Community Forums

C5c5 · 07-04-2020, 10:38 AM

I'm looking for tips and guidance on how to best start my gasser motorhome for the first time after it has sat over winter and spring.

Should I change the oil first before attempting to start it?

Are there things you make certain to check and do before the first start-up?

Last time I ran it in October of last year, I filled the gas tank and added alot of fuel stabilizer.

I will be installing a new battery for sure.

Thanks!

exrench · 07-04-2020, 11:01 AM

Change the oil.It should have been changed before storage.

**Lt Dan** · 07-04-2020, 11:06 AM

Check your battery voltage and levels, oil level, coolant, etc. If you are going to change the oil without moving, then go ahead and change it just give cold oil plenty of time to drain. Draining down out of the engine passageways won't be a problem since it's been sitting. Normally you want the engine warm so the oil will flow better from the upper chambers but in this instance it really doesn't matter.

scbwr · 07-04-2020, 11:18 AM

Personally, I would start the engine and let it get up to temperature before changing the oil. If there is any sediment in the oil pan, it will get mixed with the oil, and it will drain better when you change the oil. Just my 5 cents worth.

Check all fluids. Run the generator and change oil if needed. Check operation of levelers. Check operation of slideouts. Check tire pressure. Visually check the roof and caulking and fix as needed. Check ac operation along with fridge (on gas and electric as applicable). Check awning i.e. open and close and check for any mildew or smell....it can happen after storing for the winter and you don't want to open the awning and have it smelling bad.....been there and done it!

Then...hit the road and enjoy!!

Waiter21 · 07-04-2020, 11:31 AM

As mentioned, I change the oil before the long storage. However...

I'd start it, let it come up to temperature, cycle the transmission through all the gears.

Check the trans fluid with engine running and in park. Then shut it off and change oil and filter.

Ivylog · 07-05-2020, 07:38 AM

If less than 3000 miles on the oil, crank it up and go have fun... check the tires pressure. Annual oil change on a engine that works hard... no moisture in the oil is a waste of time and money, especially on a rig that old.

Domo · 07-05-2020, 07:50 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Waiter21

As mentioned, I change the oil before the long storage. However...

I'd start it, let it come up to temperature, cycle the transmission through all the gears.

Check the trans fluid with engine running and in park. Then shut it off and change oil and filter.

+1 change the oil BEFORE storage - otherwise all the acids/debris will do their worst during storage. I'd actually recommend full service (lube/filters/etc.) before storage as that would mean everything that pivots, rubs, spins and whirrs will have fresh, clean , grease to help protect it. Seems that would be far better than having globs of sandy grease stiffen up where you don't want it...