can i keep my gas tank filled all winter

Thanks everyone. I did not realize I should fill at quarter tank, I will definitely keep it filled all winter. Hopefully prices will continue to drop and we can go on some rides before the snow comes.

Is there any problem with using the green "marine" Stabil, or should one stick with the red "regular" formula? The marine one is quite a bit less expensive ...

Everyone has it right. "Fill & Store" is the best practice. Never store any vehicle with less than a full tank of gas, assuming it does not have a fuel leak. It prevents condensation inside the tank. Less air means less expanding and contracting with daily temperature changes. Less breathing in & out means less dampness.

As forewarned, some of us won't endorse the use of fuel stabilizers. I personally see no harm in using it, but find it unnecessary when considering the short 6 month duration.

As Golden_HVAC said, it is a bad practice to intentionally run the fuel below 1/4 full when in-use. The fuel pump sits near the bottom of the tank and benefits from the fuel to keep it running cooler. Though the fuel pump is designed to run to an empty tank, you prolong it's life by filling at 1/4 full or greater.

I didn't even consider the sending unit. I learned something this morning.

Here is what goes in the tank. You can see the silver cylindrical pump on the bottom, and the sending unit circuitry above it.

wait a few more weeks, gas prices are still dropping here in Florida

Hi,

I left my tank only about 1/4 full all summer while in Mesa AZ, back when prices where $4 per gallon. After filling it and driving to the Albuquerque hot air balloon fiesta in October, the fuel sender arm broke. My buddy explained that by leaving it empty all that time, rust can form on the sender resistor, and can lead to problems, like it breaking.

So now my fuel sender is broken because I DID NOT have the tank full all summer. That is going to cost me - someday when I get it fixed. For now I am just filling it before a trip, and topping it off with about 30 gallons every 200 miles or so.

I have also heard that by keeping the in tank electric fuel tank under gas, they tend to run cooler, and last longer. I have to replace my fuel pump as well, it is part of the fuel sender package and pump combination. About $500 and it takes around 6 hours for 2 people to drop the tank and install the pump in a RV in a driveway. It would be less time in a shop with a hydraulic lift, but cost much more per hour.

Good luck,

Fred.

I always leave the tank full when stored. Long term, use stabil or seafoam for cheap added protection.

I wish we could be driving south! I think we'll fill it up and head to the beach. We just bought our first MH a month ago (1997 Damon Hornet, Ford E350 V10), so we're going to look at the Ocean through the windows while cooking grilled cheese and chicken soup in the rig. Can't wait till spring!

Yes.

Actually the best plan is to fill it up and drive it south!

Hi,

Fill it to the gills. It is far better to have it brim full.