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It’s a necessary evil of RVing: dealing with your RV’s various tanks, including your gray and black water holding tanks! You’ll want to know when these tanks are running low on fresh water, in need of emptying or cleaning, and more.

If you own an older RV, or perhaps have an RV that wasn’t built with a tank monitoring system, you may want to consider adding one. These monitors can be extremely helpful while you are RVing, and can make a huge difference in your vacation planning!+

What are RV tank monitoring systems? Why might you consider purchasing one for your rig? Let’s learn about tank monitoring systems together, and how they can help you better take care of your many RV holding tanks!

But if you just want to skip ahead and see what made the list you can check out our favorites here: 

What are Tank Monitoring Systems?

If you are new to RVing, you may be wondering what exactly a tank monitoring system is. Why should you have one, and what does it do for you?

A tank monitoring system is a way of knowing how much substance is left in your various RV tanks, including freshwater, gray water, or black water. Depending on your set up, you may have monitors in all of these locations, or simply in your black water tank.

There are various types of tank level sensors and holding tank readers, including fully electronic ones. The higher the tech, the easier it is to find out where your tank levels are at, without getting your hands dirty!

But how do these various systems work, and should you go about installing one yourself? Read on to learn more!

How Do Tank Monitors Work?

You may be wondering how tank monitors and tank monitoring systems work, especially if you don’t have an existing one installed on your rig. I know my 1976 travel trailer definitely didn’t have them to begin with!

Tank monitors are installed along the side of your various tanks, usually three to four sensors per tank. They are positioned at various levels, usually full, half full, or empty at the very least.

Many sensors are installed by cutting into your RV’s tanks so that the nodes are inside of the tank itself. However, newer sensors are being installed on the outsides of RV tanks nowadays. But more on that later.

These sensors are electronically connected on a low voltage system to a panel inside of your RV, and you can check your sensors and their readings from this panel. They relay how full or empty your tank is.

It is a fairly simple system overall, though perhaps too simple. Many RVers report problems with their tank sensors, especially if they aren’t using RV safe toilet paper. While RV safe toilet paper is more expensive, it can be one of the easiest ways to ensure that your sewer system doesn’t get clogged!

However, issues with tank monitoring systems can be cause by old sensors, or even where your sensors are placed. The type of sensor matters, and I can tell you why!

Types of Tank Monitors or Holding Tank Sensors

There are two main types of tank monitors available for your RV today. They are simple enough to understand, and don’t vary much save where they are installed- inside or outside of your RV’s various tanks.

While the interior panels that report your tank levels vary greatly in features and ease of use, the sensors themselves are similar. Let’s check out what makes them different.

Interior Sensors

Many older or budget friendly RV tank monitors have their sensors installed on the inside of the tanks. This involves drilling evenly spaced holes along the side of your holding tanks and inserting the sensor so that it can come in direct contact with the contents of your tank.

Sounds convenient, right? Well, that’s not what most RVers say….

Having these sensors installed on the inside of your tanks sounds like the best option out there, but it can actually result in a lot of misread readings and inaccurate reports. Having sensors installed inside of your freshwater tank should work great, but what about your gray and black water tanks?

Given that these tanks can have solid waste in them, the sensors can easily get gummed up or covered up. Whether it be food substances, toilet paper, or worse, interior sensors often report that tanks are full well before they actually are!

It anything gets attached to these interior sensors, you may find yourself confused after a day or two of camping and wondering why your black tank is already full. This is usually not the case, but it is why interior tank sensors have fallen out of fashion.

Replacing these sensors can also be a pain, given that you will have to break and replace the waterproof seal surrounding these nodes. While this type of sensor does indeed still work, installing them 

Exterior Sensors

So if interior sensors aren’t all that they’re cracked up to be, what can be said about RV tank monitoring systems with exterior sensors? Well, they solve some problems, but certainly not all of them…

Exterior sensors are essentially the same as interior ones in that they do the same thing: monitor the levels of your various RV tanks. However, these sensors aren’t screwed into your tank, meaning that you don’t have to worry about any holes or potential leaks as the waterproof sealant ages.

The main perk of exterior sensors is simple: you won’t have to worry about any debris or solid waste getting stuck on your tank sensors, thus preventing inaccurate readings. That’s not all that exists as a perk for these sensors, though.

