RV Miles Podcast

422. Do Diesel Additives Actually Work? A Fuel Chemist Explains

August 23, 2026·57 min
Episode Description from the Publisher

In this episode, we dig into two big questions RVers love to debate: should you really be using a diesel fuel additive, and where should RVers be allowed to park overnight? First, we talk about a public library in Maine that found itself unexpectedly listed as an overnight camping spot on iOverlander. That leads us into a bigger conversation about free overnight parking, responsible boondocking, the “freeloader” label, and whether more towns should be creating low-cost or free spaces for RV travelers instead of simply putting up “No Camping” signs. Then, we’re joined by fuel chemist Jessica Crabtree from Power Service to break down what diesel additives actually do. We talk cetane, lubricity, CP4 fuel pump failures, cold-weather gelling, biodiesel, water and microbial growth, injector deposits, and why the diesel coming out of the pump may not always be ideal for modern engines. Plus, we talk about Winnebago’s latest production cuts, a new RV tailgating experience at Soldier Field, the increasingly frustrating state of package delivery, and a whole lot more. *Get links and more in the show notes at https://RVMiles.com/422 *Support RV Miles and independent RV journalism 👉 https://rvmiles.com/milemarkers *Curated, not regurgitated. Sign up for the RV Miles Newsletter: https://rvmiles.com/mailinglist/ *HOMECOMING tickets are on sale: https://rvmiles.com/homecoming Support our Sponsors: *Check out all Blue Ox has to offer at https://BlueOx.com *Find all the RV parts and gear you need at etrailer: https://www.etrailer.com/vehicle-finder.aspx?etam=p0001 *Get 30% off your next mattress from Brooklyn Bedding at https://rvmattress.com/rvmiles with code RVMILES *Get a free quote on an extended RV warranty at https://wholesalewarranties.com *Find Liquified at https://liquifiedrv.com/ and get 20% off with code RVMILES Track SSTK_MUSIC_ID  437726– Monetization ID MONETIZATION_ID AMXDXB4BX5FLHUYE 00:00 Sponsors 01