Community Forums

fabric8r · 12-09-2008, 12:23 PM

This is our first winter with our motorhome (98 Diplomat). We are storing it inside (unheated) and have had the water system winterized, placed wood blocks under the tires, lowered the jacks to take the pressure off the tires, and filled the tank full of diesel (including additive). It will stay in storage until late April. Are there any other suggestions to keep the motorhome in good shape over the winter?

Should we leave the batteries in the coach and plug it into a 120 volt, 20 amp outlet or take them out? Also, we have a LP generator. What kind of winterizing does this need? Does it need to be started and ran periodically?

Thank you for your help!

fabric8r · 12-09-2008, 12:23 PM

This is our first winter with our motorhome (98 Diplomat). We are storing it inside (unheated) and have had the water system winterized, placed wood blocks under the tires, lowered the jacks to take the pressure off the tires, and filled the tank full of diesel (including additive). It will stay in storage until late April. Are there any other suggestions to keep the motorhome in good shape over the winter?

Should we leave the batteries in the coach and plug it into a 120 volt, 20 amp outlet or take them out? Also, we have a LP generator. What kind of winterizing does this need? Does it need to be started and ran periodically?

Thank you for your help!

buckeyes · 12-09-2008, 12:52 PM

It sounds like you are doing alot correctly. As far as the batteries, we choose to leave ours plugged in, but make certain to check the water level periodically as it can reduce quickly while being charged. Of course, only use distilled water.
The generator should be run periodically also, this keeps the seals from drying out. It is a good idea to "exercise" the generator from time to time all through the year.
I hope this helps, and may your winter be warm and short.

FleetMan · 12-09-2008, 06:50 PM

If you are leaving the unit plugged in to insure the batteries stay charged, make sure your rig is configured to charge both the house batteries and the chassis (engine starting) batteries. You may need to do something to keep the chassis batteries charged such as installing a Trik-L-Start unit or something as simple as back feeding a trickle charger through the cigar lighter outlet - as some do.

MonacoMama · 12-09-2008, 10:30 PM

fabric8r...Welcome to iRV2!!

I have put a shortcut to the "New Member Check-In" area so others can greet you as a new member- plus you might get a few more responses.

I would also like to invite you too join the "Monaco Owners Forum" and ask for some "karma". It is free for the asking. You will find many Monaco members there willing to pop in and answer other questions you may have.

Again...welcome to the iRV2 forum. We hope you visit & post often!

MonacoMama

RV Wizard · 12-09-2008, 11:36 PM

fabric8r, welcome to our website and forums. We are glad to have you join us. It sounds like you have everything cover pretty well once you get the batteries set up to stay charged. Good luck and keep us posted. If you have any questions just ask.

troth · 12-10-2008, 01:44 AM

fabric8r, just a note about "exercising" your generator. Put a little load on it; it's not good practice to run a genny without a load. Use a couple of small 1500w electric heaters, say one up front & the other in the bedroom. If the generator sees some load, around 10 - 20 amps is sufficient, let it run at least 1/2 hour.