2 Month Stay at RV Park - Do I start Engine/Generator after ????

September 01, 2010, 04:33:32 pm

Do I need to start the M11 or the Generator to exercise them????? If so when and for how long?????

Thanks

Rob
2002 U320 36'

Re: 2 Month Stay at RV Park - Do I start Engine/Generator after ????

Reply #1 – September 01, 2010, 05:02:29 pm

Do not start either unless you can run them long enough to get the OIL (not just coolant) up to operating temperature for half an hour.

Easily done with the generator-- just unplug from shore power, start the generator and after warm up put on a load equal to 50-60% of rated capacity. Run for 45-60 minutes.

For the engine, don't start it unless you can drive at least 25 highway miles-- longer in cold climates.

Brett Wolfe

Re: 2 Month Stay at RV Park - Do I start Engine/Generator after ????

Reply #2 – September 01, 2010, 05:25:56 pm

When I first got into Diesel motorhomes, I was told it was a good idea to exercise the generator at least once per month and to turn on enough appliances to apply approximately a 1/2 of the maximum amp load. If your unit has a 10K generator, that would be two A/C units and the microwave for about 15 minutes. I doubt that everyone does this religiously, but attempting to follow that schedule is a good idea.

Regarding the M11, I don't have personal experience with that engine but I have read a number of posts and articles that say there are two schools of thought. Both say exercise the engine at least every 90 days, 30 days is preferable but one theory says you can just start and idol the engine for 30 minutes, the other says you need to take it out and drive it for 30 minutes. The engine can carbon up if you idle it for too long or too often.

Personally, I try to drive my unit at least once per month and run the generator at 1/2 load once per month. This was the routine of the former owner of my coach and it has served me well for the three years I have owned it. It is a 1993 with a propane generator that I keep hearing are prone to problems but I have had none so far with either the generator or engine. Therefore I say exercise them.

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