How Often Should The Diesel Engine Be Started While Camping

[KMiller]

Hello fellow RVers,

I'm camping in northern FL and will be camping at this site for about 2 years while working. I have a 40ft Monaco Windsor with a Cummins diesel engine (diesel pusher).

My question is how often should I start my engine to keep the engine and battery in good working order?

Is it OK to start it up and leave it running and not have to unhook and pull out and drive it around? Was thinking to run the dash AC to put a load on the engine/alternator.

[wolfe10]

Recommendation from Cummins (as well as all other diesel manufacturers) is:

If you start it, drive it at least 25 highway miles-- the minimum to get the OIL up to operating temperatures. If you can't do that, don't start it.

Ideal would be to take it for a drive once a month or so.

And, make sure that your diesel tank is full to minimize condensation and that you have put a biocide in the fuel tank.

Tire manufacturers recommend inflating tires to the max on the sidewall while in storage as long as it does not exceed the rim specs.

[KMiller]

Thanks for the answer, I will unhook and take it out for a drive once a month.

[medico]

This also will "exercise" the tires as well as the engine. I would also run the generator under load about once per month.