Your RV generator is the heart of your home on wheels. It powers your air conditioner on sweltering days, keeps your refrigerator running, and ensures your lights stay on when the sun goes down. A well-maintained generator offers freedom

and peace of mind, allowing you to boondock in beautiful, remote locations without sacrificing comfort. However, neglecting this critical piece of equipment can lead to frustrating breakdowns and expensive repairs right when you need power the most.

Regular maintenance extends the life of your generator and ensures it operates efficiently and quietly. While some tasks require professional attention, you can perform many simple checks and services yourself. By staying proactive, you protect your investment and ensure your next adventure isn’t cut short by power failure.

This comprehensive RV generator maintenance guide covers the essential steps to keep your equipment running smoothly for years to come.

Why Is Regular RV Generator Maintenance Important?

Consistent maintenance prevents small issues from becoming major problems. Generators are complex machines with engines that require clean oil, fresh fuel, and proper airflow to function correctly. Without regular care, fuel can degrade and clog the carburetor, oil can lose its lubricating properties, and filters can become blocked. These issues reduce efficiency, increase noise, and eventually cause the generator to fail.

Regular service also ensures safety. A poorly maintained generator can make hazardous exhaust fumes or pose a fire risk. By sticking to a schedule, you ensure your family remains safe and your travels remain uninterrupted.

How Often Should I Check the Oil Level?

You should check your generator’s oil level every 8 to 10 hours of operation. If you are using the generator continuously, shut it down, then check the oil level. This should be done daily and I, personally, will do this in the morning when ‘tailgating ‘ or ‘boondocking’. Running a generator with low oil is one of the fastest ways to cause catastrophic engine damage. Most modern generators have a safety shut-off switch for low oil pressure, but you should never rely solely on this fail-safe.

To check the oil, ensure the generator is on a level surface and turned off. Allow the generator to set for a few minutes, not running, to allow any oil in the top of the engine to drain back down into the oil pan. Remove the dipstick, wipe it clean, reinsert it, and then check the level on the ‘dip stick. If it is low, add the manufacturer-recommended oil type in small increments, checking frequently to avoid overfilling.

When Should I Change Oil and Filter?

Most manufacturers recommend changing the oil and oil filter every 100 to 150 hours of operation, or at least once a year, whichever comes first. However, for a brand-new generator, you often need to perform the first oil change after just 20 to 50 hours. This initial “break-in” period is crucial for removing metal particles that accumulate as engine parts seat together.

Regular oil changes remove contaminants and ensure the engine remains properly lubricated. Always refer to your specific owner’s manual for the exact intervals and oil types required for your model.

How Do I Maintain the Air Filter?

Your generator needs a steady supply of clean air to burn fuel efficiently. A clogged air filter restricts airflow, causing the engine to run rich, lose power, and consume more fuel. You should inspect the air filter every 100 hours and replace it if it looks dirty or damaged.

If you frequently camp in dusty or sandy environments, you will need to check and replace the air filter much more often. Replacing an air filter is typically a quick and inexpensive task that pays off in better performance and longevity.

Tech Tip : place a large ( 3’ X 4’) heavy rug or mat under the generator to prevent dirt and debris from being kicked up into the air filter and generator end of the unit.

What Is the Proper Way to Exercise the Generator?

Generators are designed to run, not sit idle. When a generator sits unused for long periods, moisture can build up in the engine or the rotor of the generator and seals can dry out. To prevent this, you should “exercise” your generator by running it for at least two hours once a month with a load on it.

Simply starting the engine isn’t enough; you must put it under “load.” This means running appliances such as the air conditioner or a space heater to force the generator to work at about 30 to 50 percent capacity. Running under load heats up the generator rotor, drying out moisture and keeping the engine components lubricated.

How Does Fuel Quality Affect Performance?

Fuel degrades over time. Old gas can break down and form varnish and gum that clog the carburetor and fuel lines. This is the number one cause of starting problems

in RV generators. To prevent this, add a fuel stabilizer to your RV’s gas tank if you plan to store the rig for more than 30 days.

Run the generator for long enough to ensure the treated fuel reaches the carburetor. If your generator runs on diesel or propane, fuel degradation is less of a concern, but you should still ensure your fuel lines and connections remain in good condition.

