My MH 2015 Ford E450 has been sitting in my driveway since November 2019. I put Stabil in then, took it for a few short drives around 20 miles each and started it occasionally for a few minutes. Otherwise, it's just been sitting. I have run the generator religiously every month for about 30 minutes with either the AC or heat pump on to exercise it. It starts right up and runs smooth. What can I do about the old gas as I still have another month or two before we take it out for a trip. I will be changing the oil in the next few weeks prior to the trip. Tank is still full and no room to add premium gas. Guess it's impossible to siphon the gas out. I don't want to run the generator for days to use some of it up. Any suggestions? Should I just forget it and go on the trip refilling it when needed?

I would. I personally have lost confidence with sta-bil. I would buy some seafoam. , fill tank with regular grade and take off.Why premium gas? Unless your vehicle needs the octane rating it's not necessary. Keep exercising that generator to get some fuel additives circulating. I wouldn't overthink this too much.

I'd just go on the trip and refill when needed. It might be a decent idea to let it run down fairly low before the first fill-up, though I doubt it makes a lot of difference in the long run.

Take it for one of your 20 mile trips and feel how it runs. While you’re on the road run the generator. The idea of putting some Seafoam or similar product is a good one.

I would siphon it out and post it for free. Know anyone that can let you borrow gas cans? Good news is it sounds like the genny uses the same tank. At least everything is still running. Gas degrades so buying 91 for engines that sit for long periods is a great idea. Like mentioned above if you do end up running the old gas try to use it all up before adding fresh. Assuming both engines are still running strong.

That's what I do, seafoam and run it, 2x a year. I last filled my 55g tank on 1.1.21 and still running on it and its only down a 1/2 on the gauge. I use the StarTron or Marine Sta-bil to slow down the ethanol separation. I make it a point to run my rv every week or two for a 50 or 60 mi round trip to a place where we can park and have a view while heating up a pre-cooked meal. In the future if possible, run it on longer trips to accumulate more miles in a shorter timeframe. Replenish your fuel more often, like every 4 monnths-6 mos. That way you are always ready to escape ! :)I buy my long term storage gasoline from stations near marinas where the hi-test is sometimes ethanol free for longer shelf-life. The pump is always posted and you can google search station locations near you.

What to do about old gas in tank | Good Sam Community

38 Replies

jdc1
Explorer II
Mar 10, 2021
time2roll wrote:
DAS26miles wrote:
Any suggestions? Should I just forget it and go on the trip refilling it when needed?
Just go on your trip and don't even think about it. Best thing to do is just burn it going down the road.

Yep. Just burn it off. Putting expensive high-grade fuel in anything that is made for 87 octane is nothing but a waste of money. Additives, other than Stabil? Go ahead....empty that bank account.
ksg5000
Explorer
Mar 10, 2021
Consider taking the rig out for short drive every once in a while - should help engine, brakes, tires etc. Using your generator is a good idea - just keeping topping off the gas with new stuff and things should be OK.
time2roll
Nomad
Mar 10, 2021
DAS26miles wrote:
Any suggestions? Should I just forget it and go on the trip refilling it when needed?
Just go on your trip and don't even think about it. Best thing to do is just burn it going down the road.
bobndot
Explorer III
Mar 10, 2021
That's what I do, seafoam and run it, 2x a year.

I last filled my 55g tank on 1.1.21 and still running on it and its only down a 1/2 on the gauge.

I use the StarTron or Marine Sta-bil to slow down the ethanol separation.

I make it a point to run my rv every week or two for a 50 or 60 mi round trip to a place where we can park and have a view while heating up a pre-cooked meal.

In the future if possible, run it on longer trips to accumulate more miles in a shorter timeframe. Replenish your fuel more often, like every 4 monnths-6 mos. That way you are always ready to escape ! :)

I buy my long term storage gasoline from stations near marinas where the hi-test is sometimes ethanol free for longer shelf-life. The pump is always posted and you can google search station locations near you.
wopachop
Explorer
Mar 10, 2021
I would siphon it out and post it for free. Know anyone that can let you borrow gas cans?

Good news is it sounds like the genny uses the same tank. At least everything is still running.

Gas degrades so buying 91 for engines that sit for long periods is a great idea. Like mentioned above if you do end up running the old gas try to use it all up before adding fresh. Assuming both engines are still running strong.
wildtoad
Explorer II
Mar 10, 2021
Take it for one of your 20 mile trips and feel how it runs. While you’re on the road run the generator. The idea of putting some Seafoam or similar product is a good one.
DrewE
Explorer II
Mar 10, 2021
I'd just go on the trip and refill when needed. It might be a decent idea to let it run down fairly low before the first fill-up, though I doubt it makes a lot of difference in the long run.
klutchdust
Explorer II
Mar 10, 2021
I would. I personally have lost confidence with sta-bil. I would buy some seafoam. , fill tank with regular grade and take off.

Why premium gas? Unless your vehicle needs the octane rating it's not necessary. Keep exercising that generator to get some fuel additives circulating. I wouldn't overthink this too much.

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What to do about old gas in tank

38 Replies

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