brighten the ambiance. In today’s bearing, most people have already turned their attention to the most convenient way – A generator. So it’s not a surprise when there’s a new method, the most beneficial one, that exists in the marketplace. Still, everything seems gradually become complex to operate, unlike the traditional way. But the advantage of employing this machinery is that it is not only helpful for the lights alone, but it can also run other appliances in your RV.
Despite these practical advantages it brought to the public, you have to consider that this machine also comes with upfront supervision that you have to take seriously. Your regular maintenance is the necessary step for its functionality and its best performance. Otherwise, you will run the risk of possible failures or damages. Hence, to help you know the tips in maintaining the RV generator, the following might be of great advantage:
Change the Oil
Changing the oil in your RV generator is a must. Like what you usually do in an oil change on a motor vehicle, you also want the oil of your RV generator to be warm. Hence, most manufacturers highly recommend changing its oil after 50 hours and every 150 hours afterward. You also need to change the oil filter and top off its coolant levels.
If you constantly expose your RV to a hot environment, you must regularly change its oil. You have to remember that you need to perform it at least once a year with the same type of oil. Otherwise, it will affect the generator’s air filter efficiency and life span. Above all, since there are various types of oil in the market, you have to check carefully your manual to pick the best and the right one.
RUN THE RV GENERATOR FREQUENTLY
Like every human must do, a generator also needs to have a little exercise. Even the best and expensive RV generators require you to use regularly to keep things running smoothly. Hence, most experts recommend that you need to keep the electric starter’s battery fresh and charged every few months. In addition, you may try turning on your air-condition or other appliances inside your RV to ensure that your generator runs at least 50% load capacity.
Since you won’t need to panic around about where and how to charge your battery, an hour or more generator wake-up call would suffice your hectic time and even save your effort when something hits adversely. Before you clean and run your dusty RV generator, you need to do it in an area where it has enough airflow for you to be safe from breathing harmful chemicals. Hence, it would be best to be upfront about this matter and consider this as one of your responsibilities that you need to take seriously.
CHECK THE FUEL LINES
Your generator’s fuel lines may damage as time passes and with enough usage. It may become torn, cracked, or even clogged, blocking the gas supply from traveling the fuel system. In this situation, your RV generator might not start or work efficiently. However, you don’t need to worry about this always has a solution.
You can do some DIY to replace the fuel line to clear the clogged by simply purchasing in the market. It is available in many sizes and what’s more reassuring is that you can buy it at low prices. Hence, before everything becomes too late, check the fuel lines every year to know if there’s damage to address this problem immediately.
CLEAN OR REPLACE THE AIR FILTER
Most electrical experts would say that if your air filter looks old and dirty, you need to replace it with a new one. This filter will eventually wear down with the longest time and use. Hence, if this will damage, it means that you need to replace it immediately before it has considerable effects on your generator. If you decide to clean the air filter instead of replacing it, you need to be cautious as much as possible to prevent further damage.
Meanwhile, if you want to replace it, you need to do it every 150-400 hours if you reside in a dusty environment. If you ask which of the two choices is suitable, you should replace it to avoid unforeseen problems ahead. You don’t have to worry about its price as it is the same as the generator fuel lines; it is also relatively cheap. In the end, regardless of how much you spend on one piece of equipment, it will still assure you that your immediate action when it comes to the generator’s air filter will be all worth it.
CHECK THE BATTERY
Like any other equipment, your generator’s battery needs to have a maintenance check to assure its efficiency. It will help if you clean it well at least once per month, primarily if you are residing in a dusty environment. There are various ways on how you can safely clean your battery.
First, you need to wear protective gloves and goggles; this can protect you from battery acid, which is harmful if it gets on your skin and even in your eyes. Second, unhook the generator’s battery connections and begin with the negative. Third, clean it with a battery acid buildup; then spray its connections lightly using water to rinse off any remaining chemicals and dry them with a clean towel. Lastly, try to reconnect the terminals, and it should start with the positive.
Conclusion
As an RV owner, one of your responsibilities is maintaining in good condition every piece of equipment you have inside, including your RV generator. If you perform this regularly, it will prevent any possible damages. However, you have to remember that despite its thorough preparation and preventive maintenance, it is still inevitable that some equipment will damage due to the most extended years of being used or wear and tear. Above all, the information mentioned above is still wholly enforceable, especially for those with little basic knowledge about this matter.