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Tips for exercising your RV generator

January 2010 RV Tips and Advice by Rich Howard

Running your RV generator every month is necessary, even when you don't plan on using it anytime soon.

According to veteran RV technician Mark Polk, gas generators need to be exercised with at least a half rated load for a minimum of two hours every month. It is extremely important that you run it with this minimum rated load, which can be found in your owner's manual.

Your owner's manual will also have information on maintenance intervals. Polk writes on RVtechtips.com that it's better to run generators for longer periods of time rather than for several shorter intervals. You can monitor your usage on the generator itself by using its hour meter.

Generator maintenance includes changing the oil and air filter, much like you do on your car or your motorhome. Again, the owner's manual for your specific unit will have recommendations on maintenance schedules.

Polk points out that in addition to power, generators generate carbon monoxide gas that can be deadly if the unit isn't working correctly. It's imperative that you have a carbon monoxide detector in your RV and that you test it often.

Symptoms of carbon monoxide poisoning include vomiting, dizziness, headache and the inability to think coherently.

If your generator is omitting this dangerous gas, turn it off immediately and do not use it until the unit has been inspected and repaired by a professional.

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RV Expert Center

Tips for exercising your RV generator

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