DIY Network

Generator Maintenance and Eco-Friendly Cleaning Learn how to maintain your RV's generator and clean with eco-friendly products. From "RV Roadtrips" episode DRVR-106

The Dennings use the RV's generator at every North Carolina State University Wolfpack game to power up the electricity and the RV's appliances.

Host Gary Bunzer shows them how to get into the habit of performing a routine generator checklist that will keep operating smoothly at for every game. Some of the checklist items include, checking the oil level before each trip, keeping the cooling fins cleaned, checking the muffler system and generator's start battery as well as tightening any loose mounting bolts.

Gary then takes Barbara Denning through cleaning the interior of the coach--using eco-friendly products that are safer for the family

The Denning family RV at home...

and on the road at the NCSU home game.

advertisement

Figure A

Materials:

cleaning solvent in spray bottle
cloths for cleaning generator area

Tools:

voltage meter
screwdriver

Generator Checklist

• Check the oil level before each trip.

• Keep the cooling fins clean.

• Check the entire area for built up grime, including the crank case.

• Spray the carburetors with cleaning solvent, making sure to get the intake assembly.

• Spray the linkage (figure A) for the carburetor and the governor with a lubricant and make sure it can move freely.

• Make sure all appliances are off before starting and stopping the generator.

• Tighten loose mounting bolts.

• Check the muffler system to make sure RV hasn't bottomed out lately which can cause damage to the generator's exhaust capabilities.

• Check the generator's start battery.

• Check the electrolyte level.

• Check the voltage using a voltage meter. It should register between 12.65 and 12.70.

Note: A fully charged battery will typically measure 12.65 to 12.70 volts DC.
In some instances, the voltage could be slightly higher. Some batteries will measure a higher voltage right after being charged and before the "surface" charge has been removed.

Page  1 | 2