Forum Discussion

catkins's avatar
catkins
Explorer II
May 27, 2020

Storing Diesel long term during COVID

Long range planner here. Asking questions on storing our diesel RV.

Usually head south for the winter. Looks likely a no go for us this fall due to health issues with potential Covid exposure. I have not winterized for years as we have not needed it. RV will likely stay stored for at least 6 months assuming a few short trips locally before end of October. Will do normal maintenance on RV chassis before storing. Assuming things do not dramatically change, we will be staying home this fall.

OK with winterizing but what should I do to treat the diesel fuel (Cummings 360 engine), what to do when when I unstore, and what else do I need to know? Long time RVer, newish to diesel land. All info will be gratefully accepted. If it sits all summer is there anything I should do now?

Think not doing significant RVing travel in our near future is the hardest part for us. Safe travels all. THANKS in advance for any advice on safely storing our Tiffin.
Class A
  • magicbus's avatar
    magicbus
    Explorer II
    May 27, 2020
    I put a bit of diesel biocide in my tank when I get home from my winter trip in case I don't travel before next winter. Although many do, I never bother fill the tank, just add a bit of fuel to wash down the biocide.

    Dave
  • naturist's avatar
    naturist
    Nomad
    May 27, 2020
    Diesel is more stable than gasoline. Throw in a dose of Stabil, fill the tank, and drive to storage. The engine and starting battery will benefit from running enough to reach operating temperature once a month, just like your generator. With a diesel, that will likely require driving it 10 miles or so, as diesels don’t warm up well while idling, and turbo oil seals don’t like lack of pressurization.
  • Ivylog's avatar
    Ivylog
    Explorer III
    May 27, 2020
    Keep the tank full and don’t worry about diesel going bad, even biodiesel for that length of time. I plan on winterizing my DP next winter by going to Florida as usual. Could go now from one red state to another but summer is not my favorite time there.

    After the election you will miraculously be able to travel so “don’t worry” about going south or your diesel going bad.

    PS: Hong Kong which is very similar size to NYC, had 1000 cases of C19 and 4 deaths. They quarantine for 3 months an infected person... did not put back into a nursing home.:S
  • jdc1's avatar
    jdc1
    Explorer II
    May 27, 2020
    I let my diesel Bobcat sit for almost a year. Charged the battery and fires right up every time.
  • Executive45's avatar
    Executive45
    Explorer III
    May 28, 2020
    Western Washington doesn't get cold enough to winterize it. Make sure the fuel tank is full otherwise condensation will form inside the tank. Water is not a diesel's friend. I put a little mineral oil in all the P traps and the toilet so they don't dry out. Take her out when you can.....Dennis
  • richclover's avatar
    richclover
    Explorer
    May 28, 2020
    catkins wrote:
    Long range planner here. Asking questions on storing our diesel RV.

    Usually head south for the winter. Looks likely a no go for us this fall due to health issues with potential Covid exposure. I have not winterized for years as we have not needed it. RV will likely stay stored for at least 6 months assuming a few short trips locally before end of October. Will do normal maintenance on RV chassis before storing. Assuming things do not dramatically change, we will be staying home this fall.

    OK with winterizing but what should I do to treat the diesel fuel (Cummings 360 engine), what to do when when I unstore, and what else do I need to know? Long time RVer, newish to diesel land. All info will be gratefully accepted. If it sits all summer is there anything I should do now?

    Think not doing significant RVing travel in our near future is the hardest part for us. Safe travels all. THANKS in advance for any advice on safely storing our Tiffin.


    Go south, as usual, for the winter.
  • noteven's avatar
    noteven
    Explorer III
    May 28, 2020
    magicbus wrote:
    I put a bit of diesel biocide in my tank when I get home from my winter trip in case I don't travel before next winter. Although many do, I never bother fill the tank, just add a bit of fuel to wash down the biocide.

    Dave


    This.

    1000’s of pieces of diesel powered ag and construction equipment are parked for months without issues in winter lands.

    Disconnect the batteries and give them a charge with a good “smart charger” a every month or two...
  • Branson_N_Tucso's avatar
    Branson_N_Tucso
    Explorer II
    May 30, 2020
    Not sure but you stated, you may take short trips this summer.what is the difference in taking the longer trip to Florida? Your out in public either trip.

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