Community Forums

Flick · 10-20-2015, 10:33 AM

Ok I going to ask this question a little differently: I live in Ohio and own a 2003 Dutch Star with an Cummings ISC. I will be storing it indoors in a unheated storage unit. I will not be starting the engine for about 3 months as I don't want to take it on salt covered roads in order to get to operating temp. I would like to run the generator under load each month for at least on hour but can not run it in the storage unit as I have no choice but to drive into the unit I can not back in. So the generator would be about 40 ft into the unit and away from the door. I m to the point that I'm thinking after proper winterizing, pull all the negative battery cables and forget about it until late March. If it was stored outside I'd prefer to run the generator but I's be worried about exhaust fumes especially if the wind in blowing into the unit and fumes working into the unit next door (common wall). I'm thinking keeping the motor home inside clean and dry outweighs running the generator, but I'm still hung up about not running it. Any thoughts? I guess I need encouragement it will be okay!

MattC · 10-20-2015, 10:56 AM

Flick,

The stuff about running a generator every month is over valued. Most modern generators have epoxy bedded windings and do not have the moisture trouble that older units (even like mine) might. Just leave it alone for the winter, but in the spring, get it out and warm it up before you put load on it.

Michigan boats with generators can't run them when they are on the hard for the winter. They sure aren't stored inside (not without removing the mast(s) and they don't have problems. They do require the prescribed maintenance.

Matt

Possum · 10-20-2015, 11:04 AM

I have three generators, one in the coach, and two portables. Until I joined the RV community online I had never heard of nor run a generator monthly for an hour. The RV unit is 20 years old (give or take) the twp portables are each more than four years old, one I bought new four years ago and one I acquired as a gift and have no idea what year it is as the only positive ID on the thing is the 3.5 horse Briggs and Straton providing the oomph.

Randyman1 · 10-20-2015, 05:18 PM

I have to agree with Possum, we've had RV's for 23 years now and until I joined this forum I never heard of exercising them monthly. Mine have always been stored inside as well. Never had a problem with either of them sitting idle for at least 3 months and not being started. Keep the oil changed and keep good fuel in them both and they will last a long time without giving trouble.