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Topic: Engine Start Needed if Parking for 5 months (Read 724 times) previous topic - next topic

Engine Start Needed if Parking for 5 months

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
Randy (N4TDT) and Karen Crete
Sarasota, Florida
SOLD:  2000 U270 34' WTFE Build 5756 "Ole Red"

Re: Engine Start Needed if Parking for 5 months

Reply #1 –
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.
Bruce, Linda, and Macy
Zoey RIP 1/20/19
1999 U295 40' build #5400
2017 silver Jeep Wrangler, 1260 watts of solar on top
Moving around the country

Re: Engine Start Needed if Parking for 5 months

Reply #2 –
It' good for the tires also
Leonard and Sherry Casteen                             
1998 u295 36'   
Build # 5257                     
2001 Jeep Cherokee                                             
Springdale SC                                       
Australian Labradoodle    Ginny

Re: Engine Start Needed if Parking for 5 months

Reply #3 –
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.
Brian & Lisa Freeze
1996 U295 36FT Build #4914
Motorcade #18760

Re: Engine Start Needed if Parking for 5 months

Reply #4 –
I forgot to mention running the generator. I would suggest running at least one AC while driving to provide load.
Brian & Lisa Freeze
1996 U295 36FT Build #4914
Motorcade #18760

Re: Engine Start Needed if Parking for 5 months

Reply #5 –
Run your AquaHot on diesel too...
Steve and Cassi
2007 Foretravel Nimbus 42'

Re: Engine Start Needed if Parking for 5 months

Reply #6 –
Quote from: floridarandy –
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? 

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. 
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: Engine Start Needed if Parking for 5 months

Reply #7 –
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.
Brett Wolfe
EX: 1993 U240
Moderator, ForeForum 2001-
Moderator Diesel RV Club 2002-
Moderator, FMCA Forum 2009-2020
Chairman FMCA Technical Advisory Committee 2011-2020

Re: Engine Start Needed if Parking for 5 months

Reply #8 –
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. 
Dave and Kelli
1997 U295 40' Build #5188 CSGI
1995 U240 36' Build #4621 SBID-SOLD
2006 Jeep Wrangler Rubicon

Re: Engine Start Needed if Parking for 5 months

Reply #9 –
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
Randy (N4TDT) and Karen Crete
Sarasota, Florida
SOLD:  2000 U270 34' WTFE Build 5756 "Ole Red"

Re: Engine Start Needed if Parking for 5 months

Reply #10 –
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 (N4TDT) and Karen Crete
Sarasota, Florida
SOLD:  2000 U270 34' WTFE Build 5756 "Ole Red"

Re: Engine Start Needed if Parking for 5 months

Reply #11 –
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
Pamela & Mike 97 U 320

"It's not what happens to you, but how you react to it that matters."

Re: Engine Start Needed if Parking for 5 months

Reply #12 –
Can you drop it down on the stops and turn off your compressor? I like to disconnect batteries too

Re: Engine Start Needed if Parking for 5 months

Reply #13 –
Quote from: dsd –
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. 
Dennis Haynes
Bohemia NY
2008 Nimbus 342 SE Carlyle
Build #6475
Motorcade #19148

Re: Engine Start Needed if Parking for 5 months

Reply #14 –
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.
Randy (N4TDT) and Karen Crete
Sarasota, Florida
SOLD:  2000 U270 34' WTFE Build 5756 "Ole Red"