Community Forums

SMRDNR · 10-26-2012, 08:07 AM

The coach has been winterized; I need to know what to do with fuel system.
We live in Northern Indiana and the motorhome will be stored outside.
In my reading I see that I should fill the fuel tank and add an additive. Then drive the MH and with the generator under load for about 30 minutes.
what are your procedures for this?
What additive should I use- “sea foam” was recommended by a friend.
Also do I just plug it in so the batteries will stay charged (starting and house batteries)
thanks!!

vraines · 10-26-2012, 08:21 AM

I would make sure that you have winter blended fuel, and that is satisfactory. I have heard of all sorts of ideas on additives, but no evidence of effectiveness. Most of them will probably not damage your system. I own diesel farm equipment that is parked in unheated buildings, and never a problem as long as I can spin them, they will start. I have owned dozers and the same, except they were outdoors. Full tank, drain water separators, and keep the batteries charged and serviced. The engine preheater will help if cold starting. May be necessary. I keep my DP connected to power until ready to travel in January. It's all about the batteries. If that diesel was running ok when you began storage, it will start when you spin it.

MattC · 10-26-2012, 09:29 AM

Smrdmr,

You want the fuel tanks full so the "breath" as little as possible. This will reduce the amount of moisture that can collect in the fuel. And Yes, be sure to drain the water out of trapping fuel filters. There is no point to running the APU again since you probably ran it long enough the last time you did use it. Plug the unit in to keep the house bank charged and put a tender on the engine battery unless your converter/charger charges that as well (this is uncommon).

This is what I do with expensive boats.

Matt

radams · 10-26-2012, 09:42 AM

The only additive I ever use is a biocide when I'm going to be storing the coach for awhile. Never wanted the hassle of finding algae in the tank and the associated problems.

R2Home · 10-26-2012, 10:40 AM

I fill the diesel fuel tank after adding 'power booster' to the tank with 'arctic' grade fuel. With the drive back from the fueling point I get enough through the system. I run the generator for about 20 minutes to ensure that it also gets winter fuel. I make sure that the house batteries are full of water and install a 'battery tender' on the chassis batteries. Then I park her where she in her place for the winter with the tires on 2x12 boards. She also stays pluged all winter.

SMRDNR · 10-26-2012, 06:06 PM

thanks for the info - how can I tell if when plugged in the engine batteries are being charged? also if I use my battery tender can I charge both off one tender or do I need a second?
total newby to the Motorhome engine and all - the coach part is easy been doing that for awhile on the TT's- just don't want to mess up down below!!
I will have more questions - going to take it out for a drive Saturday, loading up the 3 dogs and going to a park for lunch.

Cat320 · 10-26-2012, 07:26 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by radams

The only additive I ever use is a biocide when I'm going to be storing the coach for awhile. Never wanted the hassle of finding algae in the tank and the associated problems.

Agree, a biocide is necessary. They can be found at any marine store.

Papa_Jim · 10-26-2012, 11:56 PM

OK. Biocide is fine, but we're talking about cold winter storage. Up here in Canada, cold storage is really, .... cold. Make the last fuel fill with winter fuel. Add a container of fuel conditioner with anti-gel. Drive it home. The anti-gel will dissolve any water in the fuel system and prevent it from icing up.

wilco1 · 10-27-2012, 02:13 AM

If you're just storing it for the winter in northern Indiana and you're not going to use it 'til spring, just fill the tank to prevent condensation/water issues and park it. Biocides, winter diesel etc. are likely unnecessary.

SMRDNR · 10-29-2012, 10:02 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jimkate

OK. Biocide is fine, but we're talking about cold winter storage. Up here in Canada, cold storage is really, .... cold. Make the last fuel fill with winter fuel. Add a container of fuel conditioner with anti-gel. Drive it home. The anti-gel will dissolve any water in the fuel system and prevent it from icing up.

Gunk® Diesel Fuel Anti-Gel Conditioner - Carburetor Cleaners & Gas Additives - Ace Hardware

something like this? or what brand is reccomended?

Keith4001r · 10-29-2012, 05:19 PM

I've been an over-the-road truck driver for 26 years and for sure, a small bottle of "FPPF" fuel conditioner will treat 150 gallons of fuel. It's available at any truck stop at the fuel desk. I agree with parking it with full fuel tank(s). Running the generator for a few minutes and plugging the batteries in are good ideas as well. If you're not using a smart tender, make sure to check the water in the batts so as not to cook them.

Papa_Jim · 10-30-2012, 06:12 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by SMRDNR

Gunk® Diesel Fuel Anti-Gel Conditioner - Carburetor Cleaners & Gas Additives - Ace Hardware

something like this? or what brand is reccomended?

Yes. That's it. I don't have a preference on brand. I pick up whatever is popular at the truck stop I'm fueling up at. This year, at Wal-Mart I bought a fuel conditioner made by Lucas. It can't hurt the injection system to have a lubrication additive at least once in a while.

Just make sure the bottle you buy says it has fuel anti-gel in it.

Happy RVer · 10-30-2012, 07:57 AM

I have owned my Rv for 9 years do my own winterizing and oil changes and filters.
The only thing I do to fuel system is make sure tank is full before storing for the winter. I do keep it plugged to shore power to keep batteries charged. Then once a week during storage I start the bus and let it run for 15 min or so along with gen.
We live in Maryland it does get pretty cold here at times and we have never had any problems during storage using this process. Good Luck !! and Happy Rving !!

Keith4001r · 11-11-2012, 06:54 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Happy RVer

I have owned my Rv for 9 years do my own winterizing and oil changes and filters.
The only thing I do to fuel system is make sure tank is full before storing for the winter. I do keep it plugged to shore power to keep batteries charged. Then once a week during storage I start the bus and let it run for 15 min or so along with gen.
We live in Maryland it does get pretty cold here at times and we have never had any problems during storage using this process. Good Luck !! and Happy Rving !!

Hey, neighbor! I live in south central PA (Hanover) but am staying in my RV during the week in Hunt Valley / Cockeysville. It got real cold last Monday night! Take care.