Community Forums

gbing · 11-13-2017, 02:46 PM

I'm parked at a RV Park for the next 3 months. How often do I need to start and drive the motor home? I plan to start and run the generator monthly, but have heard mixed thoughts on chassis engine. I have a 2005 itasca w24 with 8.1 gm engine.

Waiter21 · 11-13-2017, 02:50 PM

I don't do either... If I know I'm going to be parked for any length of time, I try and fill the gas tank before going into storage, or long park mode..

ralphie · 11-13-2017, 02:52 PM

Everything I've ever read says don't start the MH but run the genset and power the MH with it, monthly. I did exactly that for years with MHs that were winterized Nov-Mar.

Pusherman · 11-13-2017, 02:52 PM

I am assuming that you are in a warmer climate with no salt on the roads. I would avoid driving in salt at all costs.

It's recommended to 'store' your unit with a full tank of gas (or fuel for the diesel folks) to minimize condensation and water gathering in the tank.

It's OK to let the coach sit, but not recommended to just start the engine and let it idle.

If you choose, take it out for an occasional drive so the transmission, exhaust system, tires, etc. warms up to operating temperatures eliminating moisture formation and keeping everything lubed.

For similar reasons (I know, no tires on the generator) it's best to exercise the generator periodically with about 50% load on it to dry out the windings.

Fyrflie · 11-23-2017, 09:15 AM

It’s important to exercise the whole unit if possible.
RV’s do not like to sit.

While having some rear spring work done, I was given a Metalurgy for dummies class and was told to drive the coach 20 miles a month to keep the molecules moving in the metal. Help maintain flexibility.
Same applies to tires.

Actually, all of this applies to humans too. Stay mobile, stay flexible.

udid · 03-08-2018, 02:49 PM

If you going to park for a couple months or more be sure and add a big bottle of Stabil fuel stabilizer into the tank then fill. Then run it as well as the generator. Run the generator for at least 20mins.

I do this every year when I go into RV storage and come time to pull the RV out she runs fine as well as the gen. I'm usually parked in storage from mid-late Oct thru ~beginning of May or so.

Do not leave the parking brake on.

Winemaker2 · 03-08-2018, 03:16 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Fyrflie

While having some rear spring work done, I was given a Metalurgy for dummies class and was told to drive the coach 20 miles a month to keep the molecules moving in the metal. Help maintain flexibility.
.

Huh???
Please explain or or should I accept this as a joke?

We are all in motion... earth surface rotates about 12-24,000 mi every 24 hrs.

I'm in the exercise gen but don't worry about chassis engine unless you are going to drive it 30 min or more.

I've put boats to sleep for winter for 30 yrs with no ill affects... other than a longing to be back on the water. [emoji41]

ralphie · 03-08-2018, 04:18 PM

Back when I had a class A, conventional wisdom was to park it x months over winter and never start the motor, and that's what I did. OTOH, starting the genset and running it for 30 minutes or so monthly was advised; just to exercise the electrical generating part. Agree also, don't set the parking brake.