Exercising the generator
This is the first RV we have had with a generator. My question is how often should I run it just to keep it running well?
Forum Discussion
I run our Onan about an hour each month with either a 1500 watt heater loading it (winter) or the A/C loading it (summer) for what is - to me - a much more important reason than the Onan manual saying to. I do it to make sure that it still works to allow for repair lead time so there are no surprises when attempting to use it first time while on a trip.
I check out - or should ckeck out if I remember - other RV items periodically to make sure they're working for future RV trips too, such as:
1. Run the furnace.
2. Run the water pump.
3. Keep the batteries on float.
4. Idle the main engine for awhile and check to make sure that full alternator voltage is getting applied to the coach batteries because switching solenoid contacts can corrode.
5. Run the roof vent fan.
6. Run the cooktop exhaust fan.
7. Run the bathroom vent fan.
8. If some of the above checks are OK, then I also know that the converter is still functioning ... mine failed once but I discovered it well before heading out on a trip.
9. Keep an eye on tire pressures to make sure no slow leaks have developed in between trips.
I check out - or should ckeck out if I remember - other RV items periodically to make sure they're working for future RV trips too, such as:
1. Run the furnace.
2. Run the water pump.
3. Keep the batteries on float.
4. Idle the main engine for awhile and check to make sure that full alternator voltage is getting applied to the coach batteries because switching solenoid contacts can corrode.
5. Run the roof vent fan.
6. Run the cooktop exhaust fan.
7. Run the bathroom vent fan.
8. If some of the above checks are OK, then I also know that the converter is still functioning ... mine failed once but I discovered it well before heading out on a trip.
9. Keep an eye on tire pressures to make sure no slow leaks have developed in between trips.
