Alde expansion tank level

jalars8

How can I determine the glycol fluid level in the Alde expansion tank relative to the minimum and maximum marks in my 2018 320S?  Can't see the side of the tank.  Tried to take photo of the side of the tank with iPhone without success.  I expect there is an obvious answer to this but I've not figured it out.

MuttonChops

Yep, use a flashlight . . . remove the cap, shine flashlight down the filler hole . . . level will be easy to see.

You might also consider using a black marker to highlight the min/max lines.

jalars8

Thanks!  I had marked the min/max lines with black marker.  I will try the flashlight down the filler hole when I get back to the trailer where it is stored - having a heard time visualizing getting my head over in that space (they couldn't have put that tank in a tighter spot) to a place where I can look down inside the tank and see where the fluid level is relative to the marked lines but I take your word for it.  

MuttonChops

jalars8 said:
. . . (they couldn't have put that tank in a tighter spot) to a place where I can look down inside the tank and see where the fluid level is relative to the marked lines but I take your word for it.  

Fully understand . .  we all had to learn to live with it . . .
On the Plus side - - ONCE you understand how the Alde System works you will love it!

BrianZ

I mounted a mirror on the back wall to make viewing easier..

That's the minimum I would do, but I also added a built-in light/switch & peephole so I don't have to keep un/screwing around with removing the panel..
https://tab-rv.vanillacommunity.com/discussion/comment/172240#Comment_172240

Of course, I also darkened the "NIM/XAM" lines with a sharpee pen. 

YanniLazarus

Has anyone found a wifi glue-on external low level sensor for the Alde tank?  I want one...

YanniLazarus

Is there a T@B mod genius around who can figure out how to use this inexpensive sensor to monitor glycol level?   I am definitely motivated but not smart enough...

Taidacent Non Contact Liquid Level Sensor Contactless Water Tank Water Level Sensor for Tank Water Level Control with Low and High Level Output https://a.co/d/ccWvxOD

BrianZ

Nice idea, @YanniLazarus, but in a trailer where the liquid is sloshing around and the actual glycol level is only changing slowly, I would guess that kind of sensor would give many false positive readings, while missing the actual event of the level moving below the low limit.  It would appear that the sensor depends on detection of motion & may not be sensitive enough for very slow motion.  Also, it may also require being turned off during any time while the trailer is being moved.  I question whether stabilizers would even stop the liquid level from moving.
Nice idea though.  It works for tank sensors though, so maybe?

YanniLazarus

BrianZ said:

Nice idea, @YanniLazarus, but in a trailer where the liquid is sloshing around and the actual glycol level is only changing slowly, I would guess that kind of sensor would give many false positive readings, while missing the actual event of the level moving below the low limit.  It would appear that the sensor depends on detection of motion & may not be sensitive enough for very slow motion.  Also, it may also require being turned off during any time while the trailer is being moved.  I question whether stabilizers would even stop the liquid level from moving.
Nice idea though.  It works for tank sensors though, so maybe?

So make me the test case. Just tell me what to buy!

AnOldUR

A low tech approach might work. For brewing, I've added sight level tubes to my kettles. It shouldn't be too hard to apply this to an external tube to show glycol level. It's on my list, but need the motivation.

Sight Level Tube on HLT

BrianZ

Yes, @AnOldUR, that could work!  The only issue I see, due to the low position of the tank, is finding a place to mount the tube where it's not obscured by a cushion/seat back.  It could work in our T@B, which has a double hinged seat back, which can be raised to the 45° position & then lifted from the bottom to see the wood cabinet/wall behind it.  I could see drilling a couple of small holes in that wall about 4 inches apart for a clear glycol tube to run out/in from the bottom/top of the tank.

YanniLazarus

DEPSTECH Dual Lens Wireless Endoscope, 1080P Scope Camera with 7 LED Lights, 0.31In Lens Video HD Inspection Camera, Zoom Waterproof Borescope Semi-Rigid Cable for Android & iOS Phone or Tablet-16.5FT

Something like this could be the winner! 

YanniLazarus

So, for 20 bucks I'm going to give a try to installing a borescope in "the great 320 Alde void."  I'll run the cable somewhere convenient so I can plug it into my cell phone when I want to check the glycol. It is both a light and a camera. 

gulfarea

@YanniLazarus Please let us all know how you like it. Art

YanniLazarus

gulfarea said:

@YanniLazarus Please let us all know how you like it. Art

Will do.   I'm thinking of going live with the Alde Glycol Tank channel!  