It is nice to have a semi-reliable sensor on the outside of your rig, especially since it makes installation all that much easier. You simply wire your panel and monitoring system properly, and then stick or adhere the sensors to the outside of your tanks!

While it does indeed sound easy, exterior sensors are prone to falling off, something that anyone could have guessed upon thinking about it. Many RVers who purchase exterior sensors mention needing additional adhesive, or even express disappointment when their sensors fall off on the road!

This can be both dangerous and disheartening for many RVers, especially since these more modern sensors aren’t exactly cheap. It simply means more work for a product that is designed to make things easier on you.

If you are exhausted just learning about these tank sensors and their manufacturing issues, you should look at getting a portable waste tank. This way, you can empty your tank whenever you need to and don’t have to worry about any false sensor readings getting you down!

What Should I Look for in an RV Tank Monitoring System?

If you are new to RVing or perhaps installing a tank monitoring system for the first time, it can be difficult to know what to look for in tank sensors and monitors. Let’s go over a few important things to consider together.

Material

Whether you are installing sensors on the inside or outside of your tank system, it can be important to choose your materials wisely. From the metal sensors to the interior panel, finding reliable materials can make all the difference!

Many tank sensors are made with stainless steel or other rustproof metals, which is key if you are buying or replacing your interior sensors. The last thing you need are rusty sensors in your freshwater tank!

The quality of adhesive on exterior tank sensors can also be a huge thing to keep an eye out for. While you won’t necessarily know what materials these sensor glues are made out of, reading customer reviews to get an idea of the adhesive’s overall quality will be key.

Finally, your interior panel can also have some construction issues. Choosing a reliable plastic is easier said than done, but keep an eye on reviewers that mention broken panel switches or unreliable lights burning out after very little use!

The included wiring with most panel kits should be RV standard and without damage. However, always inspect your new wiring for knicks or scrapes, and avoid using any damaged sections when installing.

Cost Effectiveness

The trouble with RV tank monitoring systems is that they are often sold in separate pieces. Namely, the tank sensors can often be sold separately from the panels and wiring. 

This is no doubt due to the fact that things can break at different times, and replacing your tank monitoring panels is a lot less messy than replacing your sensors! However, that doesn’t mean it is the most cost effective way to go about replacing any piece of your system….

To purchase an entire tank monitoring kit, you will be spending more than $100 on average. However, some totals will be much higher after purchasing items separately or individually. 

While it all depends on your needs and wants, some full kits end up being more cost effective than buying individual panels and tank sensors. Crunch some numbers and do some math before making a final decision, as you may be surprised by the cost differences!

Ease of Installation

Choosing a tank monitoring system that is easy to install should be one of your top priorities. Unless you are bringing your RV to a repair or professional shop to install your monitoring system, there are a few things to remember when doing it yourself.

If you don’t have existing sensors on any of your tanks, I highly recommend purchasing a kit with exterior tank sensors. This way, all you have to do is hook up your panel and sensors with very little expertise.

Installing interior sensors can be a serious undertaking for the average RVer, since it will involve drilling precise holes into all of your desired tanks, installing the nodes or sensors, and ensuring that you have a waterproof seal applied.

A leaky RV is a stressful RV; take it from me and my vintage fixer upper! Knowing how to install your tank monitoring system is important, and choosing one that makes it easier on you is never a bad idea.

But what if you already have existing interior tank sensors installed on your RV’s various tanks? This makes things a bit simpler, as you can simply unscrew the existing nodes and screw in new ones!

You may still have to update your existing waterproof seals, but at the very least you don’t have to drill any new holes into your tanks!

Brand Name

While there are many brands on the market for RV products, there are a few good names to keep an eye out for. I’ve included their products on this list, and highly recommend them.

RecPro and KIB are two of my top picks for RV tank monitoring systems, as they have reliable supplies and instructions for installation. However, you may find a brand that suits you better; it all depends on what you are looking for!

When Should I Replace My Tank Monitors?

It can be difficult to tell when your tank monitors need replacing, especially if you don’t know how old they are. Fortunately, I have a few tips for when any of these various pieces need replacing!

Recommended Sensor Replacement

Your tank sensors do unfortunately need replacing every so often. Another unfortunate aspect of replacing your sensors is that there’s no real expiration date for them. They can malfunction or fail at any time, for any reason.

