tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7217655199368949730.post-45946504634156151352008-10-21T04:00:00.000-07:002008-10-21T04:00:02.360-07:00<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://rvtravel.com/blog/rvnow/uploaded_images/Desk-people-017-727943.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="http://rvtravel.com/blog/rvnow/uploaded_images/Desk-people-017-727939.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a>RV generators are great because they allow you to run all your electrical stuff without being hooked up to shore power. It’s not uncommon for us to pull off on a lonely roadside, fire up the generator and use the microwave to make lunch.<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://rvtravel.com/blog/rvnow/uploaded_images/P1070742-727978.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="http://rvtravel.com/blog/rvnow/uploaded_images/P1070742-727974.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a>On excessively hot travel days we use the generator to run both our air conditioners to keep the coach cool. Generators have become standard equipment on motorhomes and on many 5th wheels and travel trailers as well.<br /><br />RV generators provide 120 volts of alternating current (AC power) and are powered by gasoline, propane or diesel. Since generators are crucial to the RV lifestyle it is important to maintain them properly. <a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://rvtravel.com/blog/rvnow/uploaded_images/P1140275-709168.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="http://rvtravel.com/blog/rvnow/uploaded_images/P1140275-708632.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a>Maintenance procedures and intervals vary depending on manufacturer and model, so I recommend you consult your generator manual for guidance on the proper maintenance schedule.<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://rvtravel.com/blog/rvnow/uploaded_images/P1140270_2-708593.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="http://rvtravel.com/blog/rvnow/uploaded_images/P1140270_2-708568.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a><br /><br />Basic generator maintenance requires the following items be done:<br /><br />Change the oil and oil filter every 100 hours or once a year whichever comes first.<br />Change the fuel filter when required.<br />Clean or change the air filter every 50 hours of use or more frequently if operated in dusty conditions.<br />Check belts for cracks or fraying, bolts for tightness and fuel lines for leaks.<br />Check the antifreeze level on generators that are water cooled.<br />Record the hours so you know when to preform the next maintenance.<br /><br />The video below goes into detail on the basic maintenance procedures.<br /><object height="350" width="425"> <param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/T-4mepVYut0"> <embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/T-4mepVYut0" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" height="350" width="425"></embed> </object><br /><br />If you would like to receive up to date articles by the Professor of RVing, click on the orange RSS feed icon at the top in the blog heading. I need your help in reaching new readers so please take a moment to recommend this blog to your fellow RV friends who would benefit from this content. Thanks a million - Jim Twamley, Professor of RVing<div class="blogger-post-footer">Brought to you by <a href="http://www.rvtravel.com">RVtravel.com</a> & <a href="http://www.rvbookstore.com">RVbookstore.com</a><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/7217655199368949730-4594650463415615135?l=rvnow.rvtravel.com' alt='' /></div>Jim Twamleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04342410970007385658noreply@blogger.com8