Gasser Oil Changes

[LSC9901]

I already know that oil types and intervals are a touchy subject ....or at least seem that way from what I have read so far. I'll attempt to be specific about my question in hopes that answers will keep within the parameters of the questions.

We are basically summer time campers. We live in the cold, frigid Northeast where (for us at least) the camping season primarily runs from mid May until mid to late Sept. Yes I know there are those who begin sooner and play later but we just don't. I add this info just to let you know our mileage is usually under 5 K per year and that our bus sits for 7 months of the year.

In other threads I have read extensive postings about synthetic versus regular oil. I did learn that there are only a couple of true synthetics. Also there are varied opinions on the value of one over the other.

So my questions are at what time of the year do you change you oil and what type of oil do you use ? Please keep in mind that I am looking, primarily, for responses for RV'ers with similar camping habits.

Thanks !

[golfpgb]

Our sits a lot during the winter also. I drive it every couple of months.

I put 5K on it last year. I change the oil in every spring and use synthetic oil.

I do the same with our boat. Change the oil and filter in the spring.

[Lued]

When I had my Bounder Workhorse , I changed the oil in the fall getting ready to head for AZ for the winter I used Mobil 1 10/40 with a 2 quart filter, Mobil 1 at Walmart 5 Quart jug around $25.00 get 2.

[redtail]

I live in Michigan and camp from april til November I change my oil before we go on our last trip of the fall and have clean oil in the engine for the winter but by driving a few hundred miles and getting to temp i feel that the oil is distributed in the engine well. I do this because old oil contains a lot of acids and junk from the combustion process in the engine this sitting in the bearings and valve train can cause pitting and other bad things so my engines are allways parked with clean oil for the down time. I wont make a recommendation as to oil type I have my own opinions but they are just that opnions they work for me. good luck Mike

[charliej]

I live in Texas so I could camp more during the winter, but don't. I change my oil at the first of the camping season, which was last weekend. I use Mobil One, and change it once a year. Last change only had 2000 miles on the oil. Full synthetic gives me more wiggle room if we go on a longer trip during yearly change.

[Duoglide1]

Any time I place a vehicle, whether it's my Harley or coach or whatever, in storage it gets the oil changed just prior to being parked. I don't want it sitting with acids and other byproducts in the bottom of it.


2005 Country Coach Inspire, C9 CAT

[R2Home]

Way back when we had our Class C with a Ford V10 engine, our camping was about the same as the OP's. I changed the oil in the fall before putting the MH away for the winter. When we took long trips, to the lower 48, then I would change the engine oil at about 3500 miles. As to oil type, I used regular dino oil.

[TeJay]

Posters #4 & 7 mention the acid in the oil. Poster #4 says that it is his opinion but in reality it is also based on facts.

Nobody mentioned this aspect of oil and contamination. The PCV (positive crankcase ventilation) system does a great job of removing moisture and other contaminants that collect in the oil. The catch is in order for it to work well the oil has to be heated up to operating temperature before most of the contaminants turn into a vapor and can then be drawn out of the crankcase and burned in the combustion chamber. That is the real reason most oil experts say that short drives and stop and go driving is much harder on an engine. So getting the oil up to temps then driving it a distance is best.

Another fact is that the engine produces the greatest amount of harmful gases at mid and lower RPM's. That's where stop & go and city driving become more harmful. Highway driving at operating temps is the least harmful to the oil. If the PCV system can't get the oil clean then changing it does the job.

Even if you just drive 5K or less miles a year it's still a good idea to change the oil annually.

I still prefer Mobil 1. Try and find an article with any negative comments about Mobil 1.

TeJay

[Redapple]

The past several years We have only driven 1500 or so miles, so I change once a year. I use regular oil. My rv runs like a top.

[stepside454]

I do the same , once a year. Currently all our vehicles are using Motorcraft blend.

[Waiter21]

Once a year, and/or every 5000 miles. I use regular ole 5w30 (summer) or 5w20 (winter)

I like to change it right before I put it to bed for the winter. That way all the crap and acids, etc won't be sitting in the oil pan all winter.

[Crasher]

I have always changed the oil once a year when only 5-7000 annual miles diven. Most mechanics will suggest doing it in the fall before going into storage, but getting the engine up to operating temperature before storage, which is what I do. Personally, in these cases, synthetic is a waste of money. The only benefit is to the owner. He probably sleeps better with the synthetic oil receipt in his file. It doesn't make any difference to the engine. How many engines have you heard of that failed because synthetic wasn't used?

[LSC9901]

Is there an issue going from synthetic to just regular oil ? From all I have read there isn't but I just want to hear what you, the experts, have to say.

Most of you have basically confirmed what I felt about when to change the oil. Nice to know that I get it right once in a while.

[vettenuts]

I live in New England as well. Use age is similar. I use synthetic European Castrol 0W30 (the viscosity at 100 degrees C is very high in the 30W range) and change it in the fall just prior to storage. I know someone who worked for GM and he recommended the change just prior to storage.