Hello Everyone…I have a 2003 Ford F-550 RV ( four winds hurricane 6.8L ) , I want to replace the chassis battery and do oil change , which one should I do first? Take into consideration the last oil change was nearly 3 years ago, ( the RV only been driven 3000 miles in 2018 and been in RV Park since then, I only drove it 100 miles or less in the last 2 years, total mileage is 31,000) the RV was in storage for 8 months from March till November, I had to jump start it to drive it to the hookup spot. The battery is completely dead at this point.I know that usually I should start the vehicle to warm it up then shut it off before an oil change, but in this case ( and if I replace the battery first) is it a good idea to let that 3 years old oil run into the engine again???Also a secondary question: is it necessary to replace the oil filter too? I appreciate any tips and suggestionsThank you

It is that starting for a few minutes to warm it up and then shutting it off is what helps to build up moisture in the oil. Getting the whole engine totally warmed up will get the moisture hot enough to evaporate. UNLESS YOU HAVE EXCESSIVE MOISTURE DILUTING YOUR OIL I WOULDN'T WORRY ABOUT IT.

You have 3000 miles and 3 years on the oil? I would change the oil and filter. It's cheap insurance.Install the new battey and run the engine before changing the oil. It will mix any sediment and gunk in the oil so it drains out with the oil.

Oil is probably fine. Change the battery and go camping. Have the oil tested if you have any doubts. Best to fully warm up the vehicle before you park it for an extended period. That means driving it 20+ minutes. No need to start it unless you will again be driving it to fully warm up. Idling in place does not count. Next figure out how to keep the battery charged while in storage. And yes if you change the oil then change the filter too. Check the tire pressure too before you roll.

thank you very muchthe only season I am asking about changing the filter is because I have never done that and do not even have the tool to loosen it up

Put the battery in and run it down to a service center.

Oil change + replace battery, which comes first ?

bsinmich
Explorer
Dec 08, 2020
It is that starting for a few minutes to warm it up and then shutting it off is what helps to build up moisture in the oil. Getting the whole engine totally warmed up will get the moisture hot enough to evaporate. UNLESS YOU HAVE EXCESSIVE MOISTURE DILUTING YOUR OIL I WOULDN'T WORRY ABOUT IT.
gbopp
Explorer
Dec 08, 2020
You have 3000 miles and 3 years on the oil? I would change the oil and filter. It's cheap insurance.
Install the new battey and run the engine before changing the oil. It will mix any sediment and gunk in the oil so it drains out with the oil.
time2roll
Nomad
Dec 08, 2020
Oil is probably fine. Change the battery and go camping. Have the oil tested if you have any doubts. Best to fully warm up the vehicle before you park it for an extended period. That means driving it 20+ minutes. No need to start it unless you will again be driving it to fully warm up. Idling in place does not count. Next figure out how to keep the battery charged while in storage. And yes if you change the oil then change the filter too. Check the tire pressure too before you roll.
Sir_Traveller
Explorer
Dec 08, 2020
thank you very much

the only season I am asking about changing the filter is because I have never done that and do not even have the tool to loosen it up
time2roll
Nomad
Dec 08, 2020
Put the battery in and run it down to a service center.
Sir_Traveller
Explorer
Dec 08, 2020
I am going to replace the battery and do the oil change by myself, so I will warm it up as long as possible and drive it back and forth into my hookup spot hopefully that will warm it up enough
RLS7201
Explorer II
Dec 08, 2020
When identifying your RV, it would help get correct parts if you identified it correctly. Your chassis is a F53 Not a F550.

Richard
midnightsadie
Explorer II
Dec 08, 2020
might air up the tires,check for dry rot. changing filter easy should be a spin on. put some sea foam in the gas tank.
rlw999
Explorer
Dec 08, 2020
If you have any reason to suspect the quality of the oil (i.e. signs of water/foamed oil on the dipstick, etc), I'd do 2 oil changes, drain and refill while cold, start let the engine warm to operating temperature, then do another change. But if the oil seems fine, then just do whatever your normally do when you change it and change the battery whenever you want.
jdc1
Explorer II
Dec 09, 2020
Your oil will be fine. Look at the cars that sit on dealer lots for a year or two. You live in SoCal, so there in no need what-so-ever to worry about the high humidity problems the south have with water/oil. Get yourself a small solar charger. Your batteries will last a lot longer if they stay topped off.