6 Best Oil Cans For Winterizing An RV Engine Nomads Swear By
Protect your RV engine during winter. This guide covers the 6 best oil cans for winterization, as recommended by experienced nomads for reliability.
You’re parked for the season, the first frost is on the windshield, and it’s time for the most important ritual of the RV year: winterizing. While you’re focused on the plumbing, don’t forget the heart of your rig—the engine. A simple pump-style oil can is one of the most critical, yet overlooked, tools for protecting your engine from the corrosive effects of winter storage.
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Why a Quality Oil Can Is a Winterizing Essential
The task is simple: get a small amount of fogging oil into each cylinder through the spark plug holes. This coats the cylinder walls, pistons, and rings, preventing rust from forming as condensation builds up over the cold months. A cheap, leaky plastic bottle or a flimsy can turns this precise job into a messy, frustrating ordeal.
A quality oiler gives you control. You need to deliver a measured squirt of oil exactly where it needs to go, not dribbled all over the engine block. A good can has a pump that works consistently, a spout that doesn’t leak at the base, and a solid feel in your hand. This isn’t just about oiling a squeaky hinge; it’s about protecting a multi-thousand-dollar engine.
Think of it as an investment. Spending twenty bucks on a reliable oil can might save you from a catastrophic engine repair bill come spring. It’s the difference between a smooth startup and the gut-wrenching sound of scored cylinder walls.
Goldenrod 707: The Classic RV Engine Oiler
If there’s an iconic, no-nonsense oil can, the Goldenrod is it. You’ve seen them in old garages and workshops for a reason. They just work. The all-metal construction feels substantial, and the pump mechanism is famously reliable.
The Goldenrod 707 features a rigid spout, which is perfect for engines where the spark plugs are easily accessible. There’s no flex or wobble, giving you pinpoint accuracy when you’re aiming for that small spark plug hole. I’ve used the same Goldenrod for over a decade, and it has never once failed to deliver a clean, controlled stream of oil. It’s a tool built for a lifetime of use, not just a single season.
Plews LubriMatic 75-350 for Durability
Some tools get babied; others get thrown in a toolbox and knocked around. The Plews LubriMatic is built for the latter. Its seamless, powder-coated steel body is incredibly tough and resists dents and corrosion far better than a standard painted can.
This is the oiler for the full-time RVer or the nomad whose tools see hard use. The pump is zinc die-cast for longevity, and the whole thing feels overbuilt in the best way possible. While it might be a bit heavier than other options, that heft translates directly into durability. If you’ve ever had a cheap can get crushed in a crowded storage bay, you’ll appreciate the peace of mind the Plews provides.
ABN Flexible Spout Can for Tight Spaces
Engine access in RVs can be a nightmare. On many Class C or Class A gas models, reaching the rearmost spark plugs requires contorting your arms into spaces they were never meant to go. This is where a rigid spout oiler becomes useless, and the ABN Flexible Spout Can becomes your best friend.
The flexible spout lets you snake around hoses, wires, and engine components to get the tip of the oiler exactly where it needs to be. You can bend it to the perfect angle and it will hold its shape, freeing up a hand. While the flexible spout can be a potential weak point on cheaper models, ABN’s design is robust and resists leaking at the base. For engines with tight access, a flexible spout isn’t a luxury; it’s a necessity.
Lumax LX-1403 Heavy-Duty Pistol Oiler
For some, a thumb-pump oiler can be awkward to use, especially when you’re leaning over a wide engine bay. The Lumax LX-1403 solves this with an ergonomic pistol grip. Squeezing a trigger feels more natural and gives many people finer control over the amount of oil dispensed with each pump.
The build quality here is excellent. It has a heavy-duty die-cast head and a thick steel body that feels solid and balanced. The two-piece spout—a rigid section with a flexible tip—offers a great compromise between the precision of a fixed spout and the reach of a fully flexible one. If you find thumb-lever cans clumsy or fatiguing to use, the pistol grip style is a significant upgrade in comfort and control.
Dutton-Lainson: A Reliable USA-Made Oiler
There’s a certain confidence that comes with using a tool made with pride. Dutton-Lainson has been making oilers in the USA for generations, and it shows. These cans are built from heavy-gauge steel and have a classic, rugged design that prioritizes function over flash.
The pump mechanism is smooth and dependable, and the overall construction is designed to prevent leaks and last for decades. Choosing a Dutton-Lainson is about more than just buying an oil can; it’s about investing in a piece of equipment that you can rely on year after year. For those who prioritize domestic manufacturing and heirloom quality, this is the clear choice. It’s the kind of tool your kids will end up using on their own rigs one day.
Horusdy Pistol Grip Oiler: A Budget Pick
Let’s be practical. Not everyone needs a tool that will survive the apocalypse. If you only winterize one RV once a year and need something that just gets the job done without a big price tag, the Horusdy Pistol Grip Oiler is a solid budget-friendly option.
You’re trading top-tier materials for a lower price, but the core functionality is there. It has a pistol grip for easy operation and often comes with both a rigid and a flexible spout, giving you options. The reality is, it might not last 20 years, and the seals may wear out sooner than a premium model. But for the price of a couple of coffees, it will get your engine fogged and protected for the winter, and sometimes, that’s all you need.
Choosing Your Oiler: Spout and Capacity Tips
Picking the right oiler comes down to your specific engine and your personal preference. Don’t just grab the first one you see. Think about how you’ll actually use it while leaning over your engine.
Here are the key factors to consider:
- Spout Type: Check your engine first. If you have clear, direct access to your spark plugs, a rigid spout offers maximum durability and precision. If you have to reach around obstacles, a flexible spout is non-negotiable.
- Pump Mechanism: This is purely about ergonomics. A traditional thumb pump is simple and effective. A pistol grip offers better leverage and control for many people, reducing hand fatigue.
- Capacity: Bigger is not better here. A 1/2 pint or 1 pint (8-16 oz) can is plenty for winterizing. A smaller can is lighter, easier to maneuver in tight spaces, and ensures you’re using fresh fogging oil each season.
The best oil can is the one that makes a critical maintenance task easier and cleaner. Assess your needs, spend a few extra dollars for quality, and you’ll have a reliable tool that helps protect your RV’s engine for years to come.
In the end, a good oil can is a small piece of insurance. It’s a simple, inexpensive tool that performs a vital job in protecting your engine from the damaging effects of off-season storage. Choose wisely, and you’ll be rewarded with a smooth, healthy engine start when adventure calls again in the spring.
