Technical Lay up of van

[Mully59]

Hi, Please can anybody tell me the best thing to do with my Ducato based Motorhome. It’s the engine part that concerns me, is it best to start it and let it run till it’s hot once in a while or leave it till all travel back to normal. Its a 2013 2.3 multi jet
Thanks Muly

 

[varesecrazy]

Hi Muly

How long do you plan to have it off the road?

2 months..2 years.. it will depend

Exposed to low temps?

Charlie

 

[Mully59]

The lay up depends on this Coronavirus, could be 3 months or more!

 

[varesecrazy]

As its the warmer part of the uk seasons..
I would just disconnect battery
(trickle charge once a month)

And leave widows down a fraction..so air circulates

No need to touch coolant. And oil will be ok..

But probably a good idea to do an oil change once its got a run in September.

My old ducato got a 20/30 minute drive every 6 weeks in the winters ( waited for dry roads..)when I had it.. no issues

 

[varesecrazy]

Gorlech Stone

 

[rayc]

I regularly use my Ducato based Motorhome to go abroad for 2 months at a time. Whilst gone I leave my car as it is with no special measures and they, a Fiesta and Peugeot 107 at different times, have always started first time on my return and been very reliable. Are Ducato's so weak they need special measures for a couple of month lay ups?

 

[varesecrazy]

Are Ducato's so weak they need special measures for a couple of month lay ups?

No..
But people have the mindset of concern currently

The peugeots I have owned were no BETTER after a few months rest.. than if used daily

In my mind.. unless the lay.up of a vehicle means No movement and an over winter exposed to the elements.. I just wouldnt bother with
'Precautions'

My 1st camper Autosleeper.. had been used as a hobby vehicle.. 5 summer months..then sorned

Tyres needed replacement every 3rd MOT due to perishing/bulges.. sat loaded too long

I used it LOTS .. no issues

Did the same with 1990 ducato.. no issues