Quick question about oil changes

[CodyClassB]

I have 2015 Winnie on E350 chassis. We live in southern California and only use our RV 2-3 times a year. We drive a total of less than 500 miles a year.

Question is: is it ok to replace oil every 3-4 years? I know some people think oil needs to change periodically regardless of how many miles you drive, but I don't see any differences whether oil is stored in my truck or in the bottle on the store's shelf waiting to be sold. There are many "rumors" "suggestions" and "theories" about oil. Any scientific evident that says we need to change oil even if we don't drive?

[happy2rv]

You'll find a lot of opinions here, not sure how much scientific fact.

With that said, I'll throw out my opinions. I agree with the statements above that no engine and drive train should sit idle for more than a month, especially if no long term storage preparations and return to service procedures are followed. Can you "get away" with changing the oil ever 3-4 years? Probably. I've known people who never changed their oil, but I wouldn't recommend it.

Personally, I always changed the oil at least once per year when we had the motor home. More often when we put lots of miles on it. With synthetic oil on my daily driver, I go pretty much by mileage and expect to get 7-10K miles out of it but I would still change it at least once per year if I was driving less. I've seen other sites that indicate you can go 2 or more years between changes on low mileage vehicles, but for me once a year seems like a reasonable balance.

The only way to really know when the oil truly needs to be changed is to have a sample tested. Not really worth the effort and expense to me. It would cost more than changing the oil myself and be more hassle. I'm not sure how much condensation plays into modern engines, but there are many factors like acid content and additives breaking down. Maybe condensation, maybe combustion by products, maybe other factors, but oil sitting in your engine especially after being run even a few miles is not the same as oil sealed in a factory container.

These links have some information about what happens as oil gets older and why you might want to consider interval based changes instead of just mileage:

https://www.waynesgarage.com/tips/more-tip/much-about-oil
https://www.waynesgarage.com/tips/more-tip/oil-change-intervals

[Lwiddis]

No rumor here. Follow manufacturer’s recommendations unless you’re an expert.

[MDKMDK]

I'd worry more about condensation in the fuel system than in the oil. If you park it for a while fill the fuel tank to the brim.
Driving it once in a while is a good habit also. These things tend to atrophy if you don't use them. Run the generator too if you have one.

[wildtoad]

How often do you actually drive the thing? For a variety of reasons you should take it down the road every now and then run the generator while doing it. Tires need to be run too. Changing oil once a year is a good idea and not the costly.

[carringb]

Condensation forms during cold starts. If those 500 miles are from get-everything-hot trips, and not the occasional grocery store trip, I would not worry about it.

[azdryheat]

Check your owner's manual. Ford says change the oil every 7,500 miles or every 6 months for normal service. So, twice a year for your Winnebago. BTW, oil changes are cheap insurance.

[Terryallan]

K Charles wrote:
Condensation is not a rumor. Once you take the oil out of the bottle the moisture in the air gets in it.

Just a question mind you. IF the oil is sealed in the engine, with no leaks, and no way to get air in. Does it still condensate?

[ppine]

Use synthetic oil. It will not break down over time.

[K_Charles]

Condensation is not a rumor. Once you take the oil out of the bottle the moisture in the air gets in it.