YanniLazarus

First image from my new glycol monitoring camera. Looking promising. Cheap and easy to use.

BrianZ

@YanniLazarus,
Your image looks good enough to do the job, but you might need to try again on marking the level lines.   Also, you may need to turn down/off the camera light and install a light behind the tank to back-light & show the liquid level.
PS:  Isopropyl (rubbing) alcohol will remove the marker ink, if you want to clean it up.

YanniLazarus

I know...embarrassing job on the marker. Thanks for the cleanup advice- on the list for if/ when this becomes permanent(ish). 

The perspective makes it hard to read, but you can see the glycol level just below the "high" line- it is parallel to that mark.   I resist putting in a light because the "big" idea was to keep this simple. I'm toying with running the cable up to one of the upper cabinets, but for now the whole installation deal is just a hole for the camera end.

tybladesmith

My approach was a little like @BrianZ and was as cheap. I got a black light flashlight because the Alde glycol Fluoresces and makes it easier to see the level. I drilled one hole to shine the flashlight in and one hole below in line with the Min/Max lines to view. Just shine the light and open the storage lid to see the level.

The level photo flipped, and I need to remark Min/Max lines.
(Fixed by Moderator😉.)

PNWtabber

I am liking these "peep hole" ideas, but reluctant to drill large holes in my T@B.  I did a quick look at "peepholes" on Amazon, thinking they would offer a more finished look, but they are designed for doors and, therefore, likely too long for the compartment cover.

Wondering if anyone has come up with an alternative way to secure the compartment cover to make it easier to access rather than the existing screws.

BrianZ

This is how mine normally looks, except the light on the little black switch is off when not in use.  The hole has a very soft silicone rubber plug that fits snugly but can be easily pulled out with two fingers..

YanniLazarus

If I were judging these solutions, I would go with a first place to @BrianZ.  Nice concept. Beautifully executed. Easy to use and to read. I did refine/ clean up my lazy man entry so it is functional... but if I could easily trade solutions...

BrianZ

Hey thanks, @YanniLazarus.  And whatever works for you!
Nice lines, by the way! 

YanniLazarus

My last comment on this subject, I promise!   To make 2020 320S model tank access easier I used some of my absolute favorite velcro-substitute tape to replace the "PITA" screws. 2" lengths top and bottom. If doing it again I'd use only 1" lengths - that would even be enough for secure fastening.

BrianZ

Great idea, @YanniLazarus, if it doesn't make the panel stick out too much.
Same stuff that holds our EZpass device inside our car windshield, and it's made to allow repeated removal, as we do to share between 2 vehicles.  I think our locking tape is about 1.5" long.

PNWtabber

@YanniLazarus -- thanks for your post.  I have been wondering if a velcro-like product would work for this!

BrianZ

I think Velcro would make a closer fit, but I wonder if it would be strong enough.  Seems like the velcro material itself should be strong enough, but the adhesive might need some help.  Heavy duty staple gun may do it.

Dame_plume

It is on my to-do list !

YanniLazarus

I toyed with routing out a recess for the Dual Lock tape, then figured I might as well try it the easy way first to see if the panel seemed held out to far by the tape thickness.   My call is it looks pretty darn good, especially in this out of the way corner. 

rcarlson1957

One of the main problems for me is not just being able to see the level but also easily add glycol to the expansion tank. Taking the side panel off seems like it’s just going to create a problem over time. Has anyone modified the side panel for easy on/off. Seem to remember seeing somewhere on newer T@Bs that the side panel had a routed “panel within the panel” with retainers you could turn and remove a smaller panel that allows you to both read the level and reach in and unscrew top and add glycol. Or maybe I just daydreamed it. 😎

fstop32

As part of my "Back Shelf Rebuild..." mod I glued up a pvc funnel for adding glycol to my reservoir.  The funnel doesn't replace the cap, it's just a funnel I keep on board for topping off the glycol when needed.  I fashioned it from 1.5" pvc and a 45 degree elbow.  I did have to sand the short stub down just a bit to get it to fit into the neck of the tank.  Other pics showing the tip out cubby and reservoir tank light can be found in my "Back Shelf..." post ( Back Shelf Rebuild or Post Corrosion Fallout ).