Cover vs Starting Class C

Ours is covered. Yep, it's work to get it on and off, and even more of a pain when it's cold. But it's covered.

My MH is stored outside, uncovered and plugged in, all winter. I do not start it, although I do exercise the genny. I have read that it is better to let the MH sit idle all winter than run it.

I have done this since the MH was new with no problems.

Our Class C stays outside uncovered and hooked to the electric service 24/7.
I feel that a cover, not a garage, while they have advantages they have the disadvantages of wind movement and lack of ventilation.

I exercise the gen for 30-45 min per month and start the main motor more often.

The motor is started at least that often and run until at least until the temp gauge stays in the normal range. Prolonged periods without starting can lead to dry starts as the oil has rained back into the pan. Even though is only a second or two, it takes it's toll.

The transmission is also placed in it various positions to direct fluid through the valves, etc.

I also apply the brakes several times to exercise the calipers and check the electrical systems and heat A/C, etc. while I am there.

I feel it all a part of normal maintenance.

I think it would be wiser to simply put it away and avoid starting the main engine over the course of the winter. Running it without getting it up to operating temperature will do more harm than letting it sit. Driving around for an hour in the winter is arguably better for the engine (though how much better is quite up to discussion), but very likely to expose the chassis and underside to road salt etc. that I for one would prefer to avoid.

Starting the generator to exercise it under load for fifteen minutes or so a few times is a good idea--not so much for the generator engine as for the brushes and commutator.

My riding lawn mower, for example, has sat unstarted every winter for something like twenty years, and it still works fine. It is starting to wear out, but that's not from sitting. It, incidentally, happens to have an engine made by Onan.

mines in a garage ,but you got the right idea ,I drive mine about one time per month IF the roads are dry or I wait,, about a 15mile round trip. half cover sounds good a metal shell of a bldg sounds better. also run the gen set, put a electric heater in for a load on the gen. keeps things lubed, tires rotated.oh, and a bottle of sea foam in the fuel.