Motorhome sits

[Whoachubby]

I am picking up a motorhome that has been sitting for a long period.
Cummins 275.
I need to drive it 200 miles to home base.

Should I perform any maintenance before I get on the road?

[Wayne Pryor]

Check all the fluids, drain the fuel/water seperator and engine mount fuel filter. Check tire pressure. You might have an air hose fitting on the motorhome so all you need for the tires is an extra long air hose, air chuck & tire gauge. No more than 200 miles so you should be OK. I would change all the fluids and filters when I got it home. Tire age could be an issue. The recommendation is anything over 7 years old should be changed. Lots of opinions on this so stand by. Good luck.

[Cat320]

What is "a long period?"

[Whoachubby]

It has been parked in an rv park.

From what I understand it was driven 150 miles north away from a hurricane about 2 years ago.

The owner would start it up every few months and run it but it has just been sitting. The batteries are strong and it starts right up. A little white smoke at startup but it sounds smooth.
I noticed the check engine light is on but the owner said it goes off after a while.

It has a little over 30,000 miles on the engine.

I am also wondering if I should drain fuel . It has about 1/2 a tank. Certainly don't want to screw up engine.

[radams]

If it were me I would check and fill the fluids as necessary. Check the tires over and make sure pressures are up. Purchase a roadside assistance plan, like Coach Net. Start it up, drive it slow and test the brakes. If brakes are okay I'd go ahead and drive it carefully the 200 miles home. Anything breaks you've got the roadside assistance plan to come get you. I'd also have someone else follow me home to alert me if anything looks wrong during the drive back, and to give me a ride should I need it. I'd bet you'll make it just fine.

[J Walker]

You should read the code for the Check Engine light. http://www.simply-smarter.com/vmspc.html.
Check the fluid in the differential and the front bearings which probably have the liquid lubrication. You can see the level by removing the center pop out cover.

[MJFZ]

All great suggestion's above. I suggest you also check carefully for animal infestation or damage--- mice seem to love wire insulation and mud daubers will make a home in vent tubes quickly. Check the coolant recovery tank for any possible cracks. I would carry a spare fuel filter. Hopefully the diesel does not have any algae. Expect corrosion on the rotors/ drums for sure.

Mike

[Gary RVRoamer]

I agree with radams. I would also have a spare fuel filter with me - it may clog up if there is any crud in the fuel tank. A spare filter will get you going again without a tow.

[Barlow46]

Along with the fuel filter, get a one gallon fuel container and fill it with fresh diesel just in case you have to change out the filter on the way. You can pre-fill the filter to avoid a real hard start or a priming issue.