Community Forums

tymzee · 07-09-2021, 08:47 PM

The person we purchased our 2012 Fleetwood Bounder 33C from was quite firm in his advice: only use synthetic oil.

So that's the route we're taken with the last 2 oil changes. After many searches I'm seeing that synthetic oil gets good reviews in general-- with some exceptions of course. So barring any convincing arguments to the contrary, I'll go with synthetic again for the upcoming service next week.

Questions I have are, does using synthetic oil extend the oil change interval? We currently travel around 5k miles over 3 or 4 months in later Winter/early Spring, then do the oil change before the next trip.

I keep reading "check the owner's manual" but I can't find any mention of motor oil at all. Perhaps because I only have a electronic (PDF) version that includes all the Fleetwood models. (?)

Skip426 · 07-09-2021, 10:44 PM

Extending oil change intervals with synthetic oils varies by engine manufacturer ; Cummins says synthetic oils are ok in their engines BUT don't extend the oil change interval .

I'm assuming Ford V-10

so a Ford chassis manual would be the place to look .

Change oil before storage , to get contaminates out of the pan before they get a chance to settle and stick to the bottom of the pan.
At 5,000 miles annually , one oil change is good .

JMHO: If your engine has been running synthetic oil DON'T go back to conventional oil.

Massparanoia · 07-09-2021, 10:51 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by tymzee

The person we purchased our 2012 Fleetwood Bounder 33C from was quite firm in his advice: only use synthetic oil.

So that's the route we're taken with the last 2 oil changes. After many searches I'm seeing that synthetic oil gets good reviews in general-- with some exceptions of course. So barring any convincing arguments to the contrary, I'll go with synthetic again for the upcoming service next week.

Questions I have are, does using synthetic oil extend the oil change interval? We currently travel around 5k miles over 3 or 4 months in later Winter/early Spring, then do the oil change before the next trip.

I keep reading "check the owner's manual" but I can't find any mention of motor oil at all. Perhaps because I only have a electronic (PDF) version that includes all the Fleetwood models. (?)

Well if you want to go deep down the oil rabbit hole, you can do a used oil analysis at your next oil change and see what it looks like regarding extending the interval https://www.blackstone-labs.com/

If you want to go even farther down the rabbit hole https://bobistheoilguy.com/forums/

I have a Ford V10 chassis, and this is a pretty hard working motor. And all BS aside, full syn motor oil is more resistant to things like shear, thermal breakdown etc than conventional oil is.

I change mine annually or at 5k miles, whichever comes first. I typically use whatever synthetic has a good rebate at the local parts store at the time. Most of the time it’s Mobil 1.

I exclusively use Shell Rotella T6 15w40 in my generator though. It runs great on that stuff.

Bobby F · 07-10-2021, 01:45 AM

In my research, I determined that the oil change interval does increase, but the oil filter change interval does not.

Indy Glenn · 07-10-2021, 04:02 AM

As an FYI.

I have been using Mobil 1 since the late 70s in all my vehicles.

Your question if it extends oil change intervals.....???

When Mobil 1 was first introduced to the general public, it had one version, one weight, and was advertised to go 25,000 miles or be changed once per year.

Now there are multiple weights, styles, and whatnot....so what changed?? I know engines have changed - a lot!

So let your conscience be your guide. My thoughts are you can probably get a few more miles from synthetic over standard mineral type oils.

I use my rig more than 5K but less than 10K per year. I change my oil once per year with Mobil 1.....

Good luck......take care.

g

inthepines · 07-10-2021, 04:45 AM

There is only 1 real way of knowing if you can extend your oil change.
You need to get an oil analysis done. This will inform you of the correct course of action. so here is another vote for blackstone labs because that is the only way you're going to know for sure, otherwise it's all a guessing game.

Going 5k on synth oil is not a big deal.

I change mine at 3k still though or once a year whichever comes first.
(gas engines) diesel can go more but you need to find the manual for that engine.

Oil is cheap compared to an engine.

Xmcdog · 07-10-2021, 04:57 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by inthepines

There is only 1 real way of knowing if you can extend your oil change.
You need to get an oil analysis done. This will inform you of the correct course of action. so here is another vote for blackstone labs because that is the only way you're going to know for sure, otherwise it's all a guessing game.

Going 5k on synth oil is not a big deal.

I change mine at 3k still though or once a year whichever comes first.
(gas engines) diesel can go more but you need to find the manual for that engine.

Oil is cheap compared to an engine.

Totally agree.
In the OPs case I would change one a year and before storage.

Gary RVRoamer · 07-11-2021, 11:50 AM

You need to check the chassis owner manual, not Fleetwood's Bounder manual. The 2012 Bounder was on a Ford F53 Motorhome chassis, so download that if you don't have a copy with the coach. Ford specifies SAE 5W-20 oil and has no preference for synthetic vs natural oil. Per the Ford manual, the oil change interval is the same for either.

Synthetic oil is technically better (exceeds requirements) so there is no reason to NOT use it unless the extra oil cost is an issue for you.

RRR · 07-11-2021, 12:24 PM

My 2016 calls for 7500 mile change. I stick with 5000 miles, easier to keep the mileage in my feeble brain.

tymzee · 07-11-2021, 12:38 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Gary RVRoamer

You need to check the chassis owner manual, not Fleetwood's Bounder manual. The 2012 Bounder was on a Ford F53 Motorhome chassis, so download that if you don't have a copy with the coach. Ford specifies SAE 5W-20 oil and has no preference for synthetic vs natural oil. Per the Ford manual, the oil change interval is the same for either.

Synthetic oil is technically better (exceeds requirements) so there is no reason to NOT use it unless the extra oil cost is an issue for you.

Great-- thanks for the info re. the chassis manual. Good to have as a reference.

tymzee · 07-11-2021, 12:43 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Massparanoia

Well if you want to go deep down the oil rabbit hole

Not too eager to take on that experience.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Massparanoia

I change mine annually or at 5k miles, whichever comes firs

Seems to be the consensus and is pretty much what we're doing presently. The reinforcement is always comforting.

Fiesta48 · 07-12-2021, 08:36 AM

Walmart synthetic oils aren't that expensive and carry the same SAE ratings as brand names do. I've been using Walmart oils for many years.

inthepines · 07-12-2021, 09:11 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Fiesta48

Walmart synthetic oils aren't that expensive and carry the same SAE ratings as brand names do. I've been using Walmart oils for many years.

They also come back with pretty good oil analysis.

ArtJoyce · 07-12-2021, 09:47 AM

What engine. My 1999 cummings. Cummings tech support said don't use synthetic oil. One of the seals does not do well with it. I'm think its the rear seal??

When I change to synthetic oil on anything. I check with the manufacture to get their advice on change intervals. Most of the time they say follow the intervals in the manual. So I move to the higher range in the manual. But my 2012 Toyota Highlander they said there was a service bulletin that I could change the oil intervals fron 7.5k to 10k. I pay a few dollars more for mobile 1 extended, which mobile 1 says it is good for 20k, but I follow the service intervals. Just use a better oil.

To me oil is cheap. My cummings I change my oil at about 5k. I could go longer