Last updated: March 2026

GENERATOR MAINTENANCE

RV Generator Maintenance Services

Your RV generator is the backbone of your off-grid comfort. It powers the AC, keeps the fridge running at the campsite, and charges the batteries when solar alone isn't cutting it. But generators don't take care of themselves. They need regular oil changes, fresh filters, and periodic load testing to stay reliable. We've been maintaining Onan (Cummins), Champion, and Generac RV generators across Martin County for over 14 years. We handle all the routine maintenance at your location so you never have to haul your rig to a shop.

A quick note: we provide generator maintenance services. That means oil changes, filter replacements, spark plugs, air filters, load testing, and storage prep. We don't do internal engine rebuilds or major overhauls. What we do is keep your generator in the condition where it doesn't need those things.

TL;DR

We maintain all RV generators in Palm City and Martin County. Oil/filter change $85-165, spark plugs $65-125, air filter $45-95, full maintenance $175-350, load test $95-175. We come to your location. Onan, Cummins, Champion, Generac. Call 772-271-5270.

RV generator maintenance and diagnostic service in Palm City
On-site generator maintenance and diagnostics

Oil & Filter Change

Clean oil is the single most important thing for generator longevity. We drain the old oil, replace the filter, and fill with the correct weight and quantity for your specific unit. Onan QG series, Champion, Generac. We bring the oil and filters with us. $85-165.

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Fuel System Cleaning

Stale fuel is the number one killer of RV generators. Ethanol-blended gasoline breaks down in as little as 30 days and leaves gummy deposits in the carburetor. We clean the fuel system, replace the fuel filter, and treat the fuel with stabilizer to prevent future buildup.

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Spark Plug Service

Worn spark plugs cause hard starting, rough idling, and reduced power output. We pull the old plugs, check the gap and condition, and install fresh ones gapped to factory spec. It's a simple job that makes a noticeable difference in how your generator starts and runs. $65-125.

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Air Filter Replacement

A clogged air filter restricts airflow and makes the generator run rich, wasting fuel and building up carbon. Florida's sandy, dusty storage lots are tough on air filters. We check and replace them as part of every maintenance visit. $45-95 depending on the unit.

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Load Testing

A generator that starts doesn't necessarily mean it's healthy. Load testing verifies it's producing its rated wattage at the correct voltage and frequency. We progressively load it up and monitor output. If the numbers sag, it tells us exactly what needs attention. $95-175.

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Generator Winterization

Even in Florida, extended storage takes a toll on generators. We add fuel stabilizer, run it through the system, change the oil, service the battery terminals, and prep the unit for downtime. When you're ready to use it again, it'll fire right up instead of giving you headaches.

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PRICING

Generator Maintenance Pricing

Here's what our maintenance services typically cost in Palm City and Martin County. Pricing varies by generator brand, model, and what's included. We give you an exact quote before starting any work.

ServicePrice Range
Oil & Filter Change$85 - $165
Spark Plug Service$65 - $125
Air Filter Replacement$45 - $95
Full Maintenance Service$175 - $350
Load Testing$95 - $175
Technician starting maintenance work on an RV generator
Getting set up for a full generator maintenance service
SIGNS IT'S TIME

Signs Your Generator Needs Maintenance

Hard Starting or Won't Start at All

If your generator cranks but won't fire, or takes multiple attempts to start, the most common culprits are stale fuel, fouled spark plugs, or a dirty air filter. Generators that sit idle between trips are especially prone to this. The ethanol in modern gasoline breaks down fast in Florida's heat, leaving deposits in the carburetor that restrict fuel flow. A basic maintenance visit with fresh plugs, a fuel system treatment, and a new air filter usually solves it.

Generator Starts Then Shuts Down

When your generator fires up but dies after a few seconds, it's often the low-oil shutoff kicking in. Check the dipstick. If the oil level is fine, the fuel filter or carburetor may be partially clogged, letting enough fuel through to start but not enough to sustain operation. A fuel system cleaning and filter change typically resolves this. We also check the fuel pump on units that have one.

Surging or Uneven Running

A generator that surges (the RPM rises and falls rhythmically) usually has a fuel delivery issue or dirty carburetor. It can also happen when the air filter is so clogged that the engine can't breathe properly. Surging puts extra stress on the generator's voltage regulator and can damage sensitive electronics in your RV. Don't run appliances on a surging generator. Call us for a maintenance visit.

