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Bus Inactivity
Over the years on various forums there have been discussions and comments on the topic of how often to use or exercise a coach. At best we can only use anecdotal evidence as a guide to preventing problems relating to a coach’s lack of use, or what happens when a coach is not used.
I don’t think there is any doubt that lack of use has a negative impact. Often we see coaches 10 or 15 years old with very low mileage advertised for sale and buyers all giddy because they think they are getting a new coach at a bargain price.
Maybe. Maybe not.
Moisture and condensation are huge concerns on any bus that has not been used regularly. As temperatures vary up and down the humidity in the air finds its way into engines and fuel tanks and the result is corrosion or algae. But lack of use also impacts the entire coach. The degree to which the lack of use creates problems is variable so there cannot be any way of measuring the risk and results. We do know that storage in a constant temperature environment such as a garage is far better than storage outdoors. The temperature swings inside a garage are likely minimal, so concerns about condensation, algae, and surface rust are likely minimal. The interior is not exposed to the heat and cold or damage from the sun’s rays.
But there are so many factors that can have an impact it is impossible to do anything but generalize. For example if a coach is stored indoors and it has the aux compressor set to run as required that has the potential to load the pneumatic system with moisture unless steps are taken to remove the condensate.
Owners that start the engine and let it run once a month are not helping because unless the engine and all its fluids get up to normal operating temps condensation and the build up of acids in the oil can occur. If it is to be started once a month for example it is probably a good idea to drive it for enough time to get the temps up to normal, plus some additional time to allow the moisture collected by the cold engine to be driven from the oils. Otherwise, don’t even start it.
If it is not execised regularly provisions need to be made to keep the batteries in a good condition. Not only the house, but the chassis, the generator, and even converter specific batteries such as those in remotes, smoke alarms or standby batteries for the computer system.
Our suspensions are comprised of a large number of valves. If there is any moisture in the pneumatic system and they are not routinely exercised the moisture can corrode the inside of the aluminum valves and the resulting white corrosion can create drag or even build up to such an extent the valves cease to function. Maintaining the pneumatic system is critical, and frequent use of the suspension in all its modes keeps everything less likely to have problems. On two occasions now I have seen 5 port Norgren valves that failed to function due to the build up a a white paste which was the result of aluminum corrosion due to moisture in the system. It not only affects the suspension valves but can impact components in everything from the floor slide to protection valves.
Our brakes hate moisture or humidity. That shiny steel in the drums or on the discs quickly rusts. Depending on the type of brakes the friction material can bond to the surface of the disc or drum. But also the slack adjusters can start to bind and then the brakes drag. All of that is a problem. I recently saw a coach whose brakes dragged because the return springs could not overcome the drag imposed by grease or corrosion in the slack adjuster pivots. Just that issue alone could have caused a fire or serious damage, but the owner was on his toes and recognized the problem.
The outdoor storage is most damaging. The sun ruins the finish. But worse, even if the finish holds up well the interior suffers. If the coach interior temps are not maintained by air conditioning and get excessively hot (like our cars do) then the laminates can eventually lose their bond. Cabinets will have peeling formica and vitricor.
The point of all this is to make you aware that if you cannot use your coach, or even if you full time in the coach, nothing does more good than using the coach as intended. Drive the coach as often as practical, even if it is just to get coffee 50 miles down the road. Exercise all the systems, including the house systems such as the AquaHot or Webasto. Keep the fuel fresh. And when not in use try to get the coach under cover.
If you still have a job or business and cannot get away try to use the coach a weekend or two a month. And when you use it run everything through its paces so everything gets a chance to move freely. And that includes the generator.
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2 Replies
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I could not agree more Jon , mine does not sit that long 3 months off a year parked inside 50 amp power , I drove to town and back about every two weeks run everything , about 35 miles up hills and down good paved road 65 speed limit rush hour is bad you might meet two cars each way!!!!!!
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Like that new sig pic Peter. Have you started making a list of work on that coach yet?
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