How much left?

[Blaydon]

Hi there. We have had a few Motorhome over the years but all have had an annoying problem. The water tank gauge gives three points of measurement. Full, well I know that, I just filled it. 70%, Ok. 30% well that is a huge jump from 70%. Then empty- though this means you are in the last 20litres.
When you drop from 70% what it actually means is you have up to 69% but you don’t know how much. When you drop from 30% it means you have up to 29% but you could be about to run dry? Kettle before shower sod the washing up!
My question is…. Has anyone come across a retro fit, accurate multi graded measuring system for the fresh water tank.

 

[steve69]

It's easy. No gauges needed. Just take a shower and when you're all covered in soap and the water stops - the tank is empty and needs refilling.

 

[jdk62]

Can you not dilute it?

 

[Dolmen]

The Votronic 5311 available from Roadpro may do the trick although I have no personal experience of fitting one.

 

[Two on Tour]

The Votronic 5311 available from Roadpro may do the trick although I have no personal experience of fitting one.

That's only the display, you will also need to fit the additional sensor electrode into your tank and cable it through to the display.

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[Dolmen]

That's only the display, you will also need to fit the additional sensor electrode into your tank and cable it through to the display.

Good point, will also need Votronic 5543

 

[Blaydon]

Hi Folks. Thanks (tanks) for all the comments. When we get back home I will look into options. Our fresh water tank has easy access at the top so that might give me a starting point.
Cheers from Rome.

 

[poppycamper]

Is there any way of inverting the readings if placed on the top, as in empty means full if that makes sense, or would it even work with it placed on the top? Ta

No expert, but can't see it working.
The sensors work by passing ultrasonic waves through the medium to be measured, liquid gas or water which the waves can travel through quite easily until they encounter air which they cannot pass through and can therefore tell the level of tank.
If mounted on top the first medium they would encounter would be air which, as stated they cannot travel through and therefore would be unable to find the top of the liquid...
However very interested to find out if my theory is correct...

 

[Two on Tour]

No expert, but can't see it working.
The sensors work by passing ultrasonic waves through the medium to be measured, liquid gas or water which the waves can travel through quite easily until they encounter air which they cannot pass through and can therefore tell the level of tank.
If mounted on top the first medium they would encounter would be air which, as stated they cannot travel through and therefore would be unable to find the top of the liquid...
However very interested to find out if my theory is correct...

That's also my understanding of the theory of how the Mopeka sensors operate.

 

[Silver-Fox]

You have not been looking hard enough then.

View attachment 882363

Have you been dribbling Paul.

As you waste water isnt the same as your used fresh water

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[Vansflyer]

I would think unlikely but a email to Mopeka is your best bet as they have responded to my questions in the past.

Thanks

No expert, but can't see it working.
The sensors work by passing ultrasonic waves through the medium to be measured, liquid gas or water which the waves can travel through quite easily until they encounter air which they cannot pass through and can therefore tell the level of tank.
If mounted on top the first medium they would encounter would be air which, as stated they cannot travel through and therefore would be unable to find the top of the liquid...
However very interested to find out if my theory is correct...

Thank you for the info and explanation. I can fit a better tank float gauge but that will require me running a cable through the floor to the Pi / Cerbo GX and then almost certainly loose the (crap) gauge on the OEW CBE unit. I like to have a level or redundancy left if the Pi / Cerbo packs in mid trip.

 

[Two on Tour]

Have you been dribbling Paul.

As you waste water is the same as your used fresh water

I think that you need to take another look Richard as one of us is confused ............... or maybe it's both of us.

 

[Silver-Fox]

I think that you need to take another look Richard as one of us is confused ............... or maybe it's both of us.

Used 58% fresh water

Only 21% in grey tank

Just pulling your chain Paul

 

[oldiesontour]

Hi there. We have had a few Motorhome over the years but all have had an annoying problem. The water tank gauge gives three points of measurement. Full, well I know that, I just filled it. 70%, Ok. 30% well that is a huge jump from 70%. Then empty- though this means you are in the last 20litres.
When you drop from 70% what it actually means is you have up to 69% but you don’t know how much. When you drop from 30% it means you have up to 29% but you could be about to run dry? Kettle before shower sod the washing up!
My question is…. Has anyone come across a retro fit, accurate multi graded measuring system for the fresh water tank.

Yes I fitted a digital gauge to my van when I converted it ,50mm round gauge,seperatesender units are sold in different lengths(float type)to suit different depth tanks.Availabe on eBay from memory around £25/£30

 

[steve69]

No expert, but can't see it working.
The sensors work by passing ultrasonic waves through the medium to be measured, liquid gas or water which the waves can travel through quite easily until they encounter air which they cannot pass through and can therefore tell the level of tank.
If mounted on top the first medium they would encounter would be air which, as stated they cannot travel through and therefore would be unable to find the top of the liquid...
However very interested to find out if my theory is correct...

It depends on the frequency. Lower frequencies can travel through air, and like a bat, it reflects off liquid or solid surfaces and can measure that way.

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[CAB96]

How long is a piece of thread!!

Ooh, about .......... thaaaaat long?