Why do so many Diesel Motor home owners think it is necessary to start up and idle the diesel 20-30 minutes before pulling out of the site. I have experienced some that have let it run 45 minutes. And they always seem to do shortly after 6am while everyone else is still trying to sleep. Lets not forget the concept of common courtesy, or maybe perhaps they don’t realize they are unnecessarily annoying everyone near them.
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How Long Do You Really Need to Idle an RV Diesel Engine
I don't expect you to take my word for it so I emailed Cummins customer support. I couldn't run the complete reply because it's too long for this article but here are the key parts:
The definitive reply is contained in your Operation and Maintenance manual for the engine. The guidelines are set for extreme conditions such that the engine is protected if one follows the guidelines.
<snip>.... your engine will last relatively longer or shorter depending on how well you abide by the suggestions in the O&M manual. If it's not severely cold out and you're using high quality, clean 15W-40 engine oil or 10W-30 below 70 deg. F, you may start the engine, let it idle for 10-15 seconds and slowly drive away (at modest power levels) with no ill effects.
Cummins does NOT recommend excessive idling of the engines, since it can cause excessive carbon buildup on the pistons, piston rings, injector tips, valves, etc.
>>> http://rvbasics.com/techtips/rv-diesel-engine-idle.html
I have received a few e-mails from readers that tell me their motor home requires as much as six minutes to build up air pressure in the braking system. Here's my reply.
"You're right, of course about building up air pressure for your motor home's braking system. That issue is not specifically 'excessive engine warm up', which was my complaint, but is a reason for idle at startup.
However it's not an excuse to annoy your neighbors. Especially if you're one who likes to leave the RV park at the crack of dawn. Many diesel motor homes have an auxiliary air compressor and so do not require the engine to be running in order to build air pressure. It's my opinion that responsible owners of diesel powered motor homes should have auxiliary air compressors."
Now I don't want you to think I'm obsessed with diesel engine noise or that it's some kind of ‘cause' for me... I'm not and it isn't.
I probably tolerate diesel engine noise as well as the average RVer does.
I don't hate diesel engines or the people who own them. I accept the diesel engine as part of RVing. But a few RVers have the idea that because their RV came from the factory with a noisy diesel it's somehow not there fault when they wake the neighbors while leaving the RV park at 5 a.m. I just thought someone should say, ‘it is your fault and you have an obligation to mitigate the noise as much as you possibly can.
So perhaps a little education might be in order, to both their benefit & everyone else’s. The roar of the diesel, and the choking smell of the fumes on a nice quiet beautiful morning is a bit more than I want endure… especially when it is not necessary. So a little courtesy will go a long way. Couple this with those that leave the campground blowing their big air horns to announce their departure to the entire campground… can we all say… “Yes…Goodbye Already”! … or should we really rejoice and sing along with the horns that play “On the Road Again”. Please, a little thought & courtesy.
I’m usually not one given to criticize others… but it would be nice if they stop this insane practice?
Thank You….Thank You….Thank You….
