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11-29-2013, 01:24 PM
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#1
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Junior Member
Join Date: Nov 2013
Posts: 3
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Diesel platforms - are there issues with sitting a lot?
Question. We have a gas class A now and love it. Thinking about going bigger and shifting to diesel. I am still working a lot so the rig stays in storage a lot. We get out at least once a month except dec-mar when we just wrap it up for winter. Do you all think diesels potentially have more issues "sitting" more? I am a bit nuts on maintenance....but wonder about moisture, non-use on diesel systems/components.
I may be crazy......and if so, saying so is just fine! :-)
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11-29-2013, 01:26 PM
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#2
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Junior Member
Join Date: Nov 2013
Posts: 3
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Kcracer
Question. We have a gas class A now and love it. Thinking about going bigger and shifting to diesel. I am still working a lot so the rig stays in storage a lot. We get out at least once a month except dec-mar when we just wrap it up for winter. Do you all think diesels potentially have more issues "sitting" more? I am a bit nuts on maintenance....but wonder about moisture, non-use on diesel systems/components. I may be crazy......and if so, saying so is just fine! :-)
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. I meant sitting....not siting
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11-29-2013, 01:35 PM
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#3
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Moderator Emeritus
Join Date: Jan 2007
Location: Litchfield Park, Arizona
Posts: 10,530
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Hi and welcome to the forum.
Generally speaking, diesels are most happy when they're run and they don't like sitting for long periods of time.
However, the type of use you describe is very, very common among DP owners and I sure wouldn't give it a second thought when choosing between gas and diesel.
Best of luck.
Rick
__________________
Rick, Nancy, Peanut & Lola our Westie Dogs & Bailey the Sheltie.
2007 Itasca Ellipse 40FD
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11-29-2013, 02:25 PM
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#4
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Senior Member
Join Date: Dec 2009
Location: Out there, somewhere
Posts: 9,940
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Kcracer,
As Rick stated, diesels generally like to be on the road. But, in todays world, seals, oil, metallurgy, gaskets, hoses and much, much more are vastly improved in materials and design. Many folks don't run their diesel units down the road on a daily, weekly, monthly agenda and, they're sitting in storage for long periods of time. And those start up and operate just fine.
Yes, components like water heaters, furnaces, water pumps, generators, and much more, should be "exercised" on some sort of regular basis just to keep things as normal in operation. But, that also applies to gas rigs too.
So, parking a diesel for a period of time for storage, while not financially the best move, (you do what you gotta do) will be fine. A good move would be to go out about once a week or, at least every two weeks while in that storage time frame, and fire the big beast up, possibly take it for a cruise of about say, 60 mph for at least 15 minutes to a half hour, all the time while running the generator which, should be under at least half load like running A/C or basement heat pump or, other duties for it, and then, bring the coach back home and store it for another section of time. Good luck.
Scott
__________________
2004 ITASCA HORIZON 36GD, 2011 GMC Sierra 1500 4x4 Toad '20 Honda NC750X DCT
2018 Goldwing Tour DCT Airbag
Retired-29.5 yrs, SDFD, Ham - KI6OND
Me, Karla and the Heidi character, (mini Schnauzer)!
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11-29-2013, 04:33 PM
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#5
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Senior Member
Damon Owners Club
Join Date: Jul 2010
Location: Annapolis,MD
Posts: 1,458
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I stabilize my full fuel tank, and let her sit for 5 months. Not a problem
for a diesel. You do not need to "exercise" it periodically. This is what
I have been told by the experts, and I have done this for five years
with zero problems. I do store it indoors for the winter.
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11-29-2013, 05:15 PM
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#6
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Senior Member
Join Date: Aug 2001
Location: North America somewhere
Posts: 30,878
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IMO gas engines experience more problems from not running than diesel engines. Gas will gum up the fuel system, diesel fuel will remain good for years.
__________________
2000 Winnebago Ultimate Freedom USQ40JD , ISC 8.3 Cummins 350, Spartan MM Chassis. USA IN 1SG 11B5MX,Infantry retired;Good Sam Life member,FMCA. " My fellow Americans, ask not what your country can do for you, ask what you can do for your country. John F. Kennedy
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11-29-2013, 05:27 PM
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#7
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Junior Member
Fleetwood Owners Club Workhorse Chassis Owner
Join Date: Oct 2011
Posts: 18
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Having been in the fuel oil business I can assure you that diesel fuel does NOT last very long with issues. You MUST use a good quality fuel stabilizer that specifically treats the formation of bacteria. Once your fuel tank is contaminated there is no alternative to eliminate it except to drop tank and clean. The bacteria grows in diesel and if present will block fuel filters within a few miles. If you try and put a treatment in their dead bodies will become a nightmare. Adding fresh fuel does NOT help the problem. Todays ULSD is more prone for these problems.
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11-29-2013, 11:25 PM
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#8
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Senior Member
Join Date: Aug 2001
Location: North America somewhere
Posts: 30,878
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I may not last very long WITH issues, but it will without issues. Perhaps this Diesel fuel FAQ website might help. You mention bacteria growing in diesel fuel, that FAQ explains why that is not true.
