Outside Motorhome Storage

[luckydog]

This will be my first winter with the diesel motorhome and am looking for some (if there are any) tips for outdoor storage. Today I put an additive in the fuel tank to help prevent gelling. Is it best to start the thing up once a month throughout the winter and let it warm up, or just let it set? Everything is winterized so that shouldn't be an issue. Any more info? Thanks

[Bob Verwold]

I cover up the A/C unit on the roof of my trailer........Also run the tires on boards (don't know if that helps or not, but I do it). I do try to run the generator for a couple of hrs every month. Hope this helps..........

[luckydog]

Thanks. The owners manual actually says to run the air conditioner once a month to lubricate the seals in the compressor.

[Lou SG2340]

I like to keep mine pluged up so the inverter can keep the batteries charged.
Starting it up once in a while doesn't hurt . Never had a fuel jelling problem,but the coldest it gets here is the low 20's

[Ruth]

Originally Posted by luckydog

This will be my first winter with the diesel motorhome and am looking for some (if there are any) tips for outdoor storage. Today I put an additive in the fuel tank to help prevent gelling. Is it best to start the thing up once a month throughout the winter and let it warm up, or just let it set? Everything is winterized so that shouldn't be an issue. Any more info? Thanks

Hi Damian.




Your diesel fuel system will grow algae and you will need a biocide to prevent this from happening. Maybe your additive already has it in it? but you need to read the label on the bottle to be sure . When the algae grows and yes it will grow due to the moisture, and if it’s not kept in check it can make a real mess in your fuel system. Cetane level is not as much of a concern ( if at all) as compared to algae growth. Many folks have seen black stuff when changing there fuel filter not realizing what they are seeing is algae.

And don’t listen to folks who say to add some gas to your diesel to prevent this, unless you love spending money and want to purchase new injectors.

Racor and Stanadyne are both good names and are OEM approved products.

http://www.midwest-diesel.com/additives.htm

Hope this helps.

[Jim Carter]

FYI:

If you leave it plugged in to keep coach batteries charged, monitor water level in the batteries, it will cook down. I keep the chassis batteries on mine connected to a battery trender, which , well you know. Also when running the generator for an hour or so, I was told to put a load on it. (ie; Air conditioner etc...) these are all tips from my local RV dealers "RV 101" course.

JC

[luckydog]

Thanks guys. All good advise. Definitely will check on the biocide! I hate winter!!

[luckydog]

Originally Posted by Ruth

Hi Damian.




Your diesel fuel system will grow algae and you will need a biocide to prevent this from happening. Maybe your additive already has it in it? but you need to read the label on the bottle to be sure . When the algae grows and yes it will grow due to the moisture, and if it’s not kept in check it can make a real mess in your fuel system. Cetane level is not as much of a concern ( if at all) as compared to algae growth. Many folks have seen black stuff when changing there fuel filter not realizing what they are seeing is algae.

And don’t listen to folks who say to add some gas to your diesel to prevent this, unless you love spending money and want to purchase new injectors.

Racor and Stanadyne are both good names and are OEM approved products.

http://www.midwest-diesel.com/additives.htm

Hope this helps.

I called Mid West Deisel today and they told me to NOT use this product to prevent algae growth. He had a customer do this last winter and supposedly it etched the plunger in the fuel pump so bad it was junk. He stated that the Biocide is only to be used if you already have a bad algae problem. He couldn't recommend me anything to prevent algae growth. I guess I'm just gonna run the thing once a month. Anyone else have any ideas?

[Ruth]

Originally Posted by luckydog

I called Mid West Deisel today and they told me to NOT use this product to prevent algae growth. He had a customer do this last winter and supposedly it etched the plunger in the fuel pump so bad it was junk. He stated that the Biocide is only to be used if you already have a bad algae problem. He couldn't recommend me anything to prevent algae growth. I guess I'm just gonna run the thing once a month. Anyone else have any ideas?

Hi CHAMP!

This decision is yours, it’s your vehicle so I’m sure you will make the decision that makes you feel most comfortable. That being said, I can tell you that Racor the manufacture of this world class product says otherwise and they are not just some counter guy at a parts house.

I would like to also see the documentation and testing methods used to go along with the allegation that this product caused corrosion? when the product is designed specifically to do just the opposite.

( some nut case that put in ten times the prescribed amount because he thought it would work ten times better doesn’t count)

Racor is a world class company and there products are used in diesel applications that are in service for weeks, and months at a time without being shut down such as trawlers. Locomotives and would cost them $$$$$$$$ in down time, and the very reason they use such products.

I’m not here to pimp anyone’s product, but I have used Racor & Stanadyne (sp) biocide for 9 years in my diesel application and the only thing that it has etched to date is my wallet.


The following is from RACOR documents February 21, 2008

Protect Your Fuel Investment! Applications:

Racor Diesel Biocide is intended for use in applications where residual and distillate fuels are used such as: bulk storage tanks, locomotive fuel tanks, diesel trucks,diesel boats and ships, farm equipment and diesel generators.



About the Product:

Racor Diesel Biocide is a multi-functional petroleum additive. It is used to help maintain color stability and clarity. Racor Diesel Biocide can be used to eliminate and or prevent the growth of bacteria and fungi.; The superior formulation controls bacteria, fungi, organic reactions, sludge formation and also acts as a corrosion inhibitor .

Features and Benefits:

Excellent for use with all forms of Biodiesel. •

Formulated to treat more forms of algae and bacteria than other brands. •

Concentrated formula treats more gallons per ounce. •

EPA approved as both a biocide and aftermarket fuel additive. •

Prevents internal corrosion from microbial fouling. •

Fuel and water soluble. • Does not cause foaming. •

Promotes fuel stability during storage.

Source: http://www.mwfi.com/fuel-additives/R...el_Biocide.pdf



Happy hunting


ps: I dont know the guys at Midwest from the man in the moon it was just a link to the product.

[luckydog]

Do you purchase the biocide from Midwest? How much is it? 1oz treats 75 gallon, right? Sounds like pretty powerful stuff!!!