How often do I need to run generator

[Zwillingsmama]

We finally bought our first van (06 RT Adventurous) while looking at previous vans a sales person told us we had to run the generator frequently so it doesn’t seize up. Now my question is how often? How long? Under load? What do you do?

[jjrbus]

I have had a motorized RV for 20+ years, last year I bought a Roadtrek RV with a good running Onan generator. I removed it and sold it before it could cost me money! Been using Honda for 20 years!

The main problem with any carbureted engine is the ethanol in the gas, the gasoline evaporates and the ethanol gums up the carburetor. This applies to lawn mowers, weed wackers, chain saws etc. Also the various electrical components, again any generator not just Ohno can corrode. The Onans can be a money pit if not cared for! There is a lady on the generator forum that has spent $1000 on an Onan that was not used for 3 years and it still is not right.


If I were forced to live with a Onan I would run it at least 30 minutes twice a month with a load, AC, electric heater, something that loads the generator not just a light bulb or radio. If you want to store the RV for months, there are instructions online on how to prep the generator.

My opinion and worth what you are paying for it.

[booster]

The Adventurous should have a propane generator so really the need for running is to keep the slip rings clean in the generator section of the unit.


I think the Onan recommendation should easily cover it but I don't recall exactly how many hours a month it was that year.

[Zwillingsmama]

Yes it is a propane generator

[jjrbus]

Propane will save you a lot of grief. I would still run 1/2 hour under load twice a month to keep the internals of the generator clean. I exercise my RV at least once a month. Keeps everything moving, lubricated.

[Deano]

This only applies to a gasoline genny, I believe it may depend on the climate where it spends most of it's time. I live in a very dry area and ran the genny only when being used, which was not often. Never had an issue, except for the fuel pump failing. I doubt that had anything to do with not exercising the genny.
However, I did drain the carburetor in the fall .

[RT-NY]

The following is from the operator's' manual for the Onan Microlite 2800 KV (I do not know if this also applies to propane):

"To prevent harmful moisture accumulation and fuel deposits, run the genset at 50 percent capacity (1,400 watts) for two hours every four weeks. A long exercise period is preferable to several short periods."

This is what I do and it seems to work just fine. I do notice, however, that the more I run it the better it runs.

[Urlauber]

Originally Posted by jjrbus

Propane will save you a lot of grief. I would still run 1/2 hour under load twice a month to keep the internals of the generator clean. I exercise my RV at least once a month. Keeps everything moving, lubricated.

I try to run mine once a month for an hour, either with the A/C or a 1500W heater as loads.
Usually it ends up more like every other month.