET being towed by a 1994 Ford F350 CC,LB,Dually diesel.
Airlift 5000 bags, Prodigy brake control, 5 gauges on the pillar.Used to tow a '97 Jayco 323RKS.
Now an RVIA registered tech. Retired from Law enforcement in 2008 after 25+ yrs.
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08-15-2020, 01:32 PM
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#12
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Senior Member
Join Date: Jan 2013
Location: Indiana
Posts: 2,719
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I have found, cleaning the grey tank does have advantages in keeping smells down. I can dump my grey tank on the ground at my house, and sometimes it smells pretty bad. Just like a black tank, food particals can stick to the walls, (and the sensors) and after a while smell really, really bad when dumping.
Again, the absolute easiest solution to clean up the grey tank (as well as the black), is to leave some water in the tank and hit the road. The water sloshing in the tank is all that REALLY needs to be done to clean things off that like to "hang around" (literally.)
__________________
2019 Montana High Country 375FL
2014 Chevy Duramax HD 6.6 - 3500 Diesel Dully Long bed Crew Cab
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08-15-2020, 03:15 PM
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#13
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Senior Member
Join Date: Aug 2020
Location: Willamette Valley Oregon
Posts: 330
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I believe some of the grey tank additives also have cleaning agents in them.
I have put my leftover ice in the black tank (down head) when leaving camp and the sloshing around helps scrub the tank walls and sensors. Might work in the grey tank if you can get ice in there.
__________________
2020 Keystone 291RLS
2014 Ram 1500 EcoDiesel 4x4 Crew 3.92
EAZ-Lift Recurve R3 #1200
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08-15-2020, 03:42 PM
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#14
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Senior Member
Join Date: Dec 2019
Location: Sun City West
Posts: 907
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Just curious....if he left his grey valves open, waste water would be constantly draining through the outlet. How did soap scum and hair mange to dry up and solidify..sealing a 3” pipe, under these conditions? What am I missing? I thought it was a pretty common practice to leave the grey(s) open until you wanted to fill ‘em up some to aid in sewer hose flushing after dumping the black.
__________________
2022 Rockwood Signature 8324SB
2019 F350, SRW, 6.2L, 4.30 gears
Sold: 2020 Keystone Cougar '1/2 ton' TT, 29RLKWE
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08-15-2020, 04:10 PM
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#15
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Site Team
Join Date: Oct 2011
Location: Joppa, MD
Posts: 11,752
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Quote:
Originally Posted by wiredgeorge
Danny You not needing to look at the sensors isn't my point here. I asked the OP WHY clean the gray tanks. The OP never mentioned the sensors and there is no reason for them to malfunction in gray tanks due to not cleaning. The OP got lots of black tank wisdom but I personally have NEVER cleaned a gray tank and can think of no good reason to do so.
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When we bought our hybrid trailer years ago the previous owner had it in a cg next to a large state games area in PA. I think he used it mainly as a hunting camp.I also think he regularly poured grease down the kitchen sink from frying food.
As hard as tried the gray tank would drain slowly. Many back Flushing would result in white chucks but still wouldn't flow well. After some investigating the gray tank was in line with the 3" drain line. So I took the camper to a car wash and spent a couple of rolls worth of quarters holding the high pressure wand in the drain line.
I could have filled a 10 at. galvanized bucket with all the chunks of white solids that came out of that tank. I don't think the black tank ever had anything innit before we bought it. Amazing what some people will do.
__________________
Marshall
2012 Laredo 303 TG
2010 F250 LT Super Cab, long bed, 4X4, 6.4 Turbo Diesel
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08-15-2020, 04:41 PM
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#16
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Site Team
Join Date: Jul 2014
Location: Modesto
Posts: 20,348
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Quote:
Originally Posted by markcee
Just curious....if he left his grey valves open, waste water would be constantly draining through the outlet. How did soap scum and hair mange to dry up and solidify..sealing a 3” pipe, under these conditions? What am I missing? I thought it was a pretty common practice to leave the grey(s) open until you wanted to fill ‘em up some to aid in sewer hose flushing after dumping the black.
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Gray is normally 1 1/2” not 3”. I don’t know how his clogged but I do know it was nastier than anything else I have dealt with.
__________________
2012 Copper Canyon 273FWRET being towed by a 1994 Ford F350 CC,LB,Dually diesel.
Airlift 5000 bags, Prodigy brake control, 5 gauges on the pillar.Used to tow a '97 Jayco 323RKS.
Now an RVIA registered tech. Retired from Law enforcement in 2008 after 25+ yrs.
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08-20-2020, 08:42 AM
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#17
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Senior Member
Join Date: May 2013
Location: West Hills
Posts: 125
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Quote:
Originally Posted by wiredgeorge
My question was never answered; why clean gray tanks? There is no toilet paper or such to gum up the sensors from working.
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I want to clean them because the sensors show full when completely empty. I am hoping to at least be able to clean them enough to get a rough idea of where the tank is, i know the sensors are very unreliable.
__________________
Jeff Frankel
2013 Cougar 297RKWS
2019 Ram 2500 6.4l Diesel
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08-20-2020, 09:19 AM
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#18
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Senior Member
Join Date: May 2016
Location: South Jordan, Utah
Posts: 2,227
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I'm with the Chuckster on this one. Properly cleaned and maintained the sensors are reasonable indicators as to the fill levels of your tanks. Food particles soap scum etc can affect the sensors. Remember, they are only looking for a ground potential to activate the sensor circuit and send current to the monitor.
I'd try Chuckster's suggestion and see if it works. We do this after each camping session and so far absolutely no problems with any of the tanks or indicators.
__________________
2017 Cougar 279RKSWE
2007.5 Dodge Ram 2500 6.7 Cummins
Retirement Training Completed
I think the little voices in my head have started a chat group.
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08-20-2020, 09:19 AM
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#19
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Senior Member
Join Date: Aug 2020
Location: Willamette Valley Oregon
Posts: 330
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Quote:
Originally Posted by wiredgeorge
My question was never answered; why clean gray tanks? There is no toilet paper or such to gum up the sensors from working.
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Grease and soap scum may render the sensors less accurate.
__________________
2020 Keystone 291RLS
2014 Ram 1500 EcoDiesel 4x4 Crew 3.92
EAZ-Lift Recurve R3 #1200
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08-20-2020, 09:42 AM
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#20
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Senior Member
Join Date: Sep 2017
Location: Qualicum Beach
Posts: 555
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Quote:
Originally Posted by chuckster57
I had a customer bring in his class C with gray tanks reading full and shower not draining. Turns out he left the gray open all the time, and it no longer drained.
I had to take the gray valve apart and “chip away” all the soap scum and hair. It was GROSSER than doing a black tank valve. Needless to say after I cleared what I could I used a 1/4 bottle of Dawn ultra and hot water. Got it read 2/3. Instructed him to use it a couple more times and keep the valve closed until needing to be dumped. 2 weeks later he came back for something else but said his sensors were working as designed.
My point is Dawn Ultra blue and hot water WORK!! And as I have said since I’ve been a member, with proper maintenance ALL sensors will work as designed.
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Is this the Dawn Ultra blue you use?
https://www.amazon.ca/Ultra-Concentr...7945238&sr=8-1
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