How Often Should I Change My Oil?

[golden]

I changed my MH in April with synthetic oil and then drove 1,020 miles to western CO and stayed there for four months. Then I returned home to central TX then same 1,020 miles. I will probably not use the MH again until next March when the trip will be repeated. I do start and run the engine and exercise all systems once a month.

Do I still need to change the oil once a year despite the fact that the engine only has a little over 2,000 miles use per year?

[TW]

Hello golden, since you changed to Synthetic oil and drive just 2000 miles a year, you could have stayed on normal oil, it's my opinion. Since you changed to synthetic, I would chage once a year, before you to CO.

TW

[oemtech]

I have my oil tested and so far the synthetic runs about 5k per change or once a year. The toad with a 160k runs dino oil and tests show 3k.

[DriVer]

I do a few miles per year on my rig and I change my oil 2 times a year, in January and July regardless of mileage. Today I clocked over 82,100 miles while going up I-95 in North Carolina.

I do feel that I am recycling perfectly good oil however that's what I do!

[hoppers4]

Since my MH chassis manual calls for 5000 miles between changes, that's what I do regardless of age. IMO oil won't deteriorate when sitting. It won't collect moisture unless the engine isn't run long enough to drive out startup condensation. I make sure to drive it at least 30 miles every month during the winter months when it's not being used for camping.

[Davel]

I have read several places that is better to store a motor with fresh oil in it. The theory is that the acids that form during the use of the engine attack the bearings during storage. Based on that it might be a good idea to change it before the longest inactive period.

Our coach is not stored for any period and I use Mobil 1 and change at 5,000 miles. I've had the oil tested and the report stated that the oil was still good to use. That gives me peace of mind if I might have to go over a little bit on the way home.

Good luck,

Dave

[melvonnar]

Quote:

Originally Posted by golden I changed my MH in April with synthetic oil and then drove 1,020 miles to western CO and stayed there for four months. Then I returned home to central TX then same 1,020 miles. I will probably not use the MH again until next March when the trip will be repeated. I do start and run the engine and exercise all systems once a month. Do I still need to change the oil once a year despite the fact that the engine only has a little over 2,000 miles use per year?

#1 you are doing harm to your motor by running it monthly; if you can;t get on the road and drive at least 30 miles; dont start the motor and let it idle,
#2 synthetic oil for you is a waste of money; if the motorhome sits for any length of time drain and put fresh oil in the crankcase, no matter how few miles it has on it. just start the motor long enough to get that fresh oil circulated in the motor.

[George Z]

By the mileage or once a year, which ever comes first, for me

[Bill Adams]

You need to check your owners manual for oil change intervals. The myth that you need to change your oil every 3,000 miles is falsehood that is being perpetrated by the oil change companies to up their annual income. It has nothing at all to do with needs, only greed.
If I was driving limited amounts of miles I would change my oil before I parked for the Winter and then change it again before I parked for the next Winter. My engine manufacturer (diesel) recommends once per year or 10,000 miles. Find out what your engine manufacturer recommends and follow those guidelines.
My tow vehicle has no mileage guidelines at all. Every so often a light will come on saying that it is time to change the oil. This light is lit based upon the type of driving that you do and I follow my tow vehicle light recommendation exclusively.