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Old 10-25-2018, 04:25 PM   #1
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Generator/Winter Storage

All, I have read where the generator should be run once a month, under load (typically the A/C), for about an hour. What about when it is in storage for the winter? Does anyone really do this over the winter months?
TIA

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Old 10-25-2018, 05:10 PM   #2
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Yes I do, but I don't run the A/C--something about the A/C not liking running in cold wx.

To put a load on the generator I'll either fire up the convection oven, use a hairdryer, or turn on a small electric space heater (all of which consume around 12 amps give or take).

Once I plugged the car in to charge it up for a load (EV, also draws around 12 amps with the level 1 charger).

This is all with the RV being covered as well (I make sure the exhaust pipes aren't under the cover).
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Old 10-25-2018, 05:32 PM   #3
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I pick a nice day about once a month and drive my coach a out 20 miles with the generator running and an 1800 watt space heater keeping me comfortable. Sometimes I’ll work in the coach or watch a movie or read a book. It’s not a chore really.
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Old 10-25-2018, 05:33 PM   #4
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Don't forget to add some fuel stabilizer to your tank!
With the fuels today: even a Month' worth of not running could be too much!
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Old 10-25-2018, 06:22 PM   #5
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I think it's a little overkill to 'have' to feel as though you must 'run' your generator once a month, exactly on schedule, or somehow it's suddenly not going to work the next season. The object is really only to remove any moisture from the fuel tank/system.. really that's about all. If you have it in inside storage, without extreme temperature changes, chances are you don't have to run it at all, just to 'exercise' it.
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Old 10-25-2018, 06:42 PM   #6
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But it IS a great excuse to disappear for a wile...
Bring along some chips and beer: watch the football games!
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Old 10-26-2018, 12:26 PM   #7
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Before I stated to go south for the winters, I used to store my RV at that time, without running the generator. If its a gas engine, you can fog it and drain the carb bowel. The steps are outlined in the Cummins manual. Not too tuff to do. Then your only going to have to worry about the tires. *smile*
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Old 10-26-2018, 12:32 PM   #8
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Quote:
Originally Posted by TurnerFam View Post
I think it's a little overkill to 'have' to feel as though you must 'run' your generator once a month, exactly on schedule, or somehow it's suddenly not going to work the next season. The object is really only to remove any moisture from the fuel tank/system.. really that's about all. If you have it in inside storage, without extreme temperature changes, chances are you don't have to run it at all, just to 'exercise' it.


I was told the primary reason for running the genesis to prevent the generator coils from rusting.
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Old 10-26-2018, 01:52 PM   #9
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I have 6 generators total including the diesel in the coach and an 8K whole house unit. I crank them once a month a put a load on them. They always perform perfectly. Tha't the only reason they do! YES...crank them monthly. Just as Pete said, it's the Power Head moreso than the engine that will fail if you don't. If it's a gas unit, put Stabil in it now...run long enough to get the mix into the engine.
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