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Topic: What to do when parked a few months (Read 607 times) previous topic - next topic

What to do when parked a few months

I know what to do with a gas powered MH when we are living in it parked for a few months. That includes topping off the gas tank and adding Stabil. Taking it out for a drive once a month and exercising the generator.

What should be done with a diesel powered MH?

Re: What to do when parked a few months

Reply #1 –
We do the same as you do with your gas powered.  We make several stops in reverse & turn off retarder electric toggle switch to make sure brakes get exercised.  Run gen under load.

Re: What to do when parked a few months

Reply #2 –
Quote from: Barry & Cindy –
We make several stops in reverse...
What is the reason for this?
1993 U280 SE 40' WTBI, Build: 4359
C8.3 300hp, 6-Speed, Exhaust Brake
960 watts on the roof (6 x 160)
Sorento (or BOLT) on a Kar Kaddy SS
"Nature abhors a vacuum"

Re: What to do when parked a few months

Reply #3 –
Slack adjusting?
1999 40 ft. U-320 wtfe build 5563 Chuck & Lynda's "Rollin' Inn"  2030 watts solar
prev. mh's 71 GMC 5 yrs. 73 Pace Setter 1 yr. 78 Vogue 5 yrs 81 FTX 40ft all electric 18 yrs. 1996 Monaco Signature 3 yrs.
2014 Grand Cherokee Overland
Dream as if you will live forever. Live as if you will die today.  James Dean

Re: What to do when parked a few months

Reply #4 –
We back up just to get all the brake parts moving through their full range of motion.  I could see brakes getting little use when retarder does all the hard work, so putting them thought their paces forward without retard and backward to un-glaze linings, etc.  And after sitting for a month or so, I would not want brake parts to seize up.

Re: What to do when parked a few months

Reply #5 –
Quote from: craneman –
Slack adjusting

Does  applying the brakes while backing up adjust the slack on disc brakes as it does on most drum brakes?

Justin & Cathy Byrd
1995 U280 "Old Faithful"
36' Build #4673
C8.3 Cummins
Allison MD3060R 6 speed - retarder
Powertech 10KW  4cyl Kubota

Re: What to do when parked a few months

Reply #6 –
Quote from: FourTravelers –
Does  applying the brakes while backing up adjust the slack on disc brakes as it does on most drum brakes?
[/quote

I should have put a question mark after my statement. I will do it now. I don't see how a disc brake knows the difference between forward and reverse.
1999 40 ft. U-320 wtfe build 5563 Chuck & Lynda's "Rollin' Inn"  2030 watts solar
prev. mh's 71 GMC 5 yrs. 73 Pace Setter 1 yr. 78 Vogue 5 yrs 81 FTX 40ft all electric 18 yrs. 1996 Monaco Signature 3 yrs.
2014 Grand Cherokee Overland
Dream as if you will live forever. Live as if you will die today.  James Dean

Re: What to do when parked a few months

Reply #7 –
That was why I asked "Why in reverse...".  It is my understanding that the Meritor auto slack adjusters "do their thing" under normal operating conditions, i.e. braking while going in a forward direction.

But Barry has answered my question.  (I think) he is not concerned particularly with adjusting the brakes - he is just trying to exercise them in all possible modes to preclude any problems down the road.  Applying his brakes in forward and reverse is a excellent way to cover all the bases.  Sounds like a good idea to me!
1993 U280 SE 40' WTBI, Build: 4359
C8.3 300hp, 6-Speed, Exhaust Brake
960 watts on the roof (6 x 160)
Sorento (or BOLT) on a Kar Kaddy SS
"Nature abhors a vacuum"

Re: What to do when parked a few months

Reply #8 –
Quote from: Jim –
I know what to do with a gas powered MH when we are living in it parked for a few months. That includes topping off the gas tank and adding Stabil. Taking it out for a drive once a month and exercising the generator.

What should be done with a diesel powered MH?


Consider a biocide rather than just stabilizer (Biobor JF, StarTron Starbrite are a couple that come to mind) with the diesel if not in an arid environment.
Learn every day, but especially from the experiences of others. It's cheaper!  - John C. Bogle

2000 U320 36' non-slide / WildEBeest Rescue
2003 U320
 

Re: What to do when parked a few months

Reply #9 –
Check tire pressures. Check for puddles around & under the coach. Check that insurance and license plate(s) are up to date.
Check balances on credit cards and bank account. (just in case)
Also, wouldn't hurt to walk around and look for any damages due to weather and/or vandalism.
Nitehawk,  Demolition Lady, & our NEW master, Zippy the speeding BB cat.
1989 Grand Villa 36' ORED
Oshkosh chassis, 8.2 DD V8
2006 Saturn Vue AWD