If you know that your sensors and tanks are clean but you still get false or inaccurate readings, it may be time to replace your sensors. They can glitch and malfunction for a variety of reasons, and most of the time they just get old.

However, troubleshooting all aspects of your tank monitoring system would be a smart idea and my primary recommendation. The sensors are the most complicated and messiest piece of your system to replace, so do it as a last ditch effort!

The tank sensors are usually the main culprit should you find your panel malfunctioning, so don’t get your hopes up while troubleshooting. But not all hope is lost- some tank sensors have been known to last up to 30 years on some RVs!

Recommended Panel Replacement

Replacing your panel may or may not ever need to happen. If the panel gets damaged inside of your RV (such as water damage or blunt force), it should be fairly obvious if it needs replacing. 

If any lights aren’t working on your panel, it is a good idea to replace it. How else are you going to know what levels your tanks are at? This is the same for any broken switches on your monitoring panel- if you can’t turn your sensors off or on, it’s time for an upgrade.

Before you buy a new panel, however, remove your old one and check all of your wired connections. More often than not, wires can get loose or jostled during RV travel; your panel may still be functioning, but you may need to reconnect a few wires first.

What About Wiring?

I would argue that replacing any wiring in your RV should never be taken lightly, including replacing wiring on a low voltage tank monitoring system. This is why having a reliable multimeter should be important to even the average RVer!

You tank monitor wiring does not need to be replaced unless you can tell that there has been wear and tear or damage occurring. This is usually obvious, as the protective rubber coating peels away, revealing copper or other materials that conduct electricity.

Only replace wiring on your RV if you have to, but definitely replace it should you see wear or damage. Electrical tape will not solve all of your problems, especially on an RV that is always being exposed to the elements.

While most kits come with wiring, don’t feel the need to replace your wires unless they are worn. You don’t need to install the manufacturer’s wiring more often than not, though I don’t blame you if you wish to replace the old in exchange for the new!

How Do I Clean My Tank Monitors?

Having a clean black and gray water tank is key for any RVer, and can make or break your next dump station stop. If your tank monitors are relaying that your tanks are full, dirty, and in need of cleaning, there are a few things that you can do to help!

Having a clean black tank can be one of the main ways to maintain your tank monitoring sensors for a long period of time. A dirty tank is the main cause of inaccurate readings too!

Here are my tips for cleaning your black tank, specifically:

• Treat your black water tank with commerical chemical products. There are countless black tank cleaners on the market today, and using one of these powerful cleaners can make all the difference to a malfunctioning sensor! Every treatment option is different, and do try to follow the manufacturer’s instructions. However, they are usually all easy to use, and you can store remaining treatments for future use. They also usually deodorize your black tank- definitely a bonus!
• Put a bag of ice into your black tank and drive. This is a common RVer trick to break down any solid waste you may have in your black tank, as well as loosening up any potential clogs or toilet paper covering up your tank sensors. The ice will slosh around as you drive, especially if your tank is mostly full, leading to more broken up waste particles as well as more water in the tank for when it comes time to drain it. 
• Use baking soda and vinegar. These two products have a unique chemical reaction that allows for more solid waste to break down inside of your black tank. Baking soda is also a great choice for cleaning stainless steel sensors or nodes found internally on your tank. While it will not smell the best, this chemical reaction may be a much cheaper and effective alternative to other chemical based black tank treatments.
• Use Vaseline, dish soap, or laundry soap to lubricate your tank sensors. Using any of these lubricating methods on your black tank will prevent any solid or paper waste from sticking to the sensors of your tank. It may take some trial and error to figure out how much of any one of these products you need, especially depending on the size of your tank, but many RVers report utilizing these methods to keep the walls and sensors of their tanks clean; definitely more cost effective than you think! 
• If all else fails, try resetting your panel monitor. Turn off or unplug everything, and see if you are still getting a false reading. It could simply be time to replace your tank sensors or panel entirely!

The Best RV Tank Monitoring System for Your Rig

Do you know what type of monitoring system is going to work best for your rig? Feeling confident about your sensor installation abilities? Great! Let’s check out some of the best RV tank monitoring systems out there today!

Best Overall: RecPro RV Tank Sensor Monitor Panel M25

Looking for a fantastic all in one tank monitoring system kit? This monitoring system from RecPro has everything you need, at an affordable price! This is a perfect choice for those of you lacking an existing tank monitoring system, or for those of you looking for a system overhaul.

