Community Forums

SeattlePirat · 04-09-2013, 12:06 PM

It has been 4500 miles since our last oil change. We are planning on a 3000 mile r/t to the twin cities. I feel we should make the trip and then change the oil when we return. Any thoughts?

Zoafan · 04-09-2013, 12:16 PM

Miles do not mean anything when it comes to oil changes on MH for most people. What does matter is time. When was the last time you changed it? If the coach has been sitting for more than 4 months I would change it.

targaboat · 04-09-2013, 12:24 PM

The last diesel we had the Mfgr recommended 15000 miles or 12 months. Gas engines 7500 miles or 12 months which is my rule. It is like religion and politics, no two people will agree. Some people never change oil.

Bottom line, do you personally know of any normal RV owner who wore out their engine? PM me if you like more info and I am a retired engineer with experience with these issues.

Scotter · 04-09-2013, 12:31 PM

Ditto on the above.
Standard oil is 7,500.
Synthetic is 15,000.
I have run synthetic for over 30 years and change on the even 10,000.
Never an issue.

SeattlePirat · 04-09-2013, 01:44 PM

We have taken trips every 2 months or so, the coach never sits more than 2 months and most trips are 200 to 500 miles.

spritz · 04-09-2013, 02:09 PM

We are in the Twin Cities, whatya going to do? MOA, Up Nort or just passing thru? Its suppose to snow tonight and tomorrow 4 or more inches. Glad mine is still winterized.
Tim

SeattlePirat · 04-09-2013, 03:21 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by spritz

We are in the Twin Cities, whatya going to do? MOA, Up Nort or just passing thru? Its suppose to snow tonight and tomorrow 4 or more inches. Glad mine is still winterized.
Tim

Dog show and convention starts April 30 near Lake Calhoun

spritz · 04-10-2013, 10:16 AM

Cool, I'm only 5 miles from there, You have a Toad? if so be sure to go around the lakes, Lk Harriet, Lk Calhoun, Lk of the Isle's, They are our city lakes, bike paths, running paths, and walking paths. One road takes you all the way around all three lakes, that is if they still are not FROZE over

We only got 1-1/2 inches of the WHITE stuff

last night but suppose to get another 4-8 tonight.

Tim

Medico · 04-10-2013, 10:29 AM

For the OP, as others have indicated it depends on whether you have a gas or diesel engine. The time between changes for diesel is considerable longer than gas engines.

jamesrxx951 · 04-10-2013, 10:38 AM

if you have a gasser, I would stick to the maintance guide for sever service/towing etc. It will likely have you change at every 5k. a motor home chassis works very hard. 7500 is to long for my liking for the amount of work these engines do. even if it is just all hwy miles.

DaleM · 04-10-2013, 11:06 AM

Hi

I'd take the trip and change it when you come home. Oils are better these days and on vehicles
It seems everything else craps out long before
Engines. If your worried change it but I'd sit on
Till you get home.
My 2 cents
Dale M

HicksRA · 04-10-2013, 12:05 PM

You'll probably be fine either way.
But if it was me, I'd go ahead and change the oil if it's a gasser or wait till I got home if it's a diesel. JMO

MSHappyCampers · 04-10-2013, 08:15 PM

Monaco & Cummins recommend changing the motor oil yearly or at 15,000 miles. Not sure about other manufacturers.

Good luck, happy trails, and God bless!

Mr_D · 04-10-2013, 08:23 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Scotter

Ditto on the above.
Standard oil is 7,500.
Synthetic is 15,000.
I have run synthetic for over 30 years and change on the even 10,000.
Never an issue.

And Cummins says you can't extend the oil change interval just because you use synthetic oil.
so the answer is: it depends.
Do you feel lucky, well do you?