There's a pattern that plays out at RV parks during power outages.

Shore power goes down. Everyone reaches for their generator. Half of them start right up. The other half — the ones that haven't been run in six months — crank and crank and don't start.

Don't be in the second group. Here's how to keep your generator ready.

The single most important thing you can do for your RV generator: run it under load for at least 2 hours every month.

Not just idle — under load. Turn on the air conditioner, run the microwave, use the generator the way you'd use it in an actual power outage.

Why this matters:

• Fuel circulation — fuel sitting in the carburetor and fuel lines breaks down and forms varnish. Running the generator circulates fresh fuel through the system.
• Lubrication — engine oil settles when the generator sits. Running it distributes oil to all moving parts.
• Battery maintenance — the generator's starting battery discharges slowly over time. Running the generator recharges it.
• AVR exercise — the automatic voltage regulator needs to be exercised periodically to maintain proper function.

Set a calendar reminder. Run it on the first of every month. This one habit prevents most generator problems.

Interval: Every 100 hours of operation, or once a year — whichever comes first.

For most RVers who run their generator occasionally, an annual oil change is the minimum. If you use your generator heavily (full-timing without shore power, extended boondocking), track your hours and change at 100.

What you need:

• Oil specified in your owner's manual (typically 15W-40 for Onan generators)
• Oil filter (get the correct part number for your specific generator model)
• Oil drain pan
• Funnel

The process:

1. Run the generator for 5 minutes to warm the oil
2. Shut down and allow to cool slightly (warm oil drains better; hot oil burns)
3. Drain the oil completely
4. Replace the oil filter
5. Refill with the correct oil to the specified level
6. Run briefly and check for leaks

Keep a log of oil changes with the date and hour meter reading.

Check and replace the air filter annually or every 100 hours. A clogged air filter reduces power output and increases fuel consumption.

The air filter on most RV generators is accessible without tools. Pull it out, hold it up to the light — if you can't see light through it, replace it.

Replace spark plugs every 150–200 hours or every 2 years. Worn spark plugs cause hard starting, rough running, and reduced power output.

Use the plug specified in your owner's manual. Gap the new plugs to the specified gap before installation.

If your generator will sit unused for more than 30 days, add fuel stabilizer (Sta-Bil or equivalent) to the tank. Gasoline begins to degrade within 30 days, forming varnish deposits that clog the carburetor and fuel injectors.

Add stabilizer at the correct ratio (per the product instructions), then run the generator for 10–15 minutes to circulate the treated fuel through the entire system.

Most RV generators have a low-fuel shutoff that prevents starting when the main fuel tank is below 1/4. If your generator won't start and you can't figure out why, check the fuel gauge first.

If your generator has been sitting for an extended period without fuel stabilizer, the carburetor may be varnished. Symptoms: hard starting, rough idle, surging, or won't stay running.

A carburetor cleaning kit and some patience can often resolve this. Severe cases may require professional cleaning or carburetor replacement.

Your generator has its own starting battery (separate from your RV's house batteries). This battery discharges slowly over time and may not have enough power to crank the generator after months of non-use.

Check the battery voltage periodically. A fully charged 12V battery should read 12.6V or higher. Below 12.0V, it may not have enough power to start the generator reliably.

If your generator battery is more than 3–4 years old, consider replacing it proactively.

Generator cranks but won't start:

• Check fuel level (above 1/4 tank?)
• Check choke position (cold starts need choke)
• Check air filter (clogged?)
• Suspect stale fuel or varnished carburetor if it's been sitting

Generator starts but shuts down after a few seconds:

• Low oil level (most generators have a low-oil shutoff)
• Overheating (check for blocked cooling vents)
• Low fuel

Generator runs but produces no power:

• Check the generator's circuit breaker (usually on the generator itself)
• Check the transfer switch
• May indicate a failed AVR (automatic voltage regulator) — requires service

Generator runs rough or surges:

• Dirty air filter
• Stale fuel or carburetor issue
• Spark plug condition

At Surfside Beach RV Park, shore power is reliable and all sites have full hookups. But a well-maintained generator gives you peace of mind for travel days and unexpected outages. Call 979-233-6919 with any questions about the park.