IDLE to do slides

[boyland]

So I have a question on idling

The new motorhome requires the motorhome to be running to operate the slide.

which we need to do to pack and such but we also put them back in because of the weather.

What is your procedure for those who live in the cold unpredictable weather like us?

[Chargerman]

Does the engine actually have to be running? It would seem like they would function with the key in the “on” position.

[twinboat]

They may require the engine running for the extra boost from the alternator. Higher voltage to the motors will keep the amp draw lower, aiding in cooler running motors.

If you have bi-directional charging, pretty common now days, turning the key on may be all you need to do, as long as shore power is still connected.

[Chargerman]

That would make sense TwinBoat

[Lv2Roam2]

We use our engine pre-heat (electric and AH) to ease the start - then engage the cruise control to advance the RPM after a few minutes. WBGO recommends running the engine on almost all their products - and in really cold weather it helps with amperage draw as described below and protects batteries.

[boyland]

Originally Posted by Lv2Roam2

We use our engine pre-heat (electric and AH) to ease the start - then engage the cruise control to advance the RPM after a few minutes. WBGO recommends running the engine on almost all their products - and in really cold weather it helps with amperage draw as described below and protects batteries.

Mine specifically states to run slides and/or jacks.

Cruise is excellent idea.

Any others?

[Milford 47]

I always extend the slides before shutting down. I haven't yet had to retract them for any reason prior to departure. I can see if very high winds or hair was forecast the need and at that point as noted above start the engine and retract. If I were in a hurry then I would simply start without any preheat.

I have the pushbutton start and you have to have the engine running to extend or retract as well as level

[aether_one]

Originally Posted by Lv2Roam2

We use our engine pre-heat (electric and AH) to ease the start - then engage the cruise control to advance the RPM after a few minutes. WBGO recommends running the engine on almost all their products - and in really cold weather it helps with amperage draw as described below and protects batteries.

OK, new to me: how does engaging cruise control when you are stopped raise engine RPMs? Is this a new feature. In every vehicle I have ever driven with cruise control you can't even engage it unless you are above some minimum speed like 25 mph.

[pasdad1]

Originally Posted by tfryman

OK, new to me: how does engaging cruise control when you are stopped raise engine RPMs? Is this a new feature. In every vehicle I have ever driven with cruise control you can't even engage it unless you are above some minimum speed like 25 mph.

I believe this feature is unique to diesel motorhomes.
Also, it just raises idle to about 1000....no other settings are available.

[boyland]

Originally Posted by Milford 47

I always extend the slides before shutting down. I haven't yet had to retract them for any reason prior to departure. I can see if very high winds or hair was forecast the need and at that point as noted above start the engine and retract. If I were in a hurry then I would simply start without any preheat.

I have the pushbutton start and you have to have the engine running to extend or retract as well as level

You leave your slides out all the time?

[Lv2Roam2]

On many coaches turning on the cruise control and hitting the 'set' button will advance and hold the RPM. On some coaches you can hit the 'set' button once again it will advance the RPM higher.

[JohnBoyToo]

In 40 years of rv'ing, I can't imagine bringing slides in unless we are breaking camp to leave.
We like the room, that's the reason we bought rv's with slides, otherwise we could have saved a LOT of money sans slides


Oh, and ours the engine can't be running to move slides - i thought it was a safety feature on all rv's to not allow them to move while traveling down the road !

[winniman]

This is something my mechanic friend told me about DEF equipped vehicles. In sub freezing temperatures, the DEF can freeze in its container. He said the container has an electric heater that melts the DEF if it freezes. If this is the case, you would want to idle the engine for at least a bit to allow the DEF to get flowing. Do MHs have heaters on the DEF. I was not aware that DEF froze. I don't have DEF on my rv, but this fact came up in a conversation with a friend that owns transport trucks. As far as cruise holding a high idle, my 2000 cummins does that.

[lwmcguire]

The DEF tanks have engine coolant loops and many have small electric heaters near the filter

The safety feature is the slide switches are disabled when the park switch is pushed in

This allows you to move if needed