Tech Topics

eCh By Paul and Kerri Elders RVing is a great adventure and there’s always something new to learn! OPICS

FALL is not only a great time to travel, it’s also a great time to do a little thinking about what keeps your RV roadworthy and operating at its peak. Let’s take a quick look at some genset and fuel filter tips to help you keep your RV in tip-top travel shape. Let’s go!

FUEL FILTERS: As we travel the length and breadth of this beautiful country, RVers purchase fuel from many different sources, at all times of the day and night. From California to Colorado, New England to the Mississippi Valley, there’s as much variety in the quality of the fuel supply as there is in the scenery. Unfortunately, you can’t always predict what your fuel quality will be like, just based on the looks of the service station. Fuel can be contaminated with moisture, dirt, or even debris from rusty storage tanks. As a consumer, most of these fuel quality factors are completely beyond your control.

This is where the humble fuel filter steps into the limelight; it’s an unsung but priceless part of any fuel system. All fuel that flows from your fuel tank to your RV’s engine travels through a fuel filter first. Whether you drive a gasoline or a diesel engine, contaminants can cause problems for your fuel injectors over time. The fuel filter is that silent sentinel that prevents potential problems by capturing these contaminants before they make their way to the fuel injectors in the first place. Fuel filters need to be checked and changed periodically and it’s an excellent idea to carry a spare fuel filter or two in your utility bin.

How will you know if you’ve picked up a bad fuel supply that’s clogged your fuel filter? Usually, it’s pretty obvious. If your engine seems to be acting sluggish, shows a loss of power, or isn’t performing as usual at higher speeds, this could be an indicator of a restricted fuel filter. Other clues are engine hesitation, rough idling, or engine stalling. Have a mechanic check and change the fuel filter at your next stop.

GENERATOR TIPS: Whenever you’re on the road, your power generator (genset) is a powerful ally, allowing you to generate valuable kilowatts of electrical power from diesel or gasoline. But to keep that powerful friend running at its peak, you need to perform just a bit of preventive maintenance. Don’t worry. It’s not difficult work, but there are a few little tasks you need to remember to do, so your generator will be ready to run whenever you need it.

First and foremost, resist the urge to store excess cargo items in the generator compartment. Adequate airflow is critical to the proper operation of a power generator, so you don’t want to block or obstruct air flow and you also don’t want items “banging around” in the compartment and into the generator while you’re driving down the highway or over bumpy roads. Stow cargo in cargo holds, not in the generator compartment!

Perform a monthly check of your genset to keep it prepared for optimum service. Check the oil level and top off if necessary. Change the oil filter at the intervals recommended by your manufacturer, and take a periodic look at the hour gauge to assure that it’s recording your usage time properly. System tune-ups are usually based on hours of use, so you want to make sure that your gauge is accurately tracking the actual operational hours of your generator. Check the exhaust system for damage or loose connections. Inspect the wiring for any nicks or cuts. Periodically examine the fuel system, checking for leaks or damaged hoses. And if you find any fuel leaks, for safety’s sake, don’t use the genset until you get them fixed!

Check your Owner’s Manual for specific details on your model’s maintenance schedule. Even if you rarely use your genset, you should perform complete maintenance (oil filter, fuel filter, fuel line and exhaust inspections, etc.) on an annual basis, as per your manual’s instructions. Remember that your genset charges your house batteries, so you also want to make sure all batteries are in good working order. Check the battery terminals; make sure they’re tightly snugged and free of corrosion. If they need cleaning, use a toothbrush and a baking soda/water paste to clean them. Wipe clean, then apply a dab of Vaseline to protect against future corrosion.

If your generator has started surging or chattering, or has become hard to start, a clogged fuel filter might be your problem. Sometimes, newly installed fuel filters need to be primed after installation and the steps required are beyond the scope of this article. Consult your Owner’s Manual for complete instructions or visit your local RV service center for assistance. If your generator has its own fuel supply, it’s a good idea to treat it with a fuel stabilizer like Sta-bil or one of the others on the market (just be sure to use the appropriate diesel treatment for diesel engines or gasoline stabilizer for a gas engine).