Oil change frequency?

[FW5000DRIVER]

Originally Posted by Martino78

We just returned from a great 3.5 week cross country trip covering over 3,000 miles. I am still waiting for an owners manual from my awesome dealer but, I was wondering is the frequency for RV's the same as car-trucks? (3-5000 miles). I did have mine serviced as soon as I got back but was wondering for the future.

2008 Coachmen Freelander 3150SS (gas V-10)

AF Mike

What engine are referring to?

[FW5000DRIVER]

I have the Chevy 7.4L V8 and this is what it reads in regards to oil changes for my motorhome.

When to Change Engine Oil
If any one of these is true for you, use the short trip/city
maintenance schedule:
_ Most trips are less than 5 to 10 miles (8 to 16 km).
This is particularly important when outside
temperatures are below freezing.
_ Most trips include extensive idling (such as frequent
driving in stop-and-go traffic).
_ Most trips are through dusty areas.
_ You frequently tow a trailer or use a carrier on top of
your vehicle.
_ The vehicle is used for delivery service, police, taxi
or other commercial application.
Driving under these conditions causes engine oil to
break down sooner. If any one of these is true for your
vehicle, then you need to change your oil and filter
every 3,000 miles (5 000 km) or 3 months -- whichever
occurs first.
If none of them is true, use the long trip/highway
maintenance schedule. Change the oil and filter every
7,500 miles (12 500 km) or 12 months -- whichever
occurs first. Driving a vehicle with a fully warmed
engine under highway conditions causes engine oil to
break down slower.

[sirpurrcival]

I work on the principle of about 3000 miles. I have the V-10 but I have a very large rig. This usually translates to 1x per year. If you take your coach out of service for the winter, the time to do your oil change is then. As oil breaks down, it can become slightly acidic which doesn't do your engine much good when it is sitting for 5 months.

[Horizonchase]

Originally Posted by sirpurrcival

I work on the principle of about 3000 miles. I have the V-10 but I have a very large rig. This usually translates to 1x per year. If you take your coach out of service for the winter, the time to do your oil change is then. As oil breaks down, it can become slightly acidic which doesn't do your engine much good when it is sitting for 5 months.

I agree. The oil should be changed at the end of the season with fresh, clean oil in it throughout the off season. Less corrosion due to the acidity. I do that with all my engines. Weed Whacker, lawn mower, chain saw, back pack blower. It's a good practice I feel.

[Maddawgs]

I have my oil and transmission serviced at the start of each season. My RV does sit for the off season but it is started and run on a regular basis.
Todd

[Damon Outlaw]

Originally Posted by Martino78

We just returned from a great 3.5 week cross country trip covering over 3,000 miles. I am still waiting for an owners manual from my awesome dealer but, I was wondering is the frequency for RV's the same as car-trucks? (3-5000 miles). I did have mine serviced as soon as I got back but was wondering for the future.

2008 Coachmen Freelander 3150SS (gas V-10)

AF Mike

My 2007 Ford V10 manual states every 3,000 miles or 3 months, whichever is first for campers (motorhomes). However I use AMSOIL and the AMSOIL oil filter and go 15,000 miles which is one year for me per AMSOIL's recommendation/warranty. I then had that used oil analyzed and it stated the oil was good for continued use. Saves me 4 oil changes a year, saving me a lot of time and money and generate a lot less environmental waste.

[Davinger]

I will throw my 2 cents worth in. Oil changes as needed. Most manufacturers suggest 3000 to 5000 miles or every six months whichever comes first. My Mercedes E-350 gas says every 10,000 miles or 6 months whichever comes first.

[JC2]

Our previous MH was the 8.1L gas and the oil was changed, (10w-30) at 1yr or 5000 miles, whichever came first and changed again before storage if the mileage was 3000 or more after the previous change. I used, and will always use regular dino oil instead of synthetic. The yrly mileage just does not justify the cost.

Our current MH is a dp and the oilchange will be at 18000 miles or 1yr, whichever comes first using reg dino oil.

[Horizonchase]

Originally Posted by JC2

Our previous MH was the 8.1L gas and the oil was changed, (10w-30) at 1yr or 5000 miles, whichever came first and changed again before storage if the mileage was 3000 or more after the previous change. I used, and will always use regular dino oil instead of synthetic. The yrly mileage just does not justify the cost.

Our current MH is a dp and the oilchange will be at 18000 miles or 1yr, whichever comes first using reg dino oil.

Forgive me but what's a dp?

[cappelte]

Diesel pusher

[Mr_D]

Originally Posted by Horizonchase

Forgive me but what's a dp?

Either a Disabled Person or a Diesel Pusher!
I have a DP and tow a Ody van with DP plates!

[JBDISCOVERY]

Cummins recommends 15,000 miles or one year, which ever comes first for their diesel engines. We have been respecting these guidelines with no problems with an ISB 275HP engine. Runs just great.
Regards,
JB

[Pepper2]

I agree with Rambling on this. I have the LOF's done every year.

[Martino78]

Thank you all for the responses however, telling me the change frequency for a diesel doesn't really help at all. Gas and diesel engines are a lot different when it comes to oil changes.