Community Forums

Hannagan · 04-22-2018, 06:31 PM

My wife and I are preparing to move from our home of 25 years into a Jayco Precept 31ul. Currently, we have more questions than answers and are seeking maintenance advice. The motorhome has been sitting in our diveway since Mid- February and sat for at least two months before that on the dealers lot.
I know a shorter mileage sequence is recommended between oil changes because we will be towing a Mini Cooper. I am considering an oil change in May before we hit the road permanently. I will only have put about 2000 miles on but am thinking about the time spent sitting. Am I being overly cautious?

ztlrgf · 04-22-2018, 06:40 PM

Even if it is considered overkill, for your own piece of mind, change the oil. It never hurts to change oil and filter and the cost on a gas engine is minimal especially if you do it yourself.

WinnieView · 04-22-2018, 06:41 PM

Check your engine owners manual for recommended miles and/or months between oil changes.

Happy trails!

V3600 · 04-22-2018, 06:45 PM

Just get out and drive it, no need to change the oil yet.

Winemaker2 · 04-22-2018, 06:56 PM

What is the mileage and time since last change of oil & filter?
Are you sure? If unsure earlier will be safe and establishes your baseline for future.

What does the MH or chassis manufacturer recommend?

Best advice is follow their recommendations for oil viscosity, API rating and frequency of change.

Most will list mileage and time (e.g. 12 mos) which ever comes first.
Sitting still for a few mos shouldn't be an issue.
If it's close to or more than a year especially if it has several 1,000 miles on the oil that's different.

I have owned several boats for many yrs and they sit all winter here in the NE. No problem but I do my oil changes prior to winter lay-up so the contaminated oil doesn't sit for mos.

If your travel plans are extensive - heading cross country? - and stopping for a change would be inconvenient I might do it before I go.

OTOH if you are going to be full timing you will be dealing with this in the future. There are lots of lube shops that can handle MHs a little searching here on iRV2 will turn up several brands and you can locate them online while travelling.

momdoc · 04-22-2018, 07:46 PM

Welcome. Lots of good folks and info here.

If you cannot get the records and check the manufacturer's recommendations then for your piece of mind ... change the oil.

ThePowells · 04-22-2018, 10:58 PM

First of all,,,,

Welcome to the looney bin.

Your chassis owners manual will be available in a PDF if you don't have the original. Just follow the manufacturers recommendation.

MSHappyCampers · 04-23-2018, 08:02 AM

Hi !

Welcome to IRV2! We're sure glad you joined the gang!

Congrats on the new rig! I agree with Roy! Keep her between the ditches!

Good luck, happy trails, and God bless!

Stever53 · 04-23-2018, 11:05 AM

Hi

this place is great

Safe travels

**TonyDi** · 04-23-2018, 08:21 PM

Glad to have you here in the forum with us. You're gonna like it here.

Change the oil. It won't be expensive and it will give you peace of mind and confidence.

Happy Trails!!!

Gary RVRoamer · 04-24-2018, 02:05 PM

Overly cautious? Probably, but why agonize over 6 quarts of oil & a filter? If you will feel more comfortable knowing the oil is fresh & clean, do it!

By the way, the genset has oil too.

MisterT · 04-24-2018, 02:18 PM

does oil go 'bad' while sitting? it was in the earth for 'millions' of year, as some would say(?)...

it won't go 'bad' while waiting for you to start using it, either, as there's nothing to make it go 'bad'... though, I'm thinking that you've heard 'ol stories about it because folks left a vehicle sitting for years on end. Well, ok, maybe if that's the case, but a brand new engine and new oil is gonna take a 'long' time to go bad, a LONG time.

but, as others will admit, if it's peace of mind for you, it's peace of mind : )

Pepper2 · 04-24-2018, 02:22 PM

Change the oil! Since you will be on the road in the future, and if you want to change your own oil, I would recommend you install a Fumoto oil plug. They make oil changes spill-less. You attach a clear hose on the end of the Fumoto nipple and the other end into a 1 gal. milk jug. Open the valve and when the first jug is 3/4 full crimp the hose and insert it into a second gal. milk jug. I also use a large zip lock bag when I remove the filter. Again, less chance of making a mess.

TriMoot · 04-24-2018, 02:37 PM

Don't know if this is a new or used rig, but one thing I tell most folks for real peace of mind is to change the fuel filter AND inspect it (drain it into something so you can see any dirt or water, and if you are brave enough, open it up) just to see what's inside and that will help to determine how clean the inside of the tank is.

Of course this can lead to ALL SORTS of checks, but if you are going on a big trip you'd for sure want to know:

All fluids: Radiator, Transmission, Leveler hydraulic fluid (I just checked mine and it's low, didn't give me any lights or symptoms but since I was underneath I just thought I'd check, and I'm glad I did), Engine Oil, Battery level, etc, etc.

Hoses and Belts: Uhmm,hoses and belts, maybe even windshield wipers.

Just a thorough check underneath and look for anything leaking or wet. I did this just before I winterized it and saw I had a leak in the differential, so I made a reminder to schedule a repair in March with our local truck repair shop and they drained and filled it and put on a new gasket.

I've been planning on doing a crawl-under during the night with all the lights on inside to make sure I don't have any holes going inside the house. (Maybe this weekend!)

All this does is give you peace of mind that you've done your best. Of course anything can happen since there are so many moving parts, but at least you've check many of the obvious things.

I'm sure more experienced full-timers will even have a checklist they use so perhaps they'll post that.

Good luck and enjoy the journey!