Simple to read and easy to install, RecPro’s durable monitor is available in black or white to match with your RV’s interior. If you are replacing your panel, hopefully either of these two colors matches your previous panel!

This panel is useful in that it also provides the capability of controlling the water pump and heaters. Whether you have an electric or propane gas water heater on your rig, you can control all of it from one handy panel.

The probes in this kit are constructed of stainless steel, durable rubber, and rust-resistant hardware. While these sensors are made to be installed inside of your tanks, you can feel comfortable in this purchase given its quality construction materials. 

This complete kit includes 24 stainless steel probes, a decent amount of brand new sensor wiring, and comprehensive installation instructions. Given that it is a popular brand and tank monitoring system, there are also many instructional videos available online.

This kit takes my overall best spot given that it is complete and everything you need for installation is included. It is also from a reliable brand and is a perfect replacement for many internal probes or sensors found on existing RVs.

You can read more reviews and check today’s price on Amazon by clicking here. 

 

Best Sensors: RecPro Water Level Screw-in Sensors

Are you just looking to replace your tank sensors or probes on your existing monitoring system? You should check out these sensors from RecPro. Basically universal, these little guys are affordable, easy to install, and extremely useful for those of you not looking to replace your entire system.

Just like all of the RecPro tank monitoring kits found on this list, these sensors are the same as those probes. They are made to be installed internally, and they simply screw into your already existing tank sensor holes on the sides of your RV’s various tanks.

These particular sensors are available in packages of six each, which may mean that you need to purchase a few packs. However, six is a good place to start, especially if not all of your current sensors are broken. There’s no point in owning more sensors than you need!

The sensor consists of one grommet, a button-head sensor post, a washer to prevent the post or bolt from scraping against your tank,and two 3/8” nuts for installation. These sensors should come with everything you need to replace your existing internal tank sensors!

Made of rust-resistant stainless steel, both the posts and additional hardware are made to last. There aren’t very comprehensive instructions on these, but that’s because they should be an easy installation for those of you with existing sensors! Check out more reviews along with the latest price on Amazon by clicking here. 

 

Best on a Budget: KIB M21VW Micro Monitor System

If you want to have a tank monitoring system on a budget, check out this KIB micro monitor, a compact and easy to install tank monitoring system at an excellent price.

The Micro Monitor Panel system will read the levels in the fresh water, grey water and black water tanks. It also will show the battery reading and has a lighted pump switch. This is all that you really need in a tank monitoring system, and the panel should suit most any existing sensors or wiring.

The compact 2 3/4″ x 4 1/2″ panel size allows for easy mounting, something that is so important to many RVers. You don’t want your panel taking up too much valuable real estate inside of your RV, do you?

There is tank wire harness included, though it may not be enough. Ironically, it’s a good thing this micro panel is budget friendly, because it doesn’t come with sensors or probes either!

While this can be disappointing, this KIB monitor has a lot to offer, and purchasing sensors and wiring separately shouldn’t cost as much as a reliable panel. You can get a compact and budget friendly tank monitoring system- it just might take a few additional orders.

Check out Amazon for the latest price and more reviews. 

 

Best Small Panel: RecPro RV Tank Sensor Monitor Panel M21

Seeing double? Isn’t this similar to the monitoring system that took our best overall spot? Well you’d be mostly correct, given that this is also by RecPro. However, this panel is a micro panel, making it perfect for RVers with tricky installation locations!

While the panel is smaller, you will still be getting RecPro’s advanced tank monitoring, complete with 18 of RecPro’s easy to screw in tank sensors or probes. Hopefully 18 is enough for all of your tanks, but always remember that you can purchase additional sensors at a low price- and they will be identical!

Simple to read and easy to install, this RecPro durable monitor is available in black or white to match with your RV’s interior, just like our other RecPro panel. If you are replacing your panel, hopefully either of these two colors matches your previous panel, all while maintaining a small footprint!

This panel is useful in that it also provides the capability of controlling the water pump and heaters, just like our best overall panel. Whether you have an electric or propane gas water heater on your rig, you can control all of it from one handy panel.

The probes in this kit are constructed of stainless steel, durable rubber, and rust-resistant hardware. While these sensors are made to be installed inside of your tanks, you can feel comfortable in this purchase given its quality construction materials.

