sitting up

[Danford50]

as most of you already know I am a owner of a class c since 5/17/17 and my goal is too drive out west after my wife retire in 2019 sometime in may, my question is this from now to then our class c will be use occasionally from now until my wife retire, will it be bad on the gas engine sitting up for long period of time, do I need to worry about having any kind of engine problem from the long period of time not being used?

[Matt_Colie]

Didn't I just post this? From an engine professional:
Well, not quite, there is a simple difference with SI engines.

Sitting is better than idling - nothing good happens to an idling engine.

Each thermal cycle does some damage.

Moisture accumulates in engines and fuel tanks.

Here is the BIG difference**
If you are going to let the engine sit for more than a month, learn about "Fogging" the engine. This means spraying oil in it as you shut it down to prevent internal corrosion. (Diesels run so lean that this is not a big issue.)

Summary:
Take it out and run it hard every so often. Once a month is more
than enough. If you miss a month, don't worry.
Keep the fuel tanks full to minimize "breathing". Diesel fuel takes a very long time to get old.
Keep a charger on the battery(s).

I have had boats kept this way for YEARS.

Matt

[Danford50]

thanks for all the advices I have receive on this topic, I plan to just drive it on a monthly basis to keep everything in working order, when I post this I did not thank about the generator but now I will run it under a load also.

[Snowman9000]

I like j-d's advice. I will say we have problems with sticky brake calipers due to excessive sitting time. I'm going to have to fix them again, then try to drive it more often.

[j-d]

D50, You have received three outstanding replies. Let me give you my view, which is essentially the same:

1. If you stabilize your fuel, the Engine will be the LEAST of your problems. You'd be better off to let it stand than start it once a month, rev it up, and shut it off again.

2. Hydraulic MoHo brakes do not stand idle well at all! Fluid contamination (absorbing moisture), hose deterioration and rusty rotors are the start of a grief list that includes STUCK CALIPERS!!!

3. Most generator problem talk is about the Carburetor. There is MORE. Specifically, Windings and Slip Rings. These are vital reasons it needs to be exercised under load for around half an hour, regularly.

4. Tires contain OILS. Driving "kneads" the oils through the rubber compound. Driving also works out flat spots from sitting.

5. If you don't maintain batteries some how, perhaps with GOOD chargers or solar, you'll be buying new ones when you find they won't let you start your semi-annual or annual trip. Driving the coach, using the appliances, keeping water up and cleaning terminals, will help avoid this.

So, I endorse MobileBasset's statement: "I still have an RV day once a month to take it for a good drive, run the generator, and generally check things out as photobug recommended. I always add Stabil when I add gas, mostly to protect the generator." Years ago, I met Joe from North Carolina at a FL state park. Joe told me every drop of gas he pumps into his Ford Chassis/ONAN Generator RV gets StaBil added. Even for a 700-mile trip. I started doing that. I think I've gained 0.5 MPG, and the genny starts every time. I've read reviews on Startron, and I'm going to switch. StaBil adds about $5 to a fillup, Startron is probably $0.50.

When we bought our first RV, it was one that we had been using for a friend who was out of country. Before us, it stood. And the Brakes all had to be replaced. It blew a tire. When we bought it we took an oath to go camping at least monthly. No more brake trouble and the new tires looked new after 08 years. Zero tire trouble and they were inexpensive Pep Boys Futura tires.

If you can't take a trip, try to do this monthly, no more than six weeks: Fire it up and go somewhere. Drive at least 50 miles. Run everything. Top off the gas with Stabilizer, air up the tires, and park it again, hopefully on a paved pad.

This'll keep your RV ready to play when you are.

[ron_dittmer]

Danford50,

I feel that living in North Carolina in high humidity, you will need to drive your rig every few weeks only for the reason as not to let your brake rotors form a heavy rust on them. Just watch the rotors. If you see them rusty colored, it's time to go around the block and stop at each corner. You will also need to watch out for rodent damage. Mice like to crawl into the engine compartment to nest in places. While hanging out on your engine, they develop an appetite for wire insulation. Driving the rig on a regular basis for the brakes, also discourages rodents from moving in.

As far as all the mechanical stuff people discuss, I really don't think that will become an issue waiting one year, one time, if storing your rig outdoors. Our rig stays in our garage for 9 months at a time for 10 years now and we have never had any trouble with anything. I never run the main engine or generator during the 9 month down-period. I just fill the gas tank (no Stabil or other additives) to the top and disconnect the batteries and it's all good when we need it for a trip.

Ron Dittmer

[MobileBasset]

During the season when I don't use it for maybe 5 months I still have an RV day once a month to take it for a good drive, run the generator, and generally check things out as photobug recommended. I always add Stabil when I add gas, mostly to protect the generator.

[photobug]

lots of people only use their rvs only occasional. not really a problem if you take a few precautions. Gas gets stale and can gum up injectors pumps etc. Its a good idea to run all the systems every couple of months. rubber hoses and belts get brittle if not used, tires get square if sitting for a long time. Every couple of months, run it up and down the freeway a couple of times and you should be fine. use a fuel stabilizer if its going to be sitting for a long time, keep the batteries charged.

[DrewE]

It depends somewhat what you mean by a long time. If it's a couple of months or so, there shouldn't be much to worry about. If it's several months or more, get some fuel stabilizer (Sta-bil for instance) and put in an appropriate dose and fill up the tank. Driving home from the gas station should use sufficient fuel to get the stabilized fuel into the engine. (The reason for filling up the tank is to minimize air space and hence moisture condensing inside the tank.)

If you have a generator, check the instructions for it. Onan recommends running it for at least a half hour under load every month, I believe, to keep the carburetor from getting clogged by gas residue and to keep the slip rings clean. Frankly it's more prone to give trouble than the main engine.

You should also take care to see that the house battery doesn't get discharged while sitting; often the disconnect switch doesn't disconnect all of the loads, but leaves a few things such as the propane alarm active. If you can keep the motorhome connected to shore power the converter will take care of that. Likewise, if you have some solar setup that will also keep it up to snuff.