Brumeiser
Toledo, Ohio
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Joined: 09/03/2003
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What is everyone opionion on using fuel stabilizers in their fuel tank? We were going to wait till spring to fill up tank since we are at a 1/4 of a tank. With our gas discount at Giant Eagle we can fill up the motorhome for 2.06 a gallon. I just don't trust the prices what they will be in the spring to fill it so my wife wanted me to ask here to see what the opions are from everyone. Thanks.
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campercajun
Central Texas Hill Country
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Joined: 08/09/2007
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I have been adding Sta-Bil to my lawn equipment gas cans, each time I fill them up, for years. That way, if I use a piece of equipment, and don't use it again for several months, the fuel is stabilized, and the equipment will start right up next spring. I use it in a lawn tractor, 3 lawnmowers, 2 lawn vacs, 2 Echo gas blowers, 1 Echo multi-tool powerhead (weedeater, edger, hedge trimmer, etc.), 1 gas edger, 2 Echo chainsaws, and a Honda motor scooter. I also use Sta-Bil in my 1965 Corvair, which I don't drive a lot during the winter months. My neighbor, and small-engine mechanic, told me years ago to do this, and I wouldn't have to bring my pieces of equipment to him each spring to clean and rebuild the carburetors and fuel systems in order for them to crank and run properly. By telling me this, he talked himself out of the money he would have made off me if I had not taken his advice, he saved me a lot of money, and he knew what he was talking about. I haven't had a piece of equipment fail to start or need fuel system work each spring for several years. You may not use the Sta-Bil brand, but I highly recommend fuel stabilizer for any gasoline engine that is not going to be run regularly for several months. It works.
2003 GMC Sierra Crew HD; 6.0L; Prodigy
2006 Thor Tundra 30RL-DSL; Reese Strait-Line & Dual-cam HP
2001 Honda Elite Scooter
Jim & Gayle Bryant
Murphy's Law: "Anything that CAN happen, WILL."
Bryant's Law: "31 years of RVing? Probably already HAS."
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Cool Mike
Mendocino. Calif.
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Joined: 06/24/2006
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I use Sty-Bil when I use anything, but with such a large tank it takes a lot. I use 4 bottles for a full tank of 50 gal, and run the generator as well as the MH after you put it in the tank, to get it up to the engines.
Its normally a good idea to store your tank full, as you wont get condensation, but I understand with the cost of gas, that might be down in the spring, and then again, maybe not.
We live in Calif. so we use our MH all year.
I would even cover it, if we ever stopped using it long enough to make it worth it.
2001 27' Four Winds Class-C E-450 V-10.
Buick Park Ave Ultra, Ford Ranger PU, JD 500 backhoe.
1941 Farm All "A"
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Gale Hawkins
Murray, KY
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Joined: 07/22/2007
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I have moved from Sta-Bil (which works) to Sea Foam because it not only stablizes the fuel but also cleans the fuel system plus it has many other uses.
Not everyone thinks adding anything is needed but I have noticed my small gas engines start better a year later using the Sea Foam.
Sea Foam was a little hard to get at one point because for about the first 50 years they sold through automotive houses but now Wal-Mart has picked it up and it is under $6 for 16 oz. even after all the fuel price increase.
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JudoJeff
Southwick, MA
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Joined: 08/06/2008
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I add it to all my fuel, boat, RV, etc and never had a problem in the Spring. Highly recommend using Sta-Bil or other product.
I do run lawnmower and boat engine until the fuel is gone. Don't like having it in the system over the long Winter.
* This post was
edited 10/14/08 07:00am by JudoJeff *
K1BE Jeff
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rjmiv
Broomfield, CO
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Joined: 05/25/2007
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I store my RV with a full tank. I use Sta-Bil - mostly for the Generator. I also try and run the RV and Generator every 3-4 weeks for about 30-40 minutes. So far that has worked.
I have a snow blower - the mfgr. suggested running it dry at the end of the winter - said the small engine didn't really "like" Sta-bil and it was better to store over the summer with a dry tank.