Dark Exhaust or Fuel Smell

Black or dark exhaust smoke means the generator is running too rich, which usually points to a clogged air filter or a carburetor problem. A strong fuel smell during operation can indicate a leaking fuel line or an overly rich mixture. Both waste fuel and create carbon buildup inside the engine. A fresh air filter, fuel system check, and carburetor cleaning bring things back to normal.

HOW IT WORKS

Scheduling Generator Maintenance

1

Tell Us About Your Generator

Call 772-271-5270 or use our online form. Let us know the generator brand, model, and approximate hours if you have them. Tell us what maintenance you're due for or if you just want a full service. This helps us bring the correct oil, filters, and plugs on the first trip.

2

On-Site Maintenance

We come to your campsite, driveway, or storage lot. We perform the maintenance items you've requested and inspect the overall condition of the generator, fuel lines, exhaust, and electrical connections. If we notice anything that needs attention, we'll let you know before doing additional work.

3

Test and Verify

After completing the maintenance, we start the generator and run it under load to confirm it's operating properly. We check voltage output, frequency stability, and listen for anything unusual. You get a summary of what we did and a recommendation for when you should schedule the next service.

Mobile RV generator maintenance service
Mobile generator maintenance at the customer's location
FAQ

Generator Maintenance Questions

How often does an RV generator need an oil change?

Most manufacturers recommend every 100-150 hours of run time or at least once a year, whichever comes first. If you're running your generator frequently in Florida's heat, you might want to change it closer to 100 hours. Dirty oil breaks down faster at high operating temperatures and leads to accelerated wear on internal components.

How much does RV generator maintenance cost?

Oil and filter changes run $85-165, spark plugs are $65-125, air filter replacement is $45-95, a full maintenance service covering everything is $175-350, and load testing runs $95-175. The exact price depends on your generator brand, model, and what's included in the service.

What's included in a full generator maintenance service?

Our full service includes an oil and filter change, new spark plugs, air filter replacement, fuel system inspection, exhaust system check, electrical connection inspection, battery terminal cleaning, and a load test to verify the generator is producing its rated output. We also clean the exterior and check for any developing issues.

Do you work on Onan and Cummins RV generators?

Yes. Onan (now Cummins Onan) generators are by far the most common RV generators we maintain in Martin County. The QG 4000, QG 5500, and QG 7000 are the models we see most often. We carry oil filters, air filters, and spark plugs for all of them. We also maintain Champion and Generac portable generators that many RV owners use.

My generator starts but shuts down after a few seconds. What's wrong?

This is usually a fuel delivery issue or a safety shutoff triggering. Low oil level is the most common cause. Generators have a low-oil shutoff to protect the engine. Stale fuel, a clogged fuel filter, or a carburetor issue can also cause it. Check your oil level first. If that's fine, it's likely time for a fuel system cleaning and filter replacement.

Should I exercise my RV generator when it's in storage?

Absolutely. Run it under load for at least 30 minutes every month, even when you're not using the RV. Generators that sit idle develop stale fuel in the carburetor, corroded electrical contacts, and dried-out seals. Monthly exercise keeps fuel moving, lubricates internals, and charges the starting battery. It's the single best thing you can do to avoid problems.

What does a generator load test show?

A load test verifies that your generator is actually producing its rated wattage at the correct voltage and frequency. We connect a meter and progressively load the generator up to its rated capacity. If the voltage drops or the frequency wobbles under load, it tells us the generator needs attention, usually maintenance items like plugs, filters, or a carburetor cleaning.

Do I need to winterize my RV generator in Florida?

Not in the traditional sense, since it doesn't freeze here. But if you're putting the RV in storage for more than a month or two, we recommend adding fuel stabilizer to the tank, running the generator long enough to circulate treated fuel through the system, changing the oil, and disconnecting or maintaining the starting battery. This prevents stale fuel buildup and protects the engine during downtime.

How long does a generator maintenance visit take?

A basic oil and filter change takes about 30-45 minutes. A full maintenance service with plugs, filters, and a load test runs about 1.5 to 2 hours. We do everything at your location, so you don't have to bring your RV anywhere. We'll give you a time estimate when you schedule the appointment.