Community Forums

Jimdel41 · 08-01-2013, 11:01 PM

I am fairly new to motorhoming and need some input from fellow rv'ers. I have an 04 Pace Arrow gas motorhome. How often should I run the generator to keep it in good shape, and should I leave the rig pluged up and the fridge running if I am not camping for a month or so. The fridge ices up when it sits for several weeks. Thanks in advance for any and all help.

Skip426 · 08-01-2013, 11:34 PM

Gen set exercising is once a month for 2 hrs at 1/2 load .
I use one of my two A/C units for the load, for the first hour then switch over to the other one.
Fridge is a personal thing, most turn it off when not in use and back on to pre cool a couple of days before a trip.
Plugged in to keep batteries charged is my preference. Make sure all the batteries are getting a charge; many owners have to add a battery tender for the chassis battery, because the RV is set up to only charge the coach batteries.

Mr_D · 08-02-2013, 12:09 AM

Kind of like Skip but I run one heat pump on heat and the other on cool, then switch them around. Be sure to unplug from shore power first as it's hard on the transfer switch.
We leave the refer on 24/7/365 so I do have to defrost it every few months. Did it yesterday.
Ours is plugged in all the time in storage at home. Ours has a BIRD to keep all the batteries charged.

Bruce C · 08-02-2013, 01:58 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Skip426

Gen set exercising is once a month for 2 hrs at 1/2 load .
I use one of my two A/C units for the load, for the first hour then switch over to the other one.
Fridge is a personal thing, most turn it off when not in use and back on to pre cool a couple of days before a trip.
Plugged in to keep batteries charged is my preference. Make sure all the batteries are getting a charge; many owners have to add a battery tender for the chassis battery, because the RV is set up to only charge the coach batteries.

I agree with Skip and do the same. One thing I do is leave the fridge doors open while not in use. Eliminates fridge odors, long term storage baking soda is put inside when doors are shut.

MSHappyCampers · 08-02-2013, 10:42 AM

I leave the MH plugged in all the time when not in use. I take it out for a 30 minute "exercise" run every couple of weeks. During this drive I run the generator with both air conditioners operating.

I keep the fridge on all the time. I've never had any problem with ice buildup.

Good luck, happy trails, and God bless!

tlkhorses · 08-02-2013, 06:29 PM

Usually I turn the ref off and crack the doors open when not in use. It's a norcold. Leave plugged, keeps the batteries tended. Once a month start the engine, generator and run the ACs if I'm not going to use it that month. I don't take it out unless we are going somewhere. We use it enough to skip that part I think.

chboone · 08-04-2013, 10:00 AM

When you run the AC's on the generator before you shut it off, turn off the AC's first. Run the generator for a few minutes with no load to allow it to cool down a little.

Chuck