EFFING Winter

[B and C]

I bought a 10 watt panel and a 3 amp PWM controller to put on my GEO Tracker. It has worked for over a year. The GEO only gets run every couple of months but it is kept outdoors where the panel is in direct southerly exposure and a very short cable run (outside windshield to battery ~2ft). A too small solar charger on a too large battery is not a good idea. This reminds me of the solar lights on the fence, too small a solar panel and a large enough battery to run the lights all night. After the first few days, the lights only work about 3 hours after sundown and I live in the south.

[heron]

Oh, Brian, I'm sorry. It's a hard row. And a long one. I'll be thinking of you both.

David - I'm sorry to hear about your mother. I took care of mine in her last several years, and, yes, as much as she was gone, she was there.

Ed is physically in pretty rough shape, now, in addition to all the cognitive stuff; this particular disease hits one pretty hard on all fronts, and if he's lucky, he'll miss out on the real rough stuff. No telling. Despite his frailty, he's a tough old bird, as many YARCcampers can attest.

[sternwake]

Regarding starting the van monthly in an attempt to top charge the batteries....

If your 88 is like my 89, then the voltage regulator inside engine computer will seek 14.9v after starting and hold it for a period of time.

14.9v charges quickly. but all too soon my engine computer's voltage regulator would say Ok 13.7v is fine and dandy.

13.7v charges much much much slower, and not really worth idling the engine for. If yours behaves similarly then I'd not bother idling for long after it drops to 13.7v, and the coolant temp gauge might not even register normal running temps when this occurs. My VR proved to be unpredictable, but predictably insane.

Idling the engine sporadically in storage, has proponents on either side. Idling in winter is not going to get the oil hot enough to really burn off any condensation, which can make the oil acidic with enough time. But as long as the oil's acid fighting ingredients are not near worn out, it should not be an issue. Could be a good idea to change it before storage.

Much engine wear happens on a winter cold start as the oil is too thick to flow properly oil starvation can occur especially if revved, so a bunch of unrequired cold starts could affect engine life, to some degree

Many will say it is not good if only the engine gets hot and the transmission does not. One can put the dodge transmission in neutral to pump fluid though the cooler, which will then warm the ATF from the radiator's lower tank. But this then makes it even harder for idling to get the oil hot enough to burn off condensation.

The hot engine in a barn, might also attract varmints who then decide to make a nest on the intake manifold, chew wiring, and fight to get inside just to poop on your pillow.

If you can time your monthly engine starts on a nice dry day, I'd recommend getting everything good and hot, engine transmission and differential with a longer highway drive.

If you want, you can just check battery voltage after a month being unhooked , if it is still 12.6v plus then you might just give it another month before starting/driving it.

Driving it as opposed to just idling is good for the tires too. regarding premature sidewall cracking and flatspotting.
YOu might find them a bit low, so best to reinflate to proper pressures before going near highways speeds on them.

[American Nomad Patriot]

I heard using clothes dryer sheets and moth balls were good at keeping rodents away from engine compartments when stored. IDK for sure.

[sternwake]

I've heard that too, and one poster said it is better if the drier sheets have been used, so they smell like human.

Not sure much human smell makes it past detergent in the wash cycle so perhaps some lightly used clothes thrown in the drier with some drier sheets,.

If the human scent is the key then cut out the armpits of an old shirt after wearing it for a few days should do it.

[GotSmart]

I have had mice walk over me. They are not scared of my armpit.

[rvpopeye]

Thread title X2

[heron]

Thanks, as always, Stern. My preference would be to drive it periodically. I just really don't want it to get salt on it, then let it sit.

David, The van was stuffed right full of those things when I got it, and no mouse poop, so there's likely something to it. My problem with that stuff is that I've developed an allergy to those things in my old age. Just about lived to tell the tale cleaning it out. My son in law swears by Irish Spring which is strong, but doesn't bother me so much, so I'm keeping my fingers crossed on that one. Darn van came back from the shop with mice!

And, John, why wouldn't a cute little mousie love you?

[B and C]

Toe cheese? Couldn't help myself.

[heron]

Toe cheese?  Couldn't help myself.