marlee
Weekender RV’er
Posts: 85 
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Post by marlee on Oct 2, 2017 15:02:43 GMT -5
The first thing we noticed is that the gray tank sensor always reads empty. We had a Travel Trailer for 2 years before buying this Durango 245, so we were used to the black tank always reading 3/4 full, but never a problem with the gray tank. I called the Previous Owner and asked if they had noticed this, and he said they always left the gray tank open because they liked to take long showers. I thought after a week or so of having the sensor under water, it might start working right. Nope, always reads empty. Any suggestions there?
Next thing we noticed is that the gray tank pull handle doesn't seem to close all the way. There is a bit of a springy feeling. When we push it closed, it springs back maybe 1/8-1/4 inch. The flow of water cuts off, so I guess it is closing ok, but not as firmly as our last TT.
When open, both the gray and black drain slowly and the black leaves water in the clear collar that connects to the tank. Our TT never did that. When we opened either the black or gray valves with our TT, the water rushed out and when it was done, the collar was empty. The tanks are about the same size on our new FW and our old TT, around 30 gal. Maybe our TT had a better angle, or maybe there is something wrong with the tanks on this FW? This is not a problem with full hookups, but I can see that we would be holding up the line at a dump station because it takes so long for both tanks to empty.
There is a sewer tank flusher on this FW. No instructions on how to use it. The only hose we have at the moment is the white hose so we haven't tried to use it yet. Any tips on using it? Or do we just get a hose dedicated to black tank, attach it to the trailer and turn it on?
Thanks all!
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Post by jetzen on Oct 2, 2017 20:43:30 GMT -5
Let me "try" to answer you questions as best I can. While I am not there to see exactly what is going on it will be hard to give an exact diagnosis.
The electronic level gauges on the tanks are notoriously inaccurate and usually do not function properly after about 2 years of use, you may consider using some tank level cleaner that is sold but I doubt that you will have much success getting the gauges to function properly. To replace the gauges would be rather expensive so my advice would be to dump the tank every other day until an economical solution becomes available.
A lot of the newer trailers use cables to operate the gate valves on the holding tanks. If you are sure that the gate valve is closing properly then my guess would be that the cable needs to be adjusted (made shorter) to take out the springy feeling or you could just leave it alone.
The speed at which your tanks drain could be a 2 fold thing, the size of the drain pipe coming out of the holding tanks and the angle at which they are set.
The black tank flush is an easy one. You will need a dedicated water hose and a back flow valve (optional). Just hook them up to a water source and turn the water on, open the gate valve for the black tank.. The back flow valve goes on the trailer end of the hose and is there as a precaution so as not to possibly contaminate the water stand with sewage.
hope this helps |
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marlee
Weekender RV’er
Posts: 85
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Post by marlee on Oct 2, 2017 21:07:38 GMT -5
Thank you. I actually empty the gray every day. Having to stop a shower to go pull the gray handle was all it took. lol
I thought I said, but didn't, that our Durango is a 2012. My only real concern about the gate valves is that they are slow because they aren't fully opening or there is something blocking. When the gray is closed, it isn't leaking. I will look into the cable bit and see if I can see if there is one.
Good news on the black tank flush. I'll pick up a back flow valve and hose tomorrow.
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Post by johnr on Oct 3, 2017 7:08:53 GMT -5
Gosh, I wonder if your valves aren't opening correctly. You shouldn't have a problem with draining that slow if everything is working properly. I have a 2013 Durango and I can't see any of that stuff since it's in the underbelly. You could be adventurous and try to diagnose yourself or maybe take it to a dealer and have them check it out.
Your tank flusher should have a back-flow preventer installed in the line. Mine's under the sink in the bathroom.
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marlee
Weekender RV’er
Posts: 85
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Post by marlee on Oct 3, 2017 10:21:42 GMT -5
Thanks Johnr. What does the back-flow preventer look like?
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Post by Chuck on Oct 3, 2017 11:27:08 GMT -5
marlee Also under "Durango" folder there is tons of info regard Durango's, there has been a few discussions on fresh an black water tanks an management there of ... It sounds as if there may be a minor blockage in your Black water tank to me if it is emptying slowly an One thing you might do is to put a couple bags of ice in your black water tank just either before going or leave on a longer camping trip (75 miles or longer). This rattles around an cleans up the crud in your tank an you will be surprised at what come out after your do such ... As jetzen stated electronic level gauges on the tanks are notoriously inaccurate and usually do not function properly after a few years, also as he stated you can buy after market one's but the are pricey to say the least  On your black water flush I have a "Y" that I hook to the water hookup an then run a hose to my fresh water inlet. Then when needed to flush the black water flusher I hook another hose up, turn off the fresh water an turn on the hose to the black water flush ... Also do not forget to keep checking on the National Kz Rally coming up next summer, there are Kz Reps an Techs along with LCI an MorRyde Reps an techs at the camp grounds to answer any questions an help owners with problems they may have. There is also factory tours of Kz an MorRyde an plenty of food an friendship between Kz owners ... Again Welcome to the Kz Family  Safe Travels Chuck |
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Post by johnr on Oct 3, 2017 12:26:15 GMT -5
They look something like this. At the top, you see the backflow preventer between the two red connections. It's supposed to sit above tank height.  |
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Post by lynnmor on Oct 3, 2017 13:57:33 GMT -5
They look something like this. At the top, you see the backflow preventer between the two red connections. It's supposed to sit above tank height. View AttachmentBe aware that the instructions say: ATMOSPHERIC VACUUM BREAKER/ CHECK VALVE (571 Vac Chk) must be 6” above flood rim of the highest fixture connected to the wasteholding tank. (ASSE 1001-02; device shall not be installed where the venting of water from the device during normal functioning will cause damage.) Since mine was installed next to my silverware and above the electrical inlet, I eliminated the stupid thing. In order for a backflow to happen, the check valve would need to fail and the campground water pressure would need to drop below zero pressure, all while the tank is filled to above the nozzle. |
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Post by dintymoo on Apr 10, 2024 13:34:57 GMT -5
I know my valves arent working properly . I have to do the work myself fixed income
I have a 2009kz spree 318 bhs I need to know where the valves are . There is no help that Ive seen
No as builts or factory drawings . Im at my witts end . Any Help appreciated
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Post by lynnmor on Apr 10, 2024 21:14:15 GMT -5
You will need to better explain what valves and what you are trying to do. We may be able to help, but we need information that can be understood.
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Post by gwinger on Apr 12, 2024 19:57:15 GMT -5
The check valve (backflow preventer) for the tank flush on my 270thle, is right at the hose connection. Same type check valve as my city water connection.
The problem you are having with the gray water dump valve may be due to it being left open all the time. Soap scum and food waste is probably dried and stuck on the valve seat.
And definitely a dedicated hose for the black tank flush! I use the same one to rinse my sewer hose.
The slow draining of the tanks, sewer hose kinked or plugged inside, or not sloped enough to allow the water to completely drain, or build up before the drain valves.
What happens if you fill the grey tank with water and drain without the sewer hose?
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