Replaced 2 NOX sensors due to excessive idle time

[odonnell71]

Aloha - Replaced 2 NOX sensors on 2014 airstream yesterday due mainly to excessive idle time mainly to recharge coach batteries - it was covered under warranty... It is NOT suggested to idle for too long I recently learned as the magnesium from the DEF liquid "poisons" the NOX sensors and highway driving cleans it out apparently... Ive been doing a lot of "boon docking" but it takes its toll on the sensors... Both my warning lights tripped (not at the same time) on and I had only a few more hundred miles to go before diesel engine would not have started and would have had to tow it to Mercedes which was 3 hours driving from where I was (Outter Banks, NC). Virginia Beach mercedes mechanic named Stephen gave me the low down - Knowledgable and professional mechanic - Over and Out - Pat O'Donnell

[amirm]

Yes, the manual is specific about 30 minutes of highway driving if the engine is used below temp. This is standard issue with all diesel engines I have had from boat to tractors although not for emissions reasons in those.

Still, good information to have. Thanks for posting .

[KJRitchie]

Why not use the generator?

[amirm]

Originally Posted by KJRitchie

Why not use the generator?

The engine is so much more quiet and charges at 2 to 4 times faster rate than generator driven Magnum charger.

[KJRitchie]

Better than incurring expensive repairs once warranty is over or getting stuck down the highway because your sensors fail.

Better get some solar.

[amirm]

Solar is ineffective in our neck of the woods with wooded campground and such. And short duration of sunny weather.

My view of the interstate is that we bought it to use it not find ways to avoid it . If sensors go bad, sensors go bad. Our comfort is more important.

[amirm]

One other thing. Since conversion to Lithium at higher capacity (300 amp hour) I no longer have the need to top off the batteries after overnight usage. The idling was far more necessary with the standard AGM batteries. We always drive around during the day anyway and the charging comes that way now.

[InterBlog]

With the OP being toward southern CA, depending on where his/her/their trips are taken, solar and lithium might perform quite well for them.