[A/S] Black Water Tank Capacity and Removal of Solids

["Harvey Barlow" <harveybarlow@xxxxxxxxxxxxx>]

Fritz,

I'm not sure about tank capacity as you didn't mention the size you believe
your tank is supposed to be and I don't have an A/S brochure handy.  Are you
sure your tank capacity is greater than 25 gallons?

Tank gauges are known to be somewhat erratic.  If a bit of paper remains
trapped on the gauge sensor incorrect readings will result.

If your tank is remaining partially full of paper and solids as your dealer
suggested, the only cure I know is lots of fill, slosh, and drain cycles.
Try adding household detergent and fill the holding tank about half full
(place your foot on the flush valve and look down into the tank with a
light) then tow the trailer a few miles.  Drain the tank, and repeat.
Eventually you may soften the remaining material and it will drain out when
the valve is opened.  I have frequently used this method but I have also
read warnings that household detergent will remove lubrication from the dump
valve shaft and cause binding.  Comments from others on the list??

A previous owner may have used your trailer with the black water tank dump
valve in the open position.  This allows liquid to immediately drain out of
the tank with each flush while the solids remained trapped then dry and
harden inside the tank.  The preferred/recommended method is to always keep
the black water tank valve closed until the tank is nearly full then open
the valve, drain the tank, and close the valve.