Community Forums

Jimbo8264 · 11-05-2006, 11:13 AM

Had this posted in general. I would like to try it here also.
Over the last four gas RV's I have owned, I have never run the Engine during the winter storage,just the Gen Set. Now I have a KS Diesel pusher . I added storage gas additives and winterized it. Now may question. Should I run the engine once a month or so along with the Generator or not?

Jimbo8264 · 11-05-2006, 11:13 AM

Had this posted in general. I would like to try it here also.
Over the last four gas RV's I have owned, I have never run the Engine during the winter storage,just the Gen Set. Now I have a KS Diesel pusher . I added storage gas additives and winterized it. Now may question. Should I run the engine once a month or so along with the Generator or not?

"007" · 11-05-2006, 11:55 AM

I like to run my coach during winter months just to keep the feel of what its like to be behind to wheel again

it helps me and my coach. Take it for a nice Sunday drive between the games.

Put on the Gen and run the AC's they will like the ride also what do we care what people think.

clubmed98 · 11-05-2006, 12:57 PM

before i put it to bed i change fluids and filters as needed put in an anti gel and park it till i need it in the spring..worked on all my mh so far

smlranger · 11-05-2006, 02:13 PM

We try to use ours as much as we can. After I do winterize it, we take it out at least twice (Jan. and Feb.) and drive to a Walmart or shopping mall. It is a 60- 75 mile round trip for us and while the wife shops, me and the dog hang out in the rig, watch TV, exercising the genset, heat pumps, etc. Helps with the cabin fever, you know.

Ecker · 11-05-2006, 02:23 PM

<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-title">quote:</div><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-content">Originally posted by Jimbo8264:
Had this posted in general. I would like to try it here also.
Over the last four gas RV's I have owned, I have never run the Engine during the winter storage,just the Gen Set. Now I have a KS Diesel pusher . I added storage gas additives and winterized it. Now may question. Should I run the engine once a month or so along with the Generator or not?

</div></BLOCKQUOTE>

It really shouldn't have had any but I hope you didn't put a gas additive in the diesel fuel as your messsage seems to indicate.

ajbjrvers · 11-05-2006, 03:14 PM

Jimbo 8264

Re; Running diesel during winter storage,

Approaching 5th winter with 400 hp. diesel and I've started every 10-14 days. I let in run at high idle, using the cruise control procedure and let it run until a good amount of heat comes out of dash heat vents.

I run diesel genset the same way, with full load, 2 heat pumps and electic mode on hydro heat set at 70 degrees.

I use diesel fuel additive to start and keep tank full to avoid condensation and algea.

Hope this info helps== AIME=== AJBJRVERS==

Ecker · 11-05-2006, 04:20 PM

<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-title">quote:</div><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-content">Originally posted by Jimbo8264:
Had this posted in general. I would like to try it here also.
Over the last four gas RV's I have owned, I have never run the Engine during the winter storage,just the Gen Set. Now I have a KS Diesel pusher . I added storage gas additives and winterized it. Now may question. Should I run the engine once a month or so along with the Generator or not?

</div></BLOCKQUOTE>

Cummins would advise not to run engine at all. Put it away with dirty oil and channge when you bring out. The problem with their recommendaion is that others want you to operate the motorhome to lube the seals. So, these folks say drive it forward and back several feet to lube the seals. That's not good for engine. The best way is as some others have said. Take it out when the roads are clear and the sun is shining and drive it until its good and hot; maybe a 50 mile round trip or double that if practical or something similar. This takes care of both Cummins concern and the others. While out on road, run genset with a good load on it. I usually load it down with some high wattage space heaters plus run air conditioning units and with the newer heaing units even more load. Finally, run the dash air because the ac unit is suspectable to seal dryout also.

TXiceman · 11-05-2006, 04:44 PM

The best thing for your engine is to change all of the fluids and fill the diesel tank and add a diesel fuel conditioner. Or take it and DRIVE it for at least 1/2 hour about every 4 weeks.

To set and let it high idle until you just get heat out of the vent is not good for the engine. By doing this you do not let it get good and hot and drive the moisture out of the oil and exhaust system. A diesel does not produce a lot of heat at idle and only only marginally more at high idle. The diesel has to work to produce heat.

You have to run it long enough and get it hot enough to drive the moisture out of the engine. Idling will not do it. This is more harm than good in my opinion.

Ken

Jimbo8264 · 11-06-2006, 03:43 AM

Thanks to all for the advice. Guess I will just run the Gererator and let the Diesel rest for the winter. Most of the winter the RV will be not be accesable to drive because of the snow. Thanks again.