measure poly tank water level

[XJINTX]

OK experts, I have my homemade off-road trailer... It works great but I'm trying to refine
I have an onboard 30gal poly tank that is enclosed but cover can open to gain access. It is impossible to see water level as it's too opaque. I really need a water level gauge (preferred) or a way to add an opening so I can just look in. A float gauge would be fine but would like a gauge.

I am also looking for a voltage gauge for my dual battery setup. Maybe a guage system with a low voltage warning?

Does anyone have a source or suggestions?

Thanks in advance.

 

[Wyowanderer]

I have an onboard 30gal poly tank that is enclosed but cover can open to gain access. It is impossible to see water level as it's too opaque. I really need a water level gauge (preferred) or a way to add an opening so I can just look in. A float gauge would be fine but would like a gauge.

If you have a pipe thread port at the top, you could install a tee at the bottom, running clear tubing between top and bottom using barb fittings. The clear tubing would show the water level.
Can't help you on the low battery alarm.

 

[XJINTX]

See now that's a GR8 idea... the issue is my 30 gal polly is enclosed in a metal cabinet and I used spray foam to insulate. I only have access to the top. Of course I have the faucet outside and actually a relief valve too in order to release pressure when filling.

 

[Ryan_S]

for the battery meter, I saw these little gauges for like $10-15 a while ago with three or four LEDs. green is good (12+ volts), yellow is warning (10-12 volts), red is dead (<10 volts).

I can't find them now, but I'm sure with more searching you'd find something. You could actually build a little one (like this example: http://www.rcgroups.com/forums/showthread.php?t=596943).

Or something like this.... http://www.virtualvillage.com/mini-blue-digital-led-12v-voltmeter-voltage-panel-001480-211.html

 

[mhiscox]

You might not want to pay for one--costs a bit more than a clear tube --but I have Garnet Technologies See Level tank monitors in the Sprinter and they work great. You need a sender and a display; the cool thing is that the sender is a flexible self adhesive printed circuit board that just sticks to the outside of your tank . . . you cut it to the right height and it self calibrates.

Using them could make sense if there's other stuff you want to measure, like battery condition or propane level, that would spread the cost of the display over multiple functions.

Information here:

http://www.rvgauge.com/

 

[XJINTX]

Man those are nice... like I have in my RV.

I just need battery and water... I hope I can find a less expensive solution but will definitey keep these in mind. I wonder how they'd stand up to the weather and outside install?