When I was working at an RV dealership, each spring our service department had appointments for generators that would not start or, if they did start, had that all too familiar surge sound. This was the result of letting the generator sit for periods of time without starting or exercising it. Lack of use is one of the biggest problems for generators. In gasoline generators, fuel breaks down and sticks, causing sudden starting and boosting problems. This can happen in as little as a month.
RV generators are extremely reliable and in many cases will outlast RVs if they are properly maintained and cared for. They don’t require your constant attention, just basic maintenance. The first thing to understand about maintaining your generator is that you should exercise regularly. This applies to gas and diesel generators. Gasoline generators could have fuel-related problems in as little as one month of inactivity. This is one of the biggest problems, but it can be easily prevented if you get into the habit of exercising the generator on a monthly basis.
Some people think they could avoid this by adding a fuel preservative to the fuel tank and then running the generator long enough for the preservative to pass through the generator set. You should definitely use a fuel preservative whenever the unit is in storage, but there are plenty of other reasons to run and exercise your generator on a regular basis. Moisture build-up can damage your generator. When you exercise your generator, it heats up the generator windings and removes this moisture buildup. This monthly exercise regimen also lubricates all engine seals and components and helps prevent carbon build-up.
So what exactly do I mean when I say exercise your generator? In the case of a gasoline generator, I mean you start and run the generator on at least 50 percent load for at least two hours per month. It is extremely important that you operate it with this minimum rated load. Generators are designed to operate with a load placed on them. Our motorhome has a 4,000 watt generator, so I can turn on the roof air conditioner in the summer, which is about 2,000 watts, or I can use a couple of small portable electric heaters if it’s cold. It is always better to let your generator run for longer periods than for short periods. Consult your generator owner’s manual for the specific load capacities of your unit.
Other maintenance intervals for generators are based on usage. Your generator set will have an hour meter so you can monitor usage. Consult your owner’s manual for maintenance intervals.
The bottom line is, feel free to use your generator, and when you use it, charge it up. A little exercise and preventative maintenance will keep your generator in top operating condition and give you many years of faithful service.
Happy Camping,
Copyright 2006 by Mark J. Polk Owner of RV Education 101