Black tank location and where the tank probes are

[Ronda3733]

I have just purchase a new 2018 model 3160RL Montan , I would like to change the tank probes out and replace with the Horst mircale probes . I installed these on my last 5th wheel and they really work I called Montana mfg. and they said they don’t give out any specs or diagrams.
Does anyone have any information on this.
Thanks, Ron. June 14,2018

 

[Montana Man-MOC]

I have a 2016 3160 as well. The aftermarket probes sound interesting. I would like to know how that works out for you. Montana doesn't give much info on diagrams as I learned first hand. They probably don't know anyway once the trailer leaves the line. While under the trailer I Rx changing the black and grey tank drain valves with valves that operate with solid rods. Just run the rods through the frame and avoid breaking the flimsy cable at the worst possible time.

 

[AZ Traveler]

Ronda,

Welcome to the forum! This is a great place to learn and share. Enjoy your new rig - we have been really happy with ours.

Once you remove the coroplast, the tank locations should be pretty obvious. Each of us use our rigs in our own ways. I pretty much only use the freshwater gauge when I am boondocking and don't use the others. I let the gray tanks fill before emptying and empty the black after 7 days unless I move earlier. Even though the gray tank sensors work well I find little reason to check the levels.

Good luck with your swap out of sensors - please let us know how it goes.

 

[Rondo]

Ron-- If your unit is like most other units that Montana builds, the black tank is directly under the toilet with a straight drop into the tank. Montana along with all the other manufacturers do not have any diagrams for their wiring or plumbing. You can drop the coroplast on the side the toilet is on and you should have no problems getting to the tank to exchange probes or sensors. I don't totally remember the floor plan for the 3160 but I'm thinking the basement back wall can be removed to find the black tank also. I've removed mine to insulate the back basement wall and the black and gray tank for the shower were both just behind that wall and was really easy access if it wasn't for all the wires and pex running all over the place. Good luck and let us know what you come up with.

 

[BuilderBob-MOC]

Welcome to the MOC family from Washington St! You should have the black tank & the gray tank for the shower and bath sink in the in the drop frame and the kitchen gray tank over the front axle mite not be a bad ideal to change out the cheap flush valves for some valtras will your in there.

 

[JeffB-FRF]

If you remove the back wall of the pass through storage you can see your tanks. While you are there tighten your coax connectors. Also take note of how your plumbing is routed. It may come in handy later.

Oh and Welcome

 

[1retired06]

Congrats on the new rig.

 

[Butchy]

Ron-- If your unit is like most other units that Montana builds, the black tank is directly under the toilet with a straight drop into the tank. Montana along with all the other manufacturers do not have any diagrams for their wiring or plumbing. You can drop the coroplast on the side the toilet is on and you should have no problems getting to the tank to exchange probes or sensors. I don't totally remember the floor plan for the 3160 but I'm thinking the basement back wall can be removed to find the black tank also.

On the 3160 the toilet is not a straight drop into the tank, offset by a few feet. You will have to remove the coroplast to access the tank.

 

[Bill.vannuys]

Welcome! Enjoy the new rig!!!


I installed SeeLevel Gauges about 1 1/2 years ago and they are very accurate if you position them correctly (but pricey!). They are an external sensor that attaches to the outside of the tank. At 3.5 gallons of water remaining, my fresh gauge goes to 0 %...just enough time to rinse off the soap! When my Gray and Black tanks register 100 %, I have about 5 gallons of room remaining.

The first time you drop the belly is the most interesting, since you may want to organize and zip tie all the junk (Hydraulic lines and wires) that fall out when the belly is no longer holding them.

I look at the positive....it was a great opportunity to familiarize myself with the inner workings and where all that stuff went.

Good luck!

 

[scottz]

On my 2017 3160RL (I thought 2017 was the last year) the black tank is on the right side of the unit, forward of the axles in the section of drop frame.

The sensors are on the rear of the tanks.

 

[Ronda3733]

Are the probes on the black tank hard to get to? It looks like the tanks go north to south,I thought the tanks went a across the trailer. Also is there 4 probes?
Thanks, Ron

 

[scottz]

No, dropping the Coroplast is about a 15-20 minute job. If the factory used the power nailer to install the Coroplast, it will take a little longer the first time since you have to spin/pull/pry them out. Best method is to pinch the plastic off the head with pliers and spin them out with a 1/4" socket while positioning a pry bar or claw hammer to apply pressure. Not all of them will spin out requiring a little more work with the pry bar. Once you get all of them out, replace with #14 x 3/4 self drilling screws and fender washers.

http://www.montanaowners.com/forums/showthread.php?t=73598

The tanks in the drop section (bath gray tank and black tank on my unit) run fore/aft. I think the galley gray tank (just forward of the axles) runs side to side, but can't remember for sure. The fresh water tank runs side-side.

There are three probes and a ground. See photo above.

All this information applies to my unit. I think you have the same but no guarantee.

 

[jcurryii]

Installed Horst probes in my black water tank, this spring, no big deal. My tank was located just in front of wheels on the right side(passenger), under commode. The probes were at the rear of the tank, closest to wheels. They worked really good at first, now the first two lights stay on, hopefully this is temporary, maybe tissue only time will tell.
Just follow instructions on removing old ones, you will be surprised of the gook on them.
Scottz diagram is just like mine.
Still recommend them to my friends.

 

[Ronda3733]

Did you get the Horst probes to work again? Was it easy to get to the probes?
Thanks, ron

 

[jcurryii]

Ronda3733, if you are referring to me, My unit is in Florida, before I left I filled black water tank to cover bottom two probes along with a couple black water cubes, will check when I return in September, hopefully the issue will be solved or dissolved.

 

[miton 5052]

After the cable for the black tank failed, I went with drainmaster electric valves, they offer excellent support. This spring I replaced the factory probes with horst probes.they work ok, you just have to give it a extra rinse or 2. Removal of the factory probes is easy take the first nut off the probe remove the wire, next put a 7/16 box end wrench over the first nut , v then put a flat washer on then put the other nut on and tighten, the probe will come out,then put the new one in , your good to go hope this helps. Mike ****