Fresh water pump starts to suck air while tank shows 19% remaining

rharder

Recently took our new T@B out for it's maiden voyage and all looks good so far.  One annoying thing is that the water pump started cycling air from the fresh water tank while the indicator still showed 19% full.  With only an 11 gallon fresh water tank, that's leaving about 2 gallons not accessible.  I'm thinking maybe the freshwater pickup in the tank isn't fully on the bottom?  A rather small annoyance but has anybody else experienced something similar?  Any fixes?

ScottG

@rharder, this issue has been noted multiple times. Various explanations include the shallow tanks and the inherent inaccuracy of the tank sensors, the inability to empty the FW tank completely, and the propensity of the pump to lose its prime when the tank gets low.

I don't think there's much you can do about it other than just learn the quirks of your own trailer. I don't even have tank sensors--sometime I look underneath with a flashlight to check the tank visually, but most of the time I just top up with five or six gallons every couple days and call it good.

One of things I'd like to measure at some point is the amount of water you can actually draw from a full tank with the pump. Maybe a project for later in the summer... 

tybladesmith

Lowering the tongue a little will help get the last of the water out by pump or low point tank drain behind the step, next to the tire. My pump starts sucking air at 13% Indicated, when level.

webers3

Exactly same situation here. The SeaLevel gauges are pretty worthless IMHO

4ncar

I think worthless is a bit harsh. Like any gauge it provides you with information, what you do with that information will vary. If we know that 13% is empty...fill it at 14%. I carry 12 gallons outside of the trailer at all times, well knowing the limitations of the water tank (not the gauge).

rharder

Many thanks to all for your feedback.  Very helpful!