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recommended interval to run genset
Yahoo Message Number: 118407
Read a blog post from a RVer who was told by an Onan service depot tech he should run his genset 1.5hrs every three weeks to maintain it in optimal condition. Previously we had heard 1 hour a month as a recommendation.  What does everyone here do? Our rig is stored most of the time so we have been going out once a month to drive it around and run the genset for and hour. Should we be doing this more often?

Richard
Re: recommended interval to run genset
Reply #1 –
Yahoo Message Number: 118409
Quote
Read a blog post from a RVer who was told by an Onan service depot tech he should run his genset 1.5hrs every three weeks to maintain it in optimal condition.
Logic says that the extra 0.5hr run-time, a week earlier, will be insignificant compared to your current schedule, as far as keeping the generator running smoothly. If this adds up to a significant portion of your total run-time, however, then it may slightly advance the point at which wear-and-tear dictates an overhaul. This, of course, would be to the financial advantage of a service department. Not implying anything.

Steve
2004 FL
2013 Honda Fit
Re: recommended interval to run genset
Reply #2 –
Yahoo Message Number: 118411
wrote: Read a blog post from a RVer who was told by an Onan service depot tech he should run his genset 1.5hrs every three weeks to maintain it in optimal condition. Previously we had heard 1 hour a month as a recommendation.
--- These RV generator FAQ pages from Cummins Southern Plains are very helpful:
 http://www.cummins-sp.com/support/rv_generator_operating_tips.htm 
Joan
2003 TK has a new home
Re: recommended interval to run genset
Reply #3 –
Yahoo Message Number: 118413
On Sat, 20 Nov 2010 16:06:03 -0000, "richardg1952" richardg1952@...> wrote:

Quote
Read a blog post from a RVer who was told by an Onan service depot tech he should run his genset 1.5hrs every three weeks to maintain it in optimal condition. Previously we had heard 1 hour a month as a recommendation.
Just running the genset is not all that helpful, it needs to be run under load. Turn on the a/c and an electric heater or such.

Quote
What does everyone here do
Don't know about everyone, but I see a lot of ads for used rigs with low gen hours meaning they were seldom turned on.
Don & Dorothy
Sold our LD in June of 2023

Our boring always non-PC travel blog
Traveling Dorothy
Re: recommended interval to run genset
Reply #4 –
Yahoo Message Number: 118422
When you run your genset, make sure that you have a decent load on it, like running your A/C!

Glen w/SOB who should follow his own adviceL

[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]
Re: recommended interval to run genset
Reply #5 –
Yahoo Message Number: 118429
Does anyone know, what having a load on the genset does that enhances the monthly exercise?

Thanks!

Rob Adams
2015 Mid Bath
Re: recommended interval to run genset
Reply #6 –
Yahoo Message Number: 118430
On Sat, 20 Nov 2010 21:22:28 -0000, "sundog991" sundog99@...> wrote:

Quote
Does anyone know, what having a load on the genset does that enhances the monthly exercise?
Two sides to a genset, the engine and the alternator. You want to exercise the alternator, get it warm, remove moisture.
Don & Dorothy
Sold our LD in June of 2023

Our boring always non-PC travel blog
Traveling Dorothy
 
Re: recommended interval to run genset
Reply #7 –
Yahoo Message Number: 118443
Quote
On Sat, 20 Nov 2010 21:22:28 -0000, "sundog991" wrote:
 ">Does anyone know, what having a load on the genset does that enhances the monthly exercise? Two sides to a genset, the engine and the alternator. You want to exercise the alternator, get it warm, remove moisture."
Start the genset and then run the air conditioner; maybe turn on a space heater also or alternate the two.  Anything with high amp usage will put a load on the genset.

Chris
Formerly: 2002 30' IB