Two questions from a ‘newish’RTV owner.

N

NT5224

Member
Hi folks!

About four months into RTV x1130 ownership and starting to feel like we’re really making use of this incredible machine!

But I’ve got two questions for more experienced owners.

First, given that many users use their RTVs over relatively short distances and may switch them on and off regularly, what do people go to maintain charge on the battery? I’ve taken to just running my RTV continuously until final shut down. We live in an extremely hot climate which is punishing on batteries. But should I be leaving it on trickle charge in the shed or something like that?

Second question. We need to raise the bed to check engine oil on an RTV. And the RTV needs the engine to turn to raise the bed. So how do you get an accurate oil dip? Do we need to
Leave the RTV parked overnight with bed raised to check oil in the morning? Any suggestions or guidance appreciated!

Cheers

Alan
 
Welcome aboard. These machines are real work horses and will also along time if properly maintained.

1st: My habit is to shut my x900 off anytime I'm stopped for more than just a few minutes. I know it results in a lot more work on the starter, but it's an old habit. Having said that, my x900 is a 2014 model and still has the original battery. I've never used any supplemental charging such as a maintainer. The down side is that I had to replace the contacts in the starter, but that was $35 or $40. The last battery I bought was a lot more than that. Like I said, that's my habit.

2nd: On my x900, with the engine stopped, you can push the hydraulic dump lever all the way forward, or down, past the "down" position and it will stay in a detent which is a float position. Then you can manually raise the bed.
 
Starting the engine to raise the bed won't affect your oil level that much,just start raise shut off and check then wait a minute and check again you will see what i mean. The battery shouldn't be loosing charge just from starting. If you have alot of electronics radios amps etc then your draw you might need a bigger amp alternator. Check your charge volts and report back
 
I put 11,000 miles and 1,700 hours on my 2014 X900 and never replaced the battery and had no starter problems. It always started well in winter when temps were below 10 degrees. I turned it off when I was going to be more than a minute at one spot. I checked my oil when hot - just gave it a minute to drain back. As long as the oil is within the lines it is OK! With my X1100C I do the same and now with three full years of operation and 6,500 miles and more than 700 hours I have not had any issues with the battery and starter. These are robust machines. The only problem I had - with both machines - is a slight coolant leak. Both had very slow leaks due to poor clamping. I noticed these leaks only after running and parking overnight on the garage floor. Very slight, but it did show up eventually in the recovery tank. I ended up having to take the skid plate off under the driver seat to find the leaks. I replaced the clamps and the problems were solved.
 
I run a battery maintainer on mine and all of my small engine items, 2 portable generators, quad, Kubota skid steer..
 
Everyone pretty much gave you all the good advice you need. I too either park (inside) with dump box raised and if not I just start, raise it and then wait a minute or two and check oils.

I also have a battery tender (maintainer). It came with the ends that bolts on my battery posts and have a plug. So I have that plug and my block heater plug zip-tied together on top of the battery box cover. Now I just have a single point to plug everything in when I park.
 
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