Those inaccurate tank indicators

 

Filling outside freshwater tank #1

A couple of days ago I ran the Onan generator for its monthly exercise.  I also added 16 ounces of Seaform to the Chevy gas tank, which was about 1/2 full.  At that time all of the tanks were empty except freshwater tank #1. That tank read 1/3 full. All the other tank level indicators read empty.  Each year as summer arrives, I am aware of complaints on social media.  One of these is about those inaccurate tank sensors.  One individual over at Fakebook commented to a post asking for help "Those indicators never work.  Do yourself a favor and just tape over them."

That's a defeatist attitude and it is not necessarily accurate.  We live in a travel trailer, a 5th wheel and the Roadtrek for most of the year (about 45-50 weeks).  All of the tank level indicators work in all of those RVs and we use the fresh tanks, gray tanks and black tanks.  However, to keep them working there are a few things one must do.

One issue is soap scum.  We've experienced issues in the gray tank of the 5th wheel, in which we live for up to 6-months a year.  I could clean that tank, but I simply don't bother.  My primary reason is the tank is so large, we simply dump it every few days and don't think about it.

The Roadtrek is another thing altogether, because the tanks are small.  

2013 210P Approximate Capacities:

• Fresh water, total 36 gallons (6-gallon hot water, approx. 15 gallons outside tank #1, 15 gallons inside tank #2).
• Gray tank 23 gallons.
• Black tank 10 gallons.

Because of the small gray and black tank capacities, we pay attention to the LED indicators.

How to keep the gray and black tank level indicators working

Our Roadtrek is about 9 years old, we camp a lot and have actually lived in it for up to 100+ continuous days. All of the tank indicators work as designed and we have never had an issue with the macerator.  We use the commode, the sinks and the outside shower.  We winterize if we are trekking below 20F or expect outside temperatures to be below 32F for extended periods of time.

Now, a cynic might say that our experience is not typical, and we simply experience "good luck".  That may be true.  It might be useful to ask, "How do we keep the indicators and macerator working?" 

1. Nothing goes into the toilet except for human bodily waste and Scott septic safe toilet paper.
2. Nothing goes into the sinks or shower drain except water and soap residue.  We don't let hair accumulate in the drains. 
3. We dump the black tank every couple of days, and we always add a gallon or so of fresh water to the emptied tank.
4. We dump the gray tank after the black to flush the macerator hose with water devoid of solids.
5. After using the macerator, I lift the hose and "walk it" toward the dump, assuring all liquid drains from the hose.  I installed a very flexible Thetford "slinky" in 2014 and we have used it ever since. 
6. Each year I flush the gray and black tanks with a generous amount of fresh water. 
7. We use Dawn dishwashing liquid.
8. I once used "Happy Camper Extreme Holding Tank Cleaner".  I've got a link to the posts about that.  What we discovered was soap scum was interfering with the gray tank sensors.  We switched to Dawn and that problem went away. More about this later in this post.

Click for Links to Tank Level Sensor Posts

Cleaning and sanitizing the freshwater tanks

A couple of days ago I drained the freshwater tanks after an extended trek.  I do this so I can sanitize the freshwater tank system.  We've been in campgrounds with freshwater I considered suitable for cleaning, but not for drinking.   After one such experience and in high summer temperatures I discovered beer brewing in my outside tank #1.  Apparently, there was algae or bacteria in that water.

My procedure is straightforward. I completely drain the freshwater system.  Then I refill the freshwater tanks and drain again. That approach flushes anything in the tanks. Then I add a bleach mixture to the freshwater tanks. Here is an outline of the steps I use on our 210P:

1. Drain the hot water heater.  I usually don't sanitize the heater and so after emptying I use the bypass valves to isolate the heater, so no water enters or leaves it during the sanitizing.
2. Park the Roadtrek level, or with the front slightly lower than the rear.
3. Open the exterior freshwater tank low point drain valve.
4. Open the interior tank drain valve, which is inside the water pump cabinet.
5. Allow the entire freshwater system to drain completely and then close the exterior freshwater low point drain valve. 
6. Close the interior tank drain valve. 
7. Fill both the interior and exterior freshwater tanks once again with fresh water.  Then drain completely.  This step flushes anything in the tanks. See steps 8, 9, 10.
8. Open the exterior freshwater tank low point drain valve.
9. Open the interior tank drain valve, which is inside the water pump cabinet.
10. Allow the entire freshwater system to drain completely and then close the exterior freshwater low point drain valve. 
11. Close the interior tank drain valve. 
12. Mix 1/2 cup of bleach with fresh water and introduce it into the outside gravity fill of tank #2 (the interior freshwater tank).  1/2 cup is sufficient for about 25 gallons of fresh water.
13. Add about 10 gallons (or more, or less) to the interior freshwater tank #2.
14. Open the interior tank drain valve, which is inside the water pump cabinet. This will allow the water in that tank to flow via gravity toward exterior tank #1.
15. Allow freshwater tank #2 to empty and then close the interior tank drain valve. This will isolate the two freshwater tanks.
16. Add sufficient water to freshwater tank #1 (the exterior tank) to fill it.  
17. That's it.  Running the water pump and opening various taps will move this bleach-water blend throughout the freshwater lines.  During the summer I usually only use the exterior freshwater tank, so I close the isolator valve that drains interior freshwater tank #1.

