Forum Discussion

erdvm1's avatar
erdvm1
Explorer
Jan 20, 2014

Day to day maintenance

Newbie here
So, if I will be using a class c to go ski on the weekends but it may sit idle for 1 to 2 weeks at a time what type of minimum maintenance must I do to ensure its ready to go? As well as ensure nothing freezes when its sitting idle at home during the cold months. Thanks for the advice

16 Replies

  • Check for traces of mice and rats every so often. They can make a rig completely uninhabitable if not caught and dealt with.

    Run the furnace every so often to ensure that it works.

    As above, the main things to address are winterizing, keeping the chassis and house batteries shipshape, running the generator (Onan has a method to fog it for storage, but it will work to run the generator every couple of weeks for 30-45 minutes under a half load (an electric heater should do the job.) Just don't let the gas sit stale too long.

    I've always wanted to place a fuel petcock on the generator's line. That way, I can turn the valve off, then let the carb run dry, which means no gas in the bowl to turn into varnish, and require a new carb rebuild.
  • Most MH's are set up ao it is easy to put RV anti-freeze to the fresh water lines. If it is not set up to do so there are kits to put one on, not hard to do.

    Dusty
  • Thanks so much. I did a search and couldn't find specifics for this scenario
    I think my main concern was addressed. When we go skiing we are gonna want the convenience of the four season camper and the water that comes with it………….. Could I some how "winterize" after every trip that is not a hassle?
    Have antifreeze in holding tanks (grey black) and drain the fresh and fresh lines? Sorry if this is a ding a ling question, Ive never done this before and appreciate the advice.
  • If your Class C is equipped with one, exercise your generator if it isn't used often.
  • I don't think you will have lots of additional maintenance using it that often but will need to take steps to prevent plumbing from freezing between trips. Winterizing and un-winterizing that often would be a pain.

    I'd suggest parking it where you can keep shore power plugged in. Run a electric heater on setting which keeps inside temps warm enough to prevent pipes from freezing. Set your furnace thermostat on lowest setting as fail over if space heater fails. Open cabinets to help get heat to where the plumbing is. You can shut off water heater bypass and drain water heater tank. If parked near your home, see if a remote temp sensor will transmit into home so you can monitor temp inside coach. If not, maybe look into one of those monitors that use cell/wi-fi or something to monitor temps.
  • You will probably get told to search, so definitely do that. I will share some basics, though.

    If you let is sit for a month or more, you will need to charge the batteries. If you get trickle chargers for the main and chassis batteries, you can plug whenever it's parked and ignore. Check your battery water monthly, though.

    Check tire pressure every time you are going to use it (very important for tire life) and make sure you know how to put on chains.

    If you don't NEED your water running, then winterize your pipes and leave the water off. If your lines freeze, they can burst or fittings can bulge and leak. Water leaks are the bane of RV ownership! You can always take along a couple gallon jugs of water for toilet flushing.

    If you will have shore power, take along electric heaters and cooking gear (hot water pot, coffee maker). If you will run on generator power, then be sure you have enough fuel. Mine pulls from my main tank and the suction hose runs dry at 1/4 tank.

    That's a few good starter things to think about.

    Jose