How often should i exercize throughout the winter?

[Mitchyb]

To make sure I don't get any stuck valves of issues resulting from sitting too long how often does everyone fire up there rigs throughout the winter?

[vsheetz]

I don't have to winterized the coach living in SoCal. However if not using the coach for awhile will exercise it monthly, check fluids and batteries, run the genny and air conditioners, etc.

[sswilson]

Probably two different schools of thought on this issue. Some guys will tell you to let it rest all winter after you have put it to bed. It is not good to run the motors unless you are able to run them until they are really warm and able to get rid of the moisture in the system. I do start and run mine at least monthly but do run both motor and generator for approx an hour. You are able to add load to your Genny to warm it up but if you do not move your rig, not everything gets warmed up. I think it is good to run to keep seals and oiled surfaces in good shape. Your choice?

[GaryKD]

Hi Mitchyb,
Gas or diesel, I've had both. Let the engine sleep all winter. Run the generator once every couple of months for 1 hour under at least 1/2 load. If you remain unsure, call the engine and generator manufacturer. They will provide the most accurate answer.

[Walter5555]

A good time to exercise the Gen. set is while you are going down the road, that way you will not be bothering anyone near you.
Just a thought.

[sc3283]

Mine gets parked and stays parked and NOT run until it is time to go the next spring.

[jdwky]

I get post-partum depression from the RV so we can't put it up for too long without going winter camping...

[wa8yxm]

In my case when I "Wintered" in Michigan I let the coach sit till Spring. I did treat the fuel with STA-BIL and fill the tank.

The Generator got the needed 1/2 hour with a pair of Electric heaters (60% the rated max load) every month.

[Hapecamper]

They tell you to not start engine, but for the tires, to move it every month. Don't know about yours, but my rig is hard to move without starting engine. What to do?

[Mr_D]

Here's what Cummins said when I sent them an email regarding this:

From the perspective of the
Cummins engine it is good to do either one of two things:

1) Start the engine and drive it or 2) do not start the engine.

Our engines do not gain anything by idling. In fact a diesel engine
on low idle will not ever get up to operating temperatures which is
bad for the engine and can cause an increase in soot production.

The other side of the story is that starting the engine and letting it
idle is probably good for other things like air brakes, heating and
cooling, etc. So probably the best answer to try to get both worlds
to meet is to occasionally take the unit out for a drive during times
of prolonged storage."

[gemini5362]

Originally Posted by jdwky

I get post-partum depression from the RV so we can't put it up for too long without going winter camping...

My answer also. I love winter camping. All of the campgrounds are empty so I can get a very choice camping spot on a river or lake somewhere and just enjoy the view with a good book or a fishing pole during that hour or so in the afternoon when it is warm enough to venture outside

[Mitchyb]

I have put my lady away for winter so I think I will not fire it up like some have suggested but silly me I left the tank almost empty now I won't be able to fire up the gen set do you think ill be in big trouble

[Mr_D]

Originally Posted by Mitchyb

I have put my lady away for winter so I think I will not fire it up like some have suggested but silly me I left the tank almost empty now I won't be able to fire up the gen set do you think ill be in big trouble

I think I'd take it out and get fuel. That's what I did last week.

[Mitchyb]

Insurance just expired and cover is on looks like it will be a Jerry can job