Winter storage question

[daryl989mich]

I have a 2001 Intrigue, 350 hp cummins diesel. I live in Michigan with winter temps below zero. We store our coach into a pole barn, cement floor. Was wondering if I should attempt to start and run the engine several times during the winter months. Or would this be more harmful in the long run? Any mechanics want to advise? Thanks for all who give sound advice.

[Burlroad]

This question comes up this time of year and the responses are fairly consistent. Put a trickle charger on your batteries and let the coach sit until you plan on driving it long enough to bring the fluids up to standard operating temperature. The opinion is that starting the coach to simply run the engine at idle can cause more harm than good. At least that’s what most folks communicate.

[Mr_D]

The above is Cummins official answer for winter storage. Even better is to take the rig for a 30 mile dive.

[dons2346]

If the coach is properly winterized, let it sit. Starting and letting it idle will do more harm than good as you will never get the motor up to operating temps. Based on the temps you are seeing now, driving 20 miles won't get you to operating temps either.

If you have power to the coach, your Echo Charger will keep the batteries charged. Otherwise, a monthly run of the generator will charge your batteries.