Rick & JoAnne Morgan and Sandy (9 year old Shepherd and Husky mix)
2007 Winnebago Aspect 26A
Our RV Travels
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Roadfrog
Chilliwack, BC Canada
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Joined: 04/27/2001
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Quote:ts normally a good idea to store your tank full, as you wont get condensation
One of the biggest myths out there. Fuel tanks don't condensate and when one understands how condensation works, (opposing interior/exterior temperatures, etc), one realizes that it's nearly impossible. Even if you couldn't be convinced of the above, a 50 cent bottle of gas line antifreeze (methyl hydrate) will cure it at the start of next season.
As for Sta-bil (or other generic, but similar product), YES - use it. I use it in my mowers, pressure washer, boat, Mustang Cobra, etc. Prevents varnishing of fuel lines, carbs, etc. One bottle goes a LONG way. I believe one bottle of Stabil treats about 40-50 gallons. Never had a fuel issue after removing from storage.
Cheers
Chris
1999 Winnebago Itasca Spirit 29N
1988 Campion Allante 195
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Frosty's Mom
SW Idaho
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Joined: 01/29/2008
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we have used sta-bil in our motorcycles when it's going to be 6 wks-2 mos before we ride again...haven't had the occasion to use in our MH yet, but never had a problem with the bikes starting again (also using trickle chargers). when we took a beginning m/c mechanics course, we were shown how to syphon off the condensation (interesting)--keep it out of the tank, but then i've always tried to park it full as well.
wee3-gin, clyde & the bichon frise
2003 Minnie Winnie 30V - "The Frosty Hauler"
May the Angels guide your wheels and ride on your shoulder.
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PapPappy
Wilmington, NC
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Joined: 12/23/2007
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I've had a tank full of gas (with Sta-bil) in our home genset for about 2 years now, and it still starts after 2-3 pulls. I run it about 15 minutes/month (with a 1500W hair dryer as a load) and it's going strong. Neighbor has the exact same genset and didn't use any....we were cleaning the carburetor last week, so now he's convinced that we need to treat and test run. When I'm ready to test run, I'll give him a call, and we do them together!
I put a large bottle of Sta-bil in my 55 gallon tank on the MH...as I wasn't sure when we'd be out again. As it was, I did use it, and will be using it again in 2 weeks. I'll add more Sta-bil, once we figure we'd done for the winter. And, I'll add it to a full tank. Not just for the condensation, but in order to have a full tank, in the event we need to evacuate our area (Hurricanes, etc). That full tank of gas will get us about 400 miles.....and then, we can worry about refilling!
So, YES, use the additive. I'd also recommend adding a bottle of fuel treatment (STP, etc.) every 3-4 tank fulls in your cars as well. It helps to clean the gunk out of the injectors and fuel systems. I had to pay about $600 to have the system cleaned on a Blazer, and ever since, I'll spend the $1.00 for the little bottle ever couple of tanks. Cheap insurance!
DH Bill / DW Claudia / DD Jenn / DS Chris
The Paps! Sophie, Abby, Brandy, Kahlie and Annie 
2000 Winnebago "Minnie" 31C, Ford V-10
Purchased April Fools Day, 2008 
The Pets
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Cool Mike
Mendocino. Calif.
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Joined: 06/24/2006
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Frosty, I hope roadfrog doesn't read about your being taught a myth about condensation, and how to remove it.
I do know a bit about humidity, due point Etc. And do store gas and diesel in above ground 550 gal tanks for service trucks and equipment. And moisture in the air on top of the fuel can turn into condensate when its temp reaches the due point, then you have moisture settling in the bottom of the tank. And that's why the tanks are equipped with small drain plugs or valves on the bottom and at the lowest point of the tanks, both gas and diesel to remove condensate.
Just like the gas tanks in the wings of light aircraft, that you drain off as part of your walk around preflight inspection, or is that a myth also?
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