Why Should I Inspect the Exhaust System?

A leaking exhaust system is a serious safety hazard. Carbon monoxide is odorless, colorless, and deadly. Before every trip, inspect your generator’s exhaust pipe for damage, rusted holes in the tail pipe, or loose connections. Ensure the tailpipe extends beyond the RV’s perimeter so fumes vent away from windows and vents.

If you hear loud or unusual noises coming from the exhaust while the generator runs, shut it down immediately. Do not use the generator until a professional has inspected and repaired the exhaust system.

How Do I Clean the Spark Arrestor?

Many of the smaller RV generators are equipped with a spark arrestor, a small screen in the muffler designed to catch hot particles and prevent fires. Over time, carbon deposits can clog this screen, reducing engine performance.

You should clean the spark arrestor every 500 (Onan) hours. Most models have a clean-out plug on the muffler. With the engine cool, remove the plug and run the generator for a minute to blow out the carbon. Always perform this task in a safe area away from dry grass or flammable materials.

When Should the Spark Plugs Be Replaced?

Spark plugs ignite the fuel-air mixture in the engine. Worn or fouled plugs can cause hard starting, rough running, and misfires. Check your spark plugs every 100 hours and replace them every 400 to 500 hours, or as recommended by your manual.

Inspect the gap, using the proper tool for measuring the gap, on new plugs before installing them to ensure they meet manufacturer specifications. A properly gapped and clean spark plug ensures reliable starting and smooth operation.

How Do I Troubleshoot Common Generator Problems?

Even with the best care, issues can arise. Here are a few common problems and quick checks:

• Generator won’t start: Check the fuel level in the motorhome as most will stop pulling fuel out of the fuel tank around ¼ of a tank. This ensures you cannot empty the fuel tank while running the generator and get stranded.
• Generator starts but shuts down: Check for low oil level when the generator is NOT running. This is one of the main reasons generators are brought into the shop.
• Generator runs rough: The carburetor could be starving for fuel due to low fuel in the fuel tank or cracked fuel lines (older RVs). One of the spark plugs may be fouled.
• No power output: Check the circuit breaker on the generator itself. It may have tripped due to overload.

How Do I Store the Generator for Winter?

Proper storage is vital if you don’t plan to use your RV during the winter months. Following an RV generator maintenance guide is especially critical during this phase. Before storage, you should:

• Change the oil and filter to remove contaminants that could corrode engine parts.
• Add fuel stabilizer to the fuel tank and run the generator to circulate it.
• Disconnect the battery or use a trickle charger to keep it maintained.

• Using a Phillips screwdriver, open the drain screw at the bottom of the carburetor ‘bowl’ and catch the gasoline in a small cup (not styrofoam) and pour back into the fuel tank
• Check for any signs of rodent nesting or rodent droppings and vacuum out then start the generator.

Taking these steps ensures your generator will be ready to fire up when spring arrives.

When Should I Call a Professional?

While you can handle oil changes and filter replacements, some tasks require specialized tools and expertise. You should seek professional help for:

• Internal engine repairs
• Electrical component failure (stator, rotor, control board)
• Fuel system overhauls (carburetor rebuilding)
• Major exhaust system repairs
• Diagnostic troubleshooting for persistent issues

Attempting complex repairs without the proper knowledge can lead to further damage or safety risks. A qualified technician can diagnose issues accurately and ensure repairs meet safety standards.

Keep Your Adventures Powered Up

Your RV generator is a robust machine designed to provide comfort and convenience on the road. By dedicating a small amount of time to regular care, you keep it reliable for years. Consistent oil changes, exercising the engine under load, and keeping filters clean are small investments that pay huge dividends in performance and longevity.

Don’t let a neglected generator leave you in the dark. If you are unsure about performing specific maintenance tasks or suspecting a deeper issue, professional assistance is the best course of action.

For comprehensive inspections, difficult repairs, or routine service you simply don’t have time for, trust the experts. Our team understands the intricacies of RV power systems and provides the care your rig deserves. Contact Blue Moon Mobile RV today to schedule your RV repair service and keep your generator running strong.