Buy fuel from a reputable source, buy and use quality water and sediment filters, and diesel fuel will last for years, at least the way we do it, it does.
__________________
2000 Winnebago Ultimate Freedom USQ40JD , ISC 8.3 Cummins 350, Spartan MM Chassis. USA IN 1SG 11B5MX,Infantry retired;Good Sam Life member,FMCA. " My fellow Americans, ask not what your country can do for you, ask what you can do for your country. John F. Kennedy
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11-30-2013, 06:50 AM
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#9
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Senior Member
Join Date: Dec 2012
Posts: 378
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Ask a farmer,his stuff sits months
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2005 volvo 670 12 speed auto shift
singled, hensley trailer saver smart car "on deck"
Newmar 34 rsks Torrey Pine
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11-30-2013, 07:33 AM
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#10
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Senior Member
Fleetwood Owners Club
Join Date: Jun 2009
Posts: 4,031
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Mine hasn't complained yet from sitting 7 months a year without moving over the last 11 years. The number of days a year it has moved has been between only 13 and 34.
IMOA the need to run a diesel more then a gas to own one. Is a myth.
I do add a stabilizer for the 7 month period. Same as I did with the previous gas MH.
Diesel has much better ride, quieter in drivers area, more torque in hills and better MPG.
__________________
99 Discovery 34Q ISB
2014 MKS AWD EcoBoost Toad
Fulltime Since "99"
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11-30-2013, 07:40 AM
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#11
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Senior Member
Fleetwood Owners Club
Join Date: Sep 2013
Location: Southern Alberta
Posts: 112
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Quote:
Originally Posted by hone eagle
Ask a farmer,his stuff sits months
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Yes, I was just going to post that.
My combine will sit for 10 months of the year, no problems.
Tractors sit for 4 months through the winter, again no problems.
Equipment is stored in a cold storage building, and during the winter months we do get to -40.
Never had any trouble with fuel going bad on older diesels, or new engines that use DEF.
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2007 Fleetwood Revolution LE 40E, 400HP C9 Cat
2015 Ford F-150 Lariat Super Crew 4X4, Blue Ox Adventa LX and Patriot braking system
2012 Polaris Rzr 800 LE
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11-30-2013, 07:48 AM
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#12
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Senior Member
Newmar Owners Club
Join Date: Oct 2009
Posts: 10,310
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Mjay
Yes, I was just going to post that.
My combine will sit for 10 months of the year, no problems.
Tractors sit for 4 months through the winter, again no problems.
Equipment is stored in a cold storage building, and during the winter months we do get to -40.
Never had any trouble with fuel going bad on older diesels, or new engines that use DEF.
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The same findings here on #2 fuel, Seems when one has to much time on their hands and has some extra money, and does some reading, there is always "Insurance" to buy.........Did you need to buy this insurance? What would of ever happened if you did not buy this insurance? Did you actually get your moneys worth out of your insurance you bought? This "insurance" thing I am talking about applies to everything we own.......it is a matter of how much we spend on it and if I needed it to begin with. One can go insurance broke!
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2012 Essex 4544 2011 Jeep JK, M&G Braking, 2014 MTI 27' Hog Hauler, Wireless brake control, 2006 Ultra & 1989 Springer, 2003 Harley-Davidson
FLHR Road King Anniversary
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11-30-2013, 03:50 PM
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#13
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Junior Member
Fleetwood Owners Club Workhorse Chassis Owner
Join Date: Oct 2011
Posts: 18
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Take it from experience. Read more tests from university and independent labs. If you think todays fuel will last more than 8 to 12 years then by all means keep doing what you are doing. I have seen fuel oil in a tank that went bad in less than a year. Bacteria is very much an issue. Oh and by the way--Todays fuel is no way guaranteed at a reputable station. Most all truck stops and distributors buy from whoever has the best price when they need fuel. I know I've been there. Even branded stations rarely sell there brand of fuel.
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11-30-2013, 03:54 PM
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#14
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Senior Member
Newmar Owners Club
Join Date: Oct 2009
Posts: 10,310
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Quote:
Originally Posted by mrfish
Take it from experience. Read more tests from university and independent labs. If you think todays fuel will last more than 8 to 12 years then by all means keep doing what you are doing. I have seen fuel oil in a tank that went bad in less than a year. Bacteria is very much an issue. Oh and by the way--Todays fuel is no way guaranteed at a reputable station. Most all truck stops and distributors buy from whoever has the best price when they need fuel. I know I've been there. Even branded stations rarely sell there brand of fuel.
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Who said anything about 8-10 years?
As far as the bacteria.....needs water and if you have or get water in your fuel you are going to have a multitude of problems.
__________________
2012 Essex 4544 2011 Jeep JK, M&G Braking, 2014 MTI 27' Hog Hauler, Wireless brake control, 2006 Ultra & 1989 Springer, 2003 Harley-Davidson
FLHR Road King Anniversary
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