Micropulse to SeeLeveL Conversion

[kscherzi]

Has anybody undertaken the conversion to the SeeLeveL tank monitoring system on a recent model Airstream? The micropulse system on my trailer is the wrong application (to be polite). It's never been close and really annoying when boondocking. Contacted Airstream, they install the SeeLeveL II 709-P3 on new trailers and said to cut a hole in the metal under the tanks. The existing wires can be used. I have a 27 FB. There's no indication where to cut, no tanks are visible. Anybody tried this project successfully?

[ghaynes755]

I had it done at the factory last year on my 2014 FC25 when they had to drop one of the tanks to repair the black tank spray system. They did run new wiring. Made a cover plate for the SeaLevel since it is smaller than the MP. Ran new wiring, didn't repurpose the MP sensor wire. Where to mount the sensors and cut is probably unique to every trailer setup. The gray and black tanks on mine were easy for them since they had to drop the black. For the fresh if I remember correctly they cut out a spot on the bottom curbside front corner and reached up through there to put the sensor on and also run the new wiring up the wall.

You are a long ways from Jackson Center to have them do the work. Might be worth calling some of the other AS dealers and get a quote.

[gandttimes]

I had it done in March after 18 months of frustration. My dealer got A/S to foot the whole bill.They had tech from a/s to talk them through the whole install as they have a system they have worked out utilizing all the existing wiring.
From what I hear they have done a bunch.



George

[ghaynes755]

George which dealer?

[gandttimes]

Originally Posted by ghaynes755

George which dealer?

Midtown RV in Penticton BC. Couldn't have done it without them really pushing for it.
They have bar none been the best dealership I have dealt with.


George

[greghoro]

I purchased a SeeLevel system last fall for my 25' FC Read Bed twin but have yet to install it.

Check out these other discussions on the same topic:
http://www.airforums.com/forums/f317...ns-133508.html
http://www.airforums.com/forums/f444...-a-129739.html
http://www.airforums.com/forums/f444...led-78854.html
http://www.airforums.com/forums/f444...ks-127179.html

- The tanks are not supported separately from the pan. I spoke directly with the Airstream tech lead about this; they facilitate an easy install of the tanks on the production line by turning the trailer upside down. I was told that empty Black and Gray tanks should stay in place without the pan by virtue of being supported by the vent piping and plumbing piping (notice the use of the term should as opposed to will). I was told that the Fresh water tank has no such support and that a cutout would have to be made in the side of the pan. They use a rotary drill (picture a router bit) to make the cut to control depth and minimize risk of gouging the tank. There is a liner of Styrofoam between the pan and the tank, so you have some degree of safety when making the cut.

- The SeeLevel panel is smaller than the MicroPulse panel and does not cover the wall opening completely. Somewhere I read that one could easily build a stainless frame to go between the panel and the wall by using a double switch or plug electrical wall plate and cutting out the middle. Good use for a Dremel cutoff wheel.


Greg

[Bluto]

I see that to just purchase the Seelevel system is around $200 on some web sites. Those of you who had the system installed at Jackson Center or other dealerships could you give a ballpark on the additional labor for installation? My Micropulse is worthless!

[KJRitchie]

I'm frustrated with my Micropulse. I decided to recalibrate one tank at a time by unplugging the tank sensor wires in the water pump area except for the desired tank. I can never figure out the instructions to isolate one tank using the monitor. I then use a inline hose water meter to pump in some water for the empty setting. I think 5 gallons is a good place to start. Then for the full reading I put in additional water a few gallons less than than the tanks published capacity. Finish the calibration. The disconnected tanks are not calibrated. Then start the procedure for the next tank. Disconnect the tank just calibrated and connect the next tank. Repeat for the last tank. When the last tank is calibrated then connect the remainng two sensor wires.

There has to be enough water covering the sensor for the empty setting. I calibrate with shore power disconnected and a fully charged battery. Make sure the trailer is level.

I've read some reports from Seelevel users complaining the tankss read full too early and are not as precise as hoped. Id be happy with accurate 1/3 or 1/4 increments.

[ghaynes755]

Bluto the estimate for time at Jackson Center was around 12 hours of labor. I think the rate is now something like $115/hr. Call them and they can give you quote. I paid $316 for the system at the factory. Labor was 7.3 hours but only because they had already dropped the black tank for a repair to the black tank spray system (plastic shavings in the water line blocking the sprayer holes).

[ghaynes755]

KJ so far I have found my tanks with the SeeLevel spot on. At least for the fresh water. I use an inline meter when filling. Got it for the last trailer so I could get a good handle on daily water usage. So far with both the system I had installed in the 2014 FC25 and now the 2015 Classic indicated water level is within a gal or 2 of what I put in.

[Rich W]

Originally Posted by ghaynes755

Bluto the estimate for time at Jackson Center was around 12 hours of labor. I think the rate is now something like $115/hr. Call them and they can give you quote. I paid $316 for the system at the factory. Labor was 7.3 hours but only because they had already dropped the black tank for a repair to the black tank spray system (plastic shavings in the water line blocking the sprayer holes).

We came back on Friday, the current labor rate is $125/hour.

[Bluto]

Gary, thanks for the info about JC's labor hours involved in the upgrade. I think I may have to live with mine the way it is for a while. I have one tank that shows no light at all on the display monitor.

richw46,
Ouch! And I thought $115/hr was high.

[Rich W]

Originally Posted by Bluto

richw46,
Ouch! And I thought $115/hr was high.

If they had to drop the belly pan for any reason I was going to have the SeeLevel installed. They didn't need to so I'm still stuck with only the black tank working all of the time and the gray sensor working some of the time. The fresh water sensor hasn't worked since we brought it home from the PO.

You also need an appointment, at least I did. I used their web site app and the first available date for me was 6 weeks out. Their slack time starts in November or December. You can drop the trailer off early and have them work on it over the winter. I think there is a 10% discount, possibly 20%, the gray head isn't what it used to be.

[gandttimes]

For what it's worth, after boon docking for a month, being able to accurately tell what my tanks were really doing was priceless. The way it should have been from the start for the price of the trailer.
Thanks again to Gord at Midtown for the install and Brenna in service for pushing A/S for the install.


George