| Author |
Message |
Dave Spurgeon (63.158.175.170)
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Tuesday, November 20, 2001 - 11:28 pm: | |
I am strongly considering having stainless steel holding tanks (all three)custom built for my MC8 and I am wondering about the best monitoring system I can get. Also any advise about the use of SS tanks, tips, warnings, etc. How about heating them electrically? |
russearline (172.182.72.94)
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Wednesday, November 21, 2001 - 12:31 am: | |
Dave, SS tanks are a bad idea, 1. they're much heavier than plastic and 2. even stainless will rust out after a time.
The only stainless that won't rust out right away would be food grade and that would be very $$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$.
Russ |
Jim Wilke (152.163.204.212)
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Wednesday, November 21, 2001 - 5:22 am: | |
I have seen postings about putting waterbed heaters under the tanks and setting the thermostats on nearly the lowest setting so that they will maintain the tanks around 45-50 degrees. I am going to do this myself when I re-work my tank bay (soon). |
Rodger Manecke (Rodger) (63.11.248.217)
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Wednesday, November 21, 2001 - 9:09 am: | |
Dave,
I agree with Russ. Except for being easier to puncture, plastic tanks are as reliable and durable as stainless, don't corrode and are much less expensive. Monitor sensors can be installed on the exterior surface of plastic tanks. Camping World Catalog's advertises them.
I've operated with no problem in temps down to 15 deg F with only a small ceramic 110V heater in the plumbing bay. Heat radiating from the 20 gal household type electric water heater does a pretty good job of keeping the plumbing bay above freezing. The bay is marginally insulated with sprayed foam in the door and plymood flooring atop the metal floor.
Rodger |
bobm (205.188.193.171)
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Wednesday, November 21, 2001 - 10:22 am: | |
military surplus is a good source for stainless tanks. my bus has some surplus steam kettles welded together to form a sphere, 80 gals. the bay where all the tanks are located are super insulated on the bottom and outside and a small electric heater keeps everything from freezing. I am still trying to figure out a good monitoring system |
Jim Ashworth (Jimnh) (172.148.8.125)
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Wednesday, November 21, 2001 - 11:15 am: | |
Since I don't think there is a longterm reliable tank level sensor available for a reasonable price out there for the black tank, go with the plastic and open the bay door to check the level. After a while, that becomes impractical because of sludge clinging to the side of the tank reducing visibility. At that point, fill the freshwater tank and shut off the campground water. Use the water from the fresh tank until it reaches a level that you would want to dump the black tank (like 1/2 or 3/4 empty). Then, dump the black and refill the fresh and start the cycle again. You can use a sensor on the fresh tank if you want since they last much longer and are much more reliable than the black tank sensors. To complete this, use a remote dump valve and a remote fill valve and never have to soil your hands. I believe Headhunter has this all automated for big $$. If I had the money to flush down the toilet, I probably would consider their system. www.headhunterinc.com
Jim |
mcibusnut (64.114.166.83)
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Thursday, November 22, 2001 - 9:36 am: | |
There is a problem with fresh water plastic tanks they absorb any impurities that might be in the water and it is very tough to get out the taste. Stainless steel tanks should be built from type 316 s/s which is better than food grade. I have built a few busses and have always used s/s. Monitoring is available through coach conversion central talk to Tom Hall. We build s/s tanks for many industries and applications if anyone is interested we will quote you on them just send us the measurment that you require and a return email address. |
CoryDanes RTSII NE/IL (4.17.253.158)
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Friday, November 23, 2001 - 3:12 am: | |
there is a tank monitor system out there that has no holes, the sensors stickon the outside of the poly tank and the manufacturer says are very accurate. I also spoke with VentLine who sells internal type sensors that connect to their range hood electronics. They claim that the sensors are also very reliable. I assume from the drawings that the sensors are just a metallic probe connected to the tank. In the case of stainless steel, the tank would be the power side taking the place of the probe and an insulated cover on top would support the 1/4, 1/2, 3/4 and full probes. I can only hope that these people are knowing individuals and passing on an accurate information to me. |