Why You Need To Maintain You RV Generator by Michael Finley

RV Generators and RV Service Centers



At any RV Service and Technician Centers, every spring our service bay are always booked with appointments for generators that either wouldn't start, or if they did start they would not operate. This was a result of letting the generator sit for periods of time without starting and exercising it. Lack of use is one of the biggest problems with generators. In gasoline generators the fuel breaks down and gums up causing hard starting and surging problems. This can happen in as short a period of time as one month.



RV generators are normally always dependable and in many cases will out last the RV if they are used on a monthly basis. They do not require your constant attention, just some basic maintenance. The first thing you need to understand about maintaining your generator is that they need to be exercised on a regular basis. This applies to gas and diesel generators. Gasoline generators could have fuel related problems if you let them set over the winter time. This is one of the biggest problems, but it can easily be prevented if you get in a habit of using the generator on a monthly basis.



Some people think that they could avoid this by adding a fuel chemical addition to the fuel tank and then running the generator long enough to get the chemical addition through the generator set. You definitely should use a fuel chemical addition whenever the unit will be in storage, but there are many other reasons to start and use the generator on a regular basis. Moisture build up can cause impairment to your generator. When you start up your generator it heats up the generator windings and takes out this moisture build up. This monthly exercise regime also will keep your generator running for a long while.



So, what exactly do I mean when I say use your generator? For a gasoline generator I mean that you start and run the generator with at least a 50 percent load for at least two hours every month. It is very important that you run it with this minimum rated load. Generators are designed to run with a load placed on them. During the RV Service inspection the motor homes have a 4,000 watt generator and you need to use anything that will take half the power, like an air conditioner. This will pull at least 2,000 watts. It's always better to let your generator run for longer periods than it is for short periods. Check your generator owner's manual for load ratings specific to your unit.



Other maintenance intervals for generators are based on usage. Your generator set will have an hour meter so you can monitor the usage. Consult your owner's manual and look for generator maintenance intervals.



Lastly, do not hesitate to use your generator making sure to turn on a appliance while running it. A little runn of the unit and preventive maintenance will keep you generator in top operating condition and provide many years of faithful service.


Michael Finley is the operator of AAA RV Centers. Our Site provides info about RV's and the service they need. You can contact us at our web site http://www.aaarvservicecenters.com


Article Source: Why You Need To Maintain You RV Generator