How Often to Change RV Oil

RVs are a great way to travel and experience the outdoors. However, maintaining an RV can be a daunting task, especially when it comes to changing the oil. How often to change RV oil depends on several factors.

How often you should change your RV’s oil will depend on a few things: the distance you’ve driven since your last oil change, the time since your last oil change, and the recommendations from your oil brand and, most importantly, the recommendations from your RV or engine manufacturer. Gasoline engines in RVs should have their oil changed every 3,000 to 5,000 miles, while diesel engines should have their oil changed every 5,000 to 7,000 miles. This is just a general guideline, and the frequency of oil changes may vary depending on your specific RV and usage.

We’ll cover everything you need to know about RV oil change frequency in this guide.

Why Changing RV Oil is Important

Regular oil changes are essential for maintaining the longevity and performance of an RV’s engine. The engine oil lubricates the engine components and helps to prevent engine wear, which can lead to expensive repairs down the road.

RVs, especially motorhomes, have an internal combustion engine that requires routine maintenance just like any other vehicle. The frequency of oil changes will depend on a few factors such as the driving environment, fuel type, engine type, and oil type.

Diesel engines, commonly found in motorhomes, require more frequent changes than gasoline engines due to their high power and combustion chamber temperatures. Synthetic oils may also require more frequent changes in extreme temperatures or mountainous roads.

Regular oil changes also help to improve fuel economy and reduce emissions. Fresh oil helps to lubricate the engine and reduce friction, which in turn reduces the amount of power needed to operate the RV, resulting in better fuel economy.

Changing the oil is a relatively simple task that can be done by a mechanic or even a DIY enthusiast with the right tools and knowledge. To change the oil, one will need a drain pan, oil filter wrench, funnel, and wrench or socket to remove the oil pan drain plug.

It is important to keep a maintenance log and follow the manufacturer’s recommended maintenance schedule to ensure the engine is running at its best. Neglecting routine maintenance, including oil changes, can void the warranty and lead to costly repairs.

How Often to Change RV Oil

When it comes to changing the oil in an RV, there are a few factors to consider. The frequency of oil changes will depend on the distance driven since the last oil change, the time since the last oil change, and the recommendations from the RV or engine manufacturer.

Most RV experts recommend changing the oil at least twice a year, regardless of mileage. This is especially important for RVs that sit for extended periods as oil can break down over time and lose its effectiveness.

For gasoline engines, it is generally recommended to change the oil every 3,000 to 5,000 miles. For diesel engines, the recommended interval is every 5,000 to 7,000 miles. Always follow the manufacturer’s recommendations, even if they vary from the above figures.

It’s important to note that older or higher mileage RVs may require more frequent oil changes. Additionally, if the RV is primarily driven in the city rather than on the highway, more frequent oil changes may be necessary.

In addition to changing the oil, it’s also important to regularly check the oil level and condition. If the oil level is low or the oil appears dirty or contaminated, it may be necessary to change the oil more frequently.

Overall, it’s important to follow the manufacturer’s recommendations and to stay on top of regular oil changes to ensure the longevity and reliability of your RV’s engine.

Gasoline Engine	Diesel Engine
Every 3,000 to 5,000 miles	Every 5,000 to 7,000 miles
Check oil level and condition regularly	Check oil level and condition regularly
Follow manufacturer’s recommendations	Follow manufacturer’s recommendations
Older or higher mileage RVs may require more frequent oil changes	Older or higher mileage RVs may require more frequent oil changes
City driving may require more frequent oil changes	City driving may require more frequent oil changes

Factors to Consider When Deciding How Often to Change RV Oil

When it comes to RV oil change, there are several factors to consider. Here are some of the most important ones:

Engine Type

The type of engine in your RV will play a significant role in determining how often you should change the oil. Gasoline engines generally require oil changes every 3,000 to 5,000 miles, while diesel engines may need oil changes every 5,000 to 10,000 miles.

Driving Environment

The driving environment can also impact how often you need to change your RV’s oil. If you frequently drive on mountainous roads or in extreme temperatures, you may need to change your oil more often.

Mileage

The mileage on your RV is another important factor to consider. As a general rule, you should change your oil at least once a year, even if you haven’t driven very far. However, if you frequently take long road trips or drive your RV more than average, you may need to change your oil more often.

Oil Type

The type of oil you use in your RV can also impact how often you need to change it. Synthetic oil generally lasts longer than conventional oil, so you may be able to go longer between oil changes if you use synthetic oil.

Manufacturer’s Recommendations

Always check your RV owner’s manual for the manufacturer’s recommended oil change schedule. Following the manufacturer’s recommendations will help ensure that your RV runs smoothly and stays in good condition.

Routine Maintenance

Regular routine maintenance, such as checking the oil level and inspecting the engine, can also help you determine when it’s time to change your RV’s oil.

Oil Analysis

Oil analysis can provide valuable information about the condition of your RV’s engine and the quality of the oil. By analyzing the oil, you can determine if you need to change it sooner or later than usual.

Other Factors

Other factors that can impact how often you need to change your RV’s oil include the age of the engine, the type of oil filter you use, and the type of fuel filters you have. Keeping a maintenance log can help you keep track of when you need to change your oil and other routine maintenance tasks.

How to Change RV Oil

Changing the oil in an RV is a critical maintenance task that ensures the longevity and optimal performance of the engine. Here are the steps to follow to change the oil in an RV.

Here’s a great video walkthrough on how to change the oil in an RV:

Gather Supplies

Before starting the oil change process, ensure that you have all the necessary supplies, including fresh oil, an oil filter, an oil filter wrench, a drain pan, a funnel, and a drain plug. Ensure that you have the correct type of oil for your RV, whether it is synthetic or conventional oil.

Drain Old Oil

The first step in changing the RV oil involves draining the old oil. To do this, locate the oil pan and place the drain pan underneath it. Remove the drain plug to allow the old oil to drain completely. After draining the oil, replace the drain plug and tighten it securely.

Replace Oil Filter

The next step is to replace the oil filter. Locate the oil filter and use an oil filter wrench to remove it. Once removed, replace it with a new filter and tighten it securely.

Add New Oil

Using a funnel, pour the fresh oil into the engine. Ensure that you add the correct amount of oil as recommended by the RV manufacturer. After adding the oil, check the oil level using the dipstick.

Check Oil Level

To check the oil level, remove the dipstick and wipe it clean. Reinsert the dipstick and remove it again to check the oil level. Ensure that the oil level is within the recommended range.

Dispose of Old Oil

After completing the oil change process, dispose of the old oil responsibly. You can take it to a recycling center or an auto parts store that accepts used oil.

Frequently Asked Questions