Water tank Level Gauge

[coronan]

Hello,

I"m looking for a solution for monitoring the level in my water tank on a custom camper van. The water tank is going to be mounted under the van taking the place of the spare tire. I have room for 6 to 12 gallons with out impeding clearance.

Being under the rig the sight glass is not an option. (although I love the simplicity)
A dip stick is not practical because gear will be stored on the floor above the tank.

SeeLevel is too much $$$

I'd like to come up with a sub $100 solution.

McMasterCarr.com sells float level switches. Part # 50195K93 $13 ea

What have others come up with????



Thanks!

 

[doug720]

A simple water level - Like a real water level.

Connect a piece of clear hose to barb on the lowest part of the tank. Run the shortest piece of hose possible to a point you can hold it(or mount it?) so the end is at least the level with the top of the tank. Install a threaded cap on the end.

To read the tank water level, open the cap and you have a water level. Mark the hose with full, 3/4, 1/2 and 1/4 levels.

Just a simple method that always works and maybe cost $10.

 

[Joe917]

I used this : http://www.wemausa.com/gauges/level.shtml#Water
Came in around $100 for the gauge and sensor. Works great and looks very professional.

 

[LeishaShannon]

We use something similar to this - http://www.ebay.com.au/itm/G1-Flow-...11?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_15&hash=item1e82b039df these are easy to install (no messing with the tank) and extremely accurate , ours shows tank capacity down to 100mls.

We made our own using a $5 sensor (http://www.ebay.com.au/itm/DC-5-18-...33?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_15&hash=item1c35b6ea29 ) and a $25 "arduino" microprocessor that displays the remaining tank capacity and current flow rate on our iPhones. I can post the arduino code if this is of interest.

 

[T3kNomad]

arduino code post

Yes, if you please, post the code. This solution looks promising!

We use something similar to this - http://www.ebay.com.au/itm/G1-Flow-...11?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_15&hash=item1e82b039df these are easy to install (no messing with the tank) and extremely accurate , ours shows tank capacity down to 100mls.

We made our own using a $5 sensor (http://www.ebay.com.au/itm/DC-5-18-...33?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_15&hash=item1c35b6ea29 ) and a $25 "arduino" microprocessor that displays the remaining tank capacity and current flow rate on our iPhones. I can post the arduino code if this is of interest.