SeeLevel Tank Monitors Okay?

[dbj216]

I'm installing new black and gray tanks in my 66 Trade Wind. The tanks I purchased came with molded in sensors.

I have researched the See Level system and it seems easier and better than the "old fashioned" sensors.

The "deep end" of my tanks are mounted close to the frame rail. My mother said See Level sensors won't work when close to other metal.

Has anyone had success installing the See Level system on tanks close to frame rails?

David

[Bruce B]

Call the company.
I installed a SeeLevel system on our Bambi and the black water sensor is less than inch from metal. Works fine.
Call them and ask them about your particulars. I did and was pleased with their help.
Bruce

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[dbj216]

Okay, I'll give them a call. The See Level system seems much friendlier than the old in tank sensors. I appreciate this new technology. But some folks have had trouble getting the stick on sensors to work when the tanks are buried in Airstream frame bays.

David

[Mixter]

Please keep us posted as to what you find out. I've been watching Bruce B's comments, which are favorable. Because of his experience, I think I'm going this way. However, I have not found many other reviews on this system.

I'm looking at the full blown system that includes the pump and water heater switch. I have also contacted Seelevel about the dual LPG tank interface. Since we have 2 LPG tanks, their advice was to get a 2 way 12v switch so that I can check each tank.

[Mixter]

Although they were not specific on the 2 way switch, which I have not yet researched....

[Bruce B]

I have my panel set up to read both propane tanks at once. The difference is that with the way I wired the monitor 100% to 50% indicates the first tank from full to empty and once you use that tank up and you begin using the second tank the readings are from 50% to 0%. I simply think of it as one big tank and I know to refill once I get to 50%. I felt it was cleaner my way and it eliminates a switch and the question of where to mount it.
Bruce




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[dbj216]

I will post what I find out about mounting the SeeLevel sensors close to the metal frame. I am not planning on sensing the level in my propane tanks, just the water tanks. I do have the old fashioned sensors molded into my new waste water tanks, so I could go that route knowing they might crud up and quit working.

David

[Mixter]

Originally Posted by Bruce B

I have my panel set up to read both propane tanks at once. The difference is that with the way I wired the monitor 100% to 50% indicates the first tank from full to empty and once you use that tank up and you begin using the second tank the readings are from 50% to 0%. I simply think of it as one big tank and I know to refill once I get to 50%. I felt it was cleaner my way and it eliminates a switch and the question of where to mount it.
Bruce



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Well that's cool.... How'd you do that?

[Bruce B]

Just ran the sending units in series.
Simple...
Bruce

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[dbj216]

I called Garnet in Texas and they confirmed I can use the SeeLevel sensors on my tanks that are buried in my frame bays. SeeLevel requires a "rubber packing sheet" used to cover the sensors to insulate them from the metal frame. Rubber sheeting is available at big box stores. So I am going to give the system a try.

David

[Mixter]

What's minium tank depth on those sensor strips? My black tank looks to have plenty of room, but the gray looks to be only 3"+... not much anyway.

Also, is there any concern with the strips coming un-stuck?

[Bruce B]

That may an issue for your installation. I think the minimum sensor height is 4 inches...
Time to measure the tank.

I asked about the sensors falling off too. They said it is virtually impossible. Mine are still stuck tight a year later anyway.

Bruce


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[dbj216]

I have my new Garnet SeeLevel sensors and display installed. It works well, although I had some trouble shooting to do. I want to add that Garnet was very, very helpful and patient helping me out. They are very responsive to my phone calls. Unusual in this day and age.


My trouble was "DC voltage ripple" caused by an old converter. The display worked normally when I was on just battery power, but went manic when I plugged into shore power. I did install a new, modern converter and that solved the problem.


Thanks to everyone who helped me decide on the SeeLevel. I recommend this system as a reliable, accurate method of monitoring your waste water and fresh water, and LPG tanks.


David

[Aviator]

How are your tanks secured to your trailer, and where did you source them, please.

Thanks

[dbj216]

Hi Aviator,


I got my tanks from Inca Plastics. They did great for me. They have molded RV tanks for years, and have lots of old molds for low volume service parts. I just went through their on line catalog until I found a tank that fit my frame bay. See "Inca Plastics Did Great" thread in this forum for more information. I also have a tread called "mounting waste tanks" in this forum with a couple more pictures.


The tanks I ordered came with mounting ledges molded in. I "hung" the tanks with angle irons from the frame rails. I think they are very secure under there. I also had fabricated a tank and valve cover that I will bolt to the frame and stringers to protect the tanks. I'll insulate it and have provided a heat duct from my furnace (as well as a cold air return duct.)


Hope this answers your question...


David

[Aviator]

Thanks

[cwbiii]

Originally Posted by Mixter

What's minium tank depth on those sensor strips? My black tank looks to have plenty of room, but the gray looks to be only 3"+... not much anyway.

Also, is there any concern with the strips coming un-stuck?

Minimum cut size is 4.5", with cuts every 1.5" to the full length of the monitor (9" I think). There is a procedure to use up to 2 strips if you had an unusually deep tank. They recommend cleaning the tanks with acetone before attaching, once stuck that's where they are going to stay unless you want to replace them... you will destroy the sensors to remove them.

It is very well designed and the included directions are clear and pretty fool proof. They want an inch of clearance to any metal from the sensors surface... off of the edge does not really matter. Haven't finished sticking mine on yet... they are just temporarily on with painters tape to make sure they are properly placed to get full and empty readings. My water tank is under gaucho and easy to access... the twin rears are of my own design and finding a spot to put them was on them not difficult. I had to cut a little metal from the sheet metal box I put them in to mount them but otherwise simple to install. I did the full Monty to our 68 Tradewind and expect it to be ready to maiden next month. I got the SeeLevel II unit in my XMAS stocking... and just put it in a couple of weeks ago. Empty tests well on all tanks... I have to get around to testing full and in between. Just finalized all of the plumbing installs last weekend so its not far off. The black and grey tanks had been filled and drained to test them even before I put the system in. 12V and 115V are almost done as well, gas lines are fit and "hung" with zip ties to pressure test before pan goes back in. Solar is in and charging the batteries. Getting anxious to take it down the road but want to do it only once and right.

Chuck