Cleaning and sanitizing the black and gray water tanks

I did once used a chemical treatment on the gray tank.  That was in 2016 after living the Roadrek for about 100+ days.  I've included a blog link about this.  I used "Happy Camper Extreme Holding Tank Cleaner".  This is a caustic chemical which can result in burns or injury or damage. Follow all manufacturer's directions and safety precautions.  There are warnings on the product labels, and one shouldn't allow the chemical touch the skin or eyes.  I use extreme caution. 

We have since changed our procedures

We rinse the gray, black and freshwater tanks annually and then sanitize the freshwater tanks.  We only use Dawn dishwashing liquid and Dove for sensitive skin bar soap.  We have never used the interior shower, preferring those at campgrounds.  Instead, we take sponge baths.  No shampoo or residue gets into the gray tanks.  We winterize once each year, and that includes the P-Traps.  Once warm weather arrives, we fill the P-Traps with fresh water.  We keep the floor drain screw-in strainers closed at all times.  If any debris collects in the aisle or the bath, we vacuum it out before opening these strainers. 

Here's some blog posts about the issues we once had with the tank indicator's and how we resolved them.

http://roadtrek210.blogspot.com/2016/04/those-inaccurate-black-and-gray-tank.html

Accompanying Youtube Video:  

https://youtu.be/BXwLOIVVNRo

(c) N. Retzke 2022

Solar charging of chassis battery

 

Charging chassis battery using 30W solar

We had to leave the Roadtrek at the campground for a few days.  I wanted to keep the chassis (engine starting) battery charged. On July 4 I connected the 30W solar panel.  This has a self-contained solar charger and so I simply plug it into the dash 12VDC accessory jack.  These jacks were originally intended for cigarette lighters.

The chart above shows the daily charging, which I can check with my Android phone via the internet. 

The chart indicates daytime charging and nighttime discharge.   

The solar panel is placed on the windshield and is facing west.  It doesn't get sun until afternoon, but that is adequate.   I placed the solar panel outside the windshield, although it works well on the inside, too.  I tie it down because of storms in the area; I don't trust the suction cup mounting. 

I've used this larger panel for several years and it has performed well.  

30W solar panel charging the chassis (engine) battery

(c) Norman Retzke 2022

Outdoor Grilling - July 4 Holiday

 

Ribeye steak, grilled to medium doneness

July 3 was a wonderful, pleasant outdoor day.  High temperature 81F at the lake and sunny.  A perfect day for grilling.  This is typical meal.  Tomorrow we'll be grilling chicken, etc. 

Menu:  

• Ribeye steak
• Corn on the cob
• Baked potatoes
• Broccoli

All were made on the Grill.  At the MI lily pad I am currently using a Coleman propane grill.  I purchased this slightly used for an ideal price from a neighbor who was departing the campground.   It is too large for transporting via the Roadtrek, although I could put it on the rear carrier.  We use it at the Michigan campground where we can store it.

It has two independently controlled burners. My only complaint is that it burns hot, even on low.  Apparently designed to char, but not to cook.  It is easy to burn foil wrapped broccoli or asparagus on this grill. To avoid burning the meal I added several pizza grill stone tiles.  I move these as necessary; they aren't use for grilling steak or chicken. These distribute the heat and reduce hot spots.  I also use a grill mat.

To prepare the corn I keep the ears wrapped in the husk. With a hot grill this is helpful. I pull back the husk on the corn, remove the silk, replace the husk over the ear and place in cold water for an hour or so.  I then remove from the water, cut the base off, salt the corn, close the husk to protect the kernels and wrap tightly in aluminum foil.  Alternately, to salt, one can dunk in salted water before wrapping in foil. On the grill it goes for about 45 minutes, turning about every 15 minutes.  The ear will steam in the husk. The husk will caramelize as it browns and burns.   Remove from heat and let rest for a few minutes. Be careful when opening the foil wrapper. Hot steam may scald.

Corn soaking in cold water

Corn cleaned and ready to salt, cover with the husk and wrap in foil

Vegetables are seasoned and wrapped in foil.  I cook with the grill lid closed. It is important to properly control the temperature.  Propane grilling is relatively easy. I learned to grill on a large charcoal Weber with rotisserie at the age of 12.  Cooking to proper doneness and getting it all completes at essentially the same time for eight of us was a challenge.  My father and sisters were fussy eaters. It was a weekend summer ritual throughout the summer. I got quite good at it. 

The Idaho potatoes are well scrubbed, then rubbed with olive oil and salted.  Then wrapped in aluminum foil.  I insert aluminum skewers to carry heat to the interior of the potatoes. I cook with the corn for about 45 minutes, turning every 15 minutes.  Remove from heat and allow to rest for 10 minutes before serving.

The broccoli is lightly drizzled with olive oil, salted and peppered.  Then sealed in a tent of aluminum foil.  I preheat and begin the cooking process by placing it on the top of the closed grill while the potatoes and corn are cooking inside. This vegetable is delicate, so I have to avoid overcooking.  I'll put it inside the grill when cooking the steak. 

Broccoli pre-heating atop the grill

Idaho potatoes and corn on the grill

The Ribeye Steak I salt and pepper and allow to come up to room temperature. That is necessary to better control the cooking process, get uniform cooking throughout and get the desired doneness. I then place on a foil sheet directly over the flames.  Before putting the steak on the foil, I rub the foil lightly with olive oil, to reduce sticking. 

I grill the steak initially on low heat (the Coleman runs hot) with the lid closed and then flip after a few minutes.  To get a mild char I turn up the heat and monitor the steak, turning several times and allowing it to char just a bit. I check doneness by pressing down on the steak; it should be flexible and I can also observe any red liquid which could indicate too rare. G and I prefer medium.

To serve:  Unwrap the corn, split if desired into two portions and butter it.  We use unsalted butter. 

Opening the foil and removing the husk from grilled corn

Corn ready for buttering

The potato skewers are removed, and foil discarded. Then split and butter the potatoes.  Even the skins can be eaten. The brocolli is complete as is, simply remove from foil and serve. 

A grilled meal

Costs: 

The most expensive item for this meal was a 16oz. ribeye, which G and I split to serve.  A 1 lb. steak was $10.50 plus tax.  The corn was $0.50 an ear but can be as little as $0.20 an ear.  Broccoli was about $1.50 per lb. and the Idaho potatoes about $1 per lb.  Purchasing potatoes in larger quantities can reduce the price per pound.  

(c) N. Retzke 2022

July 4 Campground Fireworks

July 2 campground fireworks

The owners of the campground we are at for the season put on fireworks display for the July 4 Holiday.  Last night was the night, and there was a live rock band concert, too.  This is our summer "lily pad" and it is our base of travel until November. 

Nature provided a Waxing Crescent Moon

(c) N. Retzke 2022

Southwest Michigan Local Produce - July

 

Some local produce available as of July 3

G at the farm stand

Meanwhile - Green Flag at the Beach - July 2

Beach at 11:15am

With the arrival of July, the beach is sunny and the water 70F.  Local farm produce selection will expand significantly.

The farm stands are open and June vegetables such as Rhubarb, Asparagus and Spinach are replaced, and the list of available vegetables expands. It is early July, but as the month progresses the list of local farm stand produce will expand to include:

• Apricots
• Beans
• Beets
• Blueberries
• Broccoli
• Cabbage
• Carrots
• Cauliflower
• Celery
• Sweet corn (later in the month)
• Cherries
• Cucumbers
• Currants
• Dill weed
• Eggplant
• Gooseberries
• Herbs
• Honey
• Lettuce
• Nectarines
• Peaches
• Peas
• Peppers
• Potatoes
• Raspberries
• Summer squash
• Strawberries
• Tomatoes
• Turnips
• Zucchini 
• Local wild mushrooms.

(C) N. Retzke 2022

June 2022 Summary

 

Sunset - June 24, 2022 - Raton, NM

It has been a high travel month.  June Summary:

• Distance: 3,932 miles
•  Average Speed: 54 MPH (peak 80+)
• Trip (Driving) Time: 73h 25m
• Average MPG: 16 MPG

Elephant Butte, NM

We arrived at our final destination yesterday. We are currently in Southwest Michigan, at the shore of Lake Michigan.  This morning we walked along the Michigan Dunes.  We were at the shore early and so we beat the July 4 revelers.  There is rain in the area, and it is a pleasant 81F.

Looking North, on the shore of Lake Michigan

Looking South

(c) N. Retzke 2022