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Generator maintenance is an easy and quick DIY task.
Words by Jessica Rider
One of the main purposes of a generator is to substitute for shore power while at a campground with limited services. If you own one and run it regularly, you are ultimately using it to power the converter, charge your house batteries or run certain systems and appliances.
They are convenient to have late in the season or even when you need a backup source of power. However, it’s very discouraging when it doesn’t work and you lose power. Typically, they are easy to maintain and can be done by most DIYers. However, they do require a little TLC. By following all of these steps you’ll be rest assured to have portable power when you need it.
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With proper generator care, you can use all of your systems with ease.
- Be sure to start your generator and let it run at least once a month for about an hour with a load, meaning with your A/C or another similar system. Generators shouldn’t sit idle for long periods and should be used according to manufacturer recommendations. When a generator is idle too long, fuel can become ‘sticky’, which will make it hard to start and even result in surging issues.
- Always inspect fluid levels and filters at least every 50-100 hours. If they are low, replenish them and replace filters as necessary. It’s also a good measure to inspect the spark plugs and replace them if needed.
- During regular use, let your generator warm up and cool down properly (anywhere from 5-10 minutes) to avoid unnecessary wear and tear.
- Before an RV trip, always do a trial test with the generator and the systems you will be powering. Start and run it with a load for 30-60 minutes and make sure it starts and cools down properly.
- Lastly, have a good service tech on call in case you need a more serious repair or require troubleshooting advice.
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Don’t get left in the dark and powerless during your next RV trip.
With simple, routine maintenance you can keep your generator working properly and ready for any type of RVing you plan to do in any season. It’s also a good idea to create a maintenance checklist not only for your generator but for other essential systems as well.
Happy Camping!