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Old 05-09-2017, 02:58 PM   #1
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Gas during storage

We use our RV every few months. In between, I run it and the generator for about 30 minutes every month. Some people say keep the tank filled, some say empty. Any recommendations when using it every few months? Thanks!!
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Old 05-09-2017, 03:03 PM   #2
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Keep it filled.
More filled the tank is, less room for air. Air attracts moisture.
Especially during winter and hot humid months. That's when moisture will really form on the walls of a partially filled tank.
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Old 05-09-2017, 03:04 PM   #3
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Yes, either one, keep it full, or keep it empty.

A full or empty tank will eliminate moisture / condensation inside the tank.

If I were storing long term (years) I would empty the tank. Gas does go bad, less than a year is probably OK.

When I say empty, I mean no fuel.

The fuel acts as a heat sink, when the fuel is cool and warm moist air enters the tank, the moisture will condense on top of the fuel, then sink to the bottom of the tank where it lives forever.

If the tank is full, the amount of moisture laden air that can enter the tank is absolute minimum
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Old 05-09-2017, 03:25 PM   #4
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Keep gas tank full to reduce moisture + add fuel stabilizer like Sta-Bil. Must have over 1/4 tank gas for generator to run, also run Gen to keep carb from gumming up. RV engine and Gen should run to operating temps when started, Gen should also cycled with electrical load, like A/C...remove A/C covers! Happy RVing
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Old 05-09-2017, 03:26 PM   #5
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Quote:
Originally Posted by RudeDesigns View Post
We use our RV every few months. In between, I run it and the generator for about 30 minutes every month. Some people say keep the tank filled, some say empty. Any recommendations when using it every few months? Thanks!!
Either way you should have stabilizer in it. A lot depends on where you live. a empty tank will absorb moisture and can lead to ethanol problems. A empty tank on the other hand takes a lot less stabilizer and you can fill up before a trip allowing you to use less old fuel.

The stabilizer is actually more for the generator then the car engine.


I know on my RV the tank needs to be about 1/4 full or more to run the generator.
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Old 05-09-2017, 03:59 PM   #6
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Quote:
Originally Posted by gentilebrian View Post
Either way you should have stabilizer in it. A lot depends on where you live. a empty tank will absorb moisture and can lead to ethanol problems. A empty tank on the other hand takes a lot less stabilizer and you can fill up before a trip allowing you to use less old fuel.

The stabilizer is actually more for the generator then the car engine.


I know on my RV the tank needs to be about 1/4 full or more to run the generator.
I fill mine with non-oxygenated premium when I store it. Without the alcohol it is less likely to go bad.
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Old 05-09-2017, 04:40 PM   #7
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Because of our cold one day, hot the next humid weather, i always keep the tank full to keep condensation down. As far as trying to do the opposite of getting the tank empty, nope,, too hard to do.

For years, i let our 03 sit, sometimes for three and more months without cranking the 8.1 or the generator. Except for battery going low on charge, i never had any problems. Having said this, i tend to believe that i was lucky, especially with the genset.

I still won't spend any money on a fuel stabilizer but i do make sure to run everything at least once a month these days. Not just starting and letting it idle though. I put the rig on the road to exercise everything in the drive train. While i'm driving, the genset is running under load. I run everything for a minimum of 30 minutes to make sure the engines, transmission, etc,, get to and run at normal operating temperatures.

We all have different ideas concerning this. To the OP, it's your rig. Take in the suggestions, think about what makes sense to you, then come up with your own maintenance plan.
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Old 05-10-2017, 07:24 AM   #8
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In speaking with my small engine mechanic (I know, not a MH) he advised me to never store an engine with a gasoline containing ethanol and that using premium will prevent most varnish deposits--no need for stabilizer.
Just what he said....
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Old 05-10-2017, 08:46 AM   #9
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During the last fill up of the season I add a bottle of stabilizer. The bottle is sized for our 80 gal tank. When I get home I run the generator a few minutes. Never had a problem doing things this way
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Old 05-10-2017, 08:59 AM   #10
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I keep fuel tanks full or nearly so. We also use the motorhome as a emergency lifeboat, ready to bug out if needed. Especially during wildfire season. We have been evacuated twice over the years.
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