For the first time in our 7 year ownership we're parking for 5 months in a North Carolina RV Park. We're looking forward to staying put and exploring the small town and using the Jeep to explore the mountains.
What is your advice regarding the need to periodically run the engine. This assumes we don't need to build air beyond what the level system can do on its own. Is a periodic drive necessary and if so how far? Really don't like the idea of having to pickup around and inside the RV if we're "spread out" while living in and outside.
Also, anything to be mindful of regarding tires. Michelins new last year. Parking on gravel at site.
Thanks in advance.
Randy
Your coach will be much happier if you take it out for a walk every 6-8 weeks for 50 miles or so same with the generator.
It' good for the tires also
Well... Everything I have read states to drive your coach at least 25 miles every 3-4 weeks. The front hubs are oil bath and do not get lubricated while sitting. Also, the commercial tires we have breakdown when sitting still. I would suggest a monthly drive to keep everything in good shape.
I forgot to mention running the generator. I would suggest running at least one AC while driving to provide load.
Run your AquaHot on diesel too...
Use something like Biobor JF biocide and have the diesel tank full to minimize headspace. Don't start and run unless you can drive it and bring all fluids up to temperature, otherwise you're just introducing condensation, not burning "stuff" off, and it's worse than not starting at all.
We've parked in one location for 6 months following the above.
Agree on Biobar JF and full fuel tank. This prevents microbe growth and minimizes condensation.
Agree on "don't start it unless you can drive 25+ highway miles". You can't get the OIL up to operating temperature in a diesel unless it is under a load. Moisture/water is a normal byproduct of combustion. If the engine does not operate long enough at high enough temperatures, that water stays in the engine. I have inspected coaches where the owner started it once a week for 30 minutes. Remove the oil fill on the valve cover and look in at a rusted mess.
FWIW, I and thousands of other farmers have seasonal equipment that sits for long periods. For example, in a typical corn/soybean rotation, harvest might only last for a month. Combines especially may sit for most of the year. I've never heard or seen any recommendations to start them every ____days for any reason. Much of my stuff is tucked away for at least 5 months without use. I have an old IH 9370 with an 855 Cummins that sat in the corner of the shed for 3-4 years that started right up with new batteries last year and went to work for 4 days before getting put back in the corner.
As far as sitting in a campground for 5 months, keeping the engine batteries up and having a full tank of treated diesel should be just fine.
Quick followup. Agree that we will simply park with full tanks and Biobar, which we use routinely anyway.
Air leaks down over server weeks but I assume if aux pump is operating as it should that level should never be a problem without periodic engine operation?
Thanks
Update: we've been parked now for 5 weeks and the auxiliary pump has kept the coach perfectly level. The engine air tanks slowly leak down over time and now read zero. Based on this thread I don't plan to restart engine until we are ready to leave in early November.
Normally I briefly open the valve on the rear air tank to check for moisture periodically but if there's no air in the engine air system how can this be done?
Thanks in advance.
Randy
Randy,
If the engine compressor isn't pumping hot air into the wet tank there is no need to check the drain. The hot compressed air causes the condensation in the wet tank.
Mike
Can you drop it down on the stops and turn off your compressor? I like to disconnect batteries too
They are living in it, so the electrical systems are still being used. Also, if this is a slide coach the auxiliary air system is needed to maintain the slide out seals.
Thanks to all. We pull out this week after enjoying 5 months of sitting still. Following the recommendations of the group we parked with a full tank with our usual Cetane Booster and Biobar algaecide. No restart during 5 months but today it fired up immediately (without boost) and aired up as usual. Brake check OK so ready to head back to Florida.