Running generator in the winter??

[Kendrick]

I have my Lance in storage for the winter. I know we should be running our generator once a month, however, I have my batteries out and it's such a pain. Should I go through the hassle of connecting a battery just to run the generator monthly?

Thanks

[Kendrick]

I have my Lance in storage for the winter. I know we should be running our generator once a month, however, I have my batteries out and it's such a pain. Should I go through the hassle of connecting a battery just to run the generator monthly?

Thanks

[DriVer]

<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><font size="-1">quote:</font><HR>Originally posted by Kendrick:
Should I go through the hassle of connecting a battery just to run the generator monthly? <HR></BLOCKQUOTE>You may want to run your generator if it's not being treated with Sta-Bil. On the other hand it you do run it remember to apply a sufficient load so you can feel confident that you've excersised the generator set and not just the engine. Running the engine on a generator without a load can do more harm than good.

[BigRedLancer]

I agree, run the generator. I had to take my camper to the generator repair shop to have them fix it because I did not run it every month. The other thing I found is don't run the microwave empty as a load for the generator. It got so hot it just quit. Find another load.

Cheers

[troth]

A good "load" for your winter generator exercise is a small, 1500w electric heater (or two of them). They'll pull about 10 - 12 amps each, and you'll warm up the coach at the same time. I consider a typical exercise period to be about 45 minutes once a month.

[TXiceman]

Running the generator is multipurpose. One is it keeps the gasolinr from creating varnish in the carb. It lubricates and coats the cylinder walls with oil. but it also benifits the generator windings by letting them heat up while under load and dries them out. Moisture is a major killer of electrical gear.

If you don't want to run it once a month as described, you will need to run it with a fule stabilizer and then pull the spark plug and spray a storage oil in the cylinder and crank it over a few times. It should also have fresh oil in the crankcase for the winter. To make sure the generator stays dry, place a light bulb in the compartment below the generator. This will help keep it a bit warmer and drive the moisture away.

Ken