Worried about batteries and old diesel fuel on new 2019

[JOELJ]

I just picked up a new 2019 Newmar Ventana LE. It has been on the lot for over 12 months in Wisconsin so it has been through almost two winters. Many I have looked at within the dealership on other Wi dealerships routinely had dead or very low batteries, usually the house batteries. Should I worry about the condition of these even if the PDI includes a load test on each battery? Is there anything else I should be weary about, like old diesel fuel or diesel bacteria, when purchasing a unit that has been on the lot for over 12 months?

[lwmcguire]

Anytime batteries are mistreated that takes a toll on them

If they pass a load test then they certainly will work for a time and that is probably the best you can do

I have had diesel engines since they came out and have never seen bacteria in properly stored vehicles or equipment

Check the water separator and if the generator and engine are operating at 100% then top it off with fresh fuel

As another precaution change the fuel filters although I wouldn't be concerned about that unless there was a specific reason

If it makes you feel better add your favorite biocide and cetane booster, can't hurt nothing but your wallet

Many diesels sit for extended times and care to keep water out of the tanks is the most important thing

[Spdracr39]

Fuel isn't an issue. Make fresh batteries part of the purchase deal. Changing those batteries is a low expense for the dealer if that's what it take to make a deal.

[inlineskater]

Originally Posted by JOELJ

I just picked up a new 2019 Newmar Ventana LE. It has been on the lot for over 12 months in Wisconsin so it has been through almost two winters. Many I have looked at within the dealership on other Wi dealerships routinely had dead or very low batteries, usually the house batteries. Should I worry about the condition of these even if the PDI includes a load test on each battery? Is there anything else I should be weary about, like old diesel fuel or diesel bacteria, when purchasing a unit that has been on the lot for over 12 months?

I did the same thing. I just bought in October a left over 19. I am having trouble with the coach batteries. They drain down if I leave it stored with the battery cut off turned off. Either there is a draw I an not aware of or the batteries are bad. The dealership said on batteries I have to deal with the manufacturer. I am glad about your post because it reminded me that I need to call Worldwide Batteries of Indiana.

[lwmcguire]

Originally Posted by inlineskater

I did the same thing. I just bought in October a left over 19. I am having trouble with the coach batteries. They drain down if I leave it stored with the battery cut off turned off. Either there is a draw I an not aware of or the batteries are bad. The dealership said on batteries I have to deal with the manufacturer. I am glad about your post because it reminded me that I need to call Worldwide Batteries of Indiana.

There are several parasitic draws unless you have a battery disconnect switch

[twinboat]

With Wisconsin winters, nothing should be growing in the fuel.

If the batteries froze, they most likely have warped plates and are shot.

[Gary RVRoamer]

RV dealer sales lots are notorious for battery abuse. Run them flat, re-charge quickly, then repeat as needed. If I had to bet, I'd bet those batteries have no more than half their useful life left. If you insist, they will probably swap the batteries for a set from another coach and somebody else gets the abused ones.



The diesel I wouldn't worry much about as long as the coach starts and runs ok. If there was a problem, it would likley be obvious. Just change the fuel filters and go.

[Ray,IN]

Originally Posted by lwmcguire

Anytime batteries are mistreated that takes a toll on them

If they pass a load test then they certainly will work for a time and that is probably the best you can do

I have had diesel engines since they came out and have never seen bacteria in properly stored vehicles or equipment

Check the water separator and if the generator and engine are operating at 100% then top it off with fresh fuel

As another precaution change the fuel filters although I wouldn't be concerned about that unless there was a specific reason

If it makes you feel better add your favorite biocide and cetane booster, can't hurt nothing but your wallet

Many diesels sit for extended times and care to keep water out of the tanks is the most important thing

You must be about 92, the first auto with a diesel engine was sold in 1929.

[Milford 47]

Originally Posted by Ray,IN

You must be about 92, the first auto with a diesel engine was sold in 1929.

Well, not quite but sure was around when Chevy and Ford started bringing them out and JD tractors as well Bought one of the first JD4520 sold and it was the first JD with a turbo charger

Made the jump from 549 V8's to diesel as well with the first being a three cylinder so like Farmers Ins, seen a few things but still learning every day

Tried an Olds diesel and that one didn't make it quite 100K before blowing a head gasket

Interesting the same fuel filter used on it way back when is the same as the one on my 10K Onan

I am sure there are a couple other grey beards on here as well

[asuperheat]

Originally Posted by twinboat

With Wisconsin winters, nothing should be growing in the fuel.

If the batteries froze, they most likely have warped plates and are shot.

I agree with this, dead battery's freeze. That would be my concern. Probably best to get new ones in the deal.

[Capt Richard]

*Your "New" 2019 RV has been on the lot for almost a year. So, everything is new but wait,,,is everything really new?? Most 2019 motorhomes are sitting on chassis that were built in 2018. Items like tires, batteries, engine oil, air filters, etc are actually 2 years old! I have to wonder, has the engine and generator sat for 2 years with the same oil? Will they change oil and filters in a "new" motorhome before you take it off the lot? How about the air cleaner?? (to be changed every 2 years, will they do that?? Just wondering!

[chuckftboy]

No one can abuse batteries more than an RV dealership. The only time they give them a charge is when the 12 volt lights stop working.

[Gary RVRoamer]

*Your "New" 2019 RV has been on the lot for almost a year. So, everything is new but wait,,,is everything really new?? Most 2019 motorhomes are sitting on chassis that were built in 2018. Items like tires, batteries, engine oil, air filters, etc are actually 2 years old! I have to wonder, has the engine and generator sat for 2 years with the same oil? Will they change oil and filters in a "new" motorhome before you take it off the lot? How about the air cleaner?? (to be changed every 2 years, will they do that?? Just wondering!

Probably none of those things will be done unless the buyer insists. And maybe not even then.


Here in Internet Ivory Tower we get to ruminate about all the conceivable things that might be less than ideal and forecast all sorts of gloom and doom, little of which is worth losing sleep over. Batteries yes, but not so much any of the others. Just my opinion...

[Waiter21]

Tires, maybe

If they are three years old, this could be an issue 4 or 5 years from now, depending on their sidewall condition.. i.e. would I buy brand new tires that were three years old?