Forum Discussion

joebedford's avatar
joebedford
Nomad II
Jan 23, 2019

Long term storage - tanks full or empty?

We're going to stop hauling our Voltage 3500 for a year or two so we can decide if we like staying in the same snowbird park year after year. If we like it, we'll sell the rig and buy a park model.

We're not going to need the generator or fuel station.

Question is, is it better to 'store' the rig with the tanks empty or full? Empty and they're susceptible to rust; full and the gas will go funky.
Toy Haulers
  • Dirtclods's avatar
    Dirtclods
    Explorer
    Jan 26, 2019
    What ever fuel stabilizer you decide to use make sure you run your Genny for at least 15 minutes to insure it gets through the entire system.
  • stro1965's avatar
    stro1965
    Explorer
    Jan 24, 2019
    I made Keystone replace my fuel tanks because of the rust inside when I bought it new. The fuel that came out of the fueling station hose was horribly contaminated. Mine stay full at all times now.
  • dedmiston's avatar
    dedmiston
    Moderator
    Jan 23, 2019
    Definitely fill the tanks with fuel & Stabil and exercise the generator at least once a month. Replace the fuel when you can. The full fuel tanks won't accumulate condensation like empty ones would.

    I would also disconnect the shore power cord periodically and exercise the batteries through a healthy discharge/charge cycle. Keep an eye on the water levels too.

    Good luck.
  • Hondavalk's avatar
    Hondavalk
    Explorer II
    Jan 23, 2019
    I would fill the tank and add a fuel stabilizer, but not use premium gasoline. Premium is normally formulated with additional ethanol to increase its octane rating.
  • joebedford's avatar
    joebedford
    Nomad II
    Jan 23, 2019
    My tanks are steel and will rust.

    When the rig has been at home I always ran the generator monthly and used the fuel station gas in my lawn tractor. Now it's probably going to sit unoccupied for 7 months as we're going onto a "6 and 6" plan.

    I suppose I should run the generator dry to avoid gum in the carb.
  • colliehauler's avatar
    colliehauler
    Explorer III
    Jan 23, 2019
    For long term storage of fuel in my Toy Haulers I use non-ethanol gas and Seafoam. Gas with ethanol will attract moisture. All the tanks in my Toy Haulers are plastic and should not rust but don't want the moisture. If I have not used the fuel in two years I pump it into a vehicle or use it in lawn equipment and refill with fresh fuel.
  • pianotuna's avatar
    pianotuna
    Nomad III
    Jan 23, 2019
    Fill the tank with premium gas and add the recommended amount of sea foam.

    You may still need to "exercise" the generator once per month for 30 minutes under 50% load.
  • ScottG's avatar
    ScottG
    Nomad
    Jan 23, 2019
    I take it "tanks" means gas tanks?
    Yes, keep them full and put some Stabil in it. Better to have some lackluster gas than to have rust.
    That's how I have always stored my 50 y/o classic car and the tank is still devoid of rust.

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