Replacing your tank monitoring system with this micro system from RecPro is easier than you think. It includes well written instructions, and the smaller control panel makes this monitoring system a bit more affordable than its best overall companion system.

Learn more and see today’s price on Amazon by clicking here. 

 

Easiest to Install: RecPro RV Water Tank Monitor System

Have you been waiting for an externally installed sensor option for your tank monitor system upgrade? This RecPro tank monitor may be just what you have been waiting for. With stick on sensors, you can feel confident installing this system yourself!

Easy to install sensors, simple to use panel display, durable materials, and everything included in the complete package, this kit is the answer to your DIY needs. RecPro has tried to make it easy on you and other RVers in every way; check out their externally installed sensor kit instructions!

Sticking to the outside of the tank, rather than piercing it or needing probes that screw in, these sensors are easy to use, convenient, and worry-free. Just stick them to the outside of your various RV tanks, hook up the cords, and go. It’s as simple as that- just a few wiring tricks necessary.

Giving you accurate readings and peace of mind, while being durable enough to last through the life of your tank, these sensors are exactly what your tank needs. You can feel confident in this purchase both in terms of durability and lack of frustration when it comes time to install it yourself!

Measuring battery, LPG, and water levels as well as having control over your water pump and water heater, this control panel helps you be prepared for your RVing adventures. With the label lights, you can also see the level of water in your fresh, grey, and black water tanks, giving you the knowledge you need to fill or empty your tanks.

If you have a short wire extension for your tank’s electrical system, you know the struggle of placing your tank in a location that’s not as comfortable as you would like it to be. With this 15-foot wire extension for the adhesive sensors and smart M board, you don’t have to worry about it anymore. 

Freeing you of this struggle, you can place your tank or monitoring system in a comfortable position and have room to connect your control panel as well. Made from quality materials, this wire extension is built to last through the life of your tank and sensors.

Learn more and see today’s price on Amazon by clicking here. 

 

Best for Exterior Sensor Installation: TouchSensor Z26603RK LevelGuard Tank Monitor 300 Sensor Kit

Looking for another kit that has everything you need, all in one, and includes externally mounted sensors? The LevelGuard Tank Monitor 300 provides accurate, early warning for critical holding tank fluid levels. With digital certainty, the LevelGuard Tank Monitor 300 is the reliable choice for monitoring fluid levels in a single RV tank.

This particular kit has enough parts and sensors in it to accommodate three RV tanks, with four probes per tank. There are no mechanical float switches or moving parts to jam, fail, or wear out, as all of the sensors are installed externally!

Having externally installed sensors makes your tank monitoring hassle-free; there are no probes to get clogged or coated in black tank waste or toilet paper. Plus, there is no tank intrusion required, as these sensors stick easily to the outside of your various tanks.

Easy installation is one of the many perks to this monitoring system. While the panel does not control your water pump or hot water heater, it is simple and effective. You should also have ample wiring for this particular device!

Learn more, including seeing today’s price, on Amazon by clicking here. 

 

Most High Tech: Tech-Edge 326-KWP iSeries Tank Systems Monitor

If you’re one of those RVers who appreciates accuracy, even to the precise percentage, check out this panel from Tech-Edge. While yes, it is indeed just a panel in this particular kit, you will reap the rewards of this accurate technology sooner than you think. 

The iSeries Tank Systems Monitor provides hassle free tank monitoring for your RV or boat. The iSeries is made of patented technology with Level Alert. It is apparently the only tank monitor tested and approved by the United States Coast Guard. Talk about high tech!

It is NMMA Certified using high and efficient standards. The sensors on the iSeries system mount externally and actually read through the tank wall, making it an easy install. It is perfect for new projects or for replacing your old tank monitoring system.

While you most likely need to purchase wiring and sensors from Tech-Edge separately, this monitor will given you an insanely accurate reading, down to the individual percentage that your tank is full. This can be extremely valuable to full timers or boondockers, looking for the most accurate possible reading. While you can expect premium pricing, it may be worth it for you high tech junkies out there.

Check out all the reviews and the latest price on Amazon by clicking here. 

 

Conclusion

Choosing an RV tank monitoring system doesn’t have to be complicated. While there are many things to consider, I have no doubt that you will choose the right system for you and your rig!

Making sure that you can always monitor your RV’s tanks is important, especially if you plan on boondocking with limited supplies. Any of these useful monitors will no doubt make your next camping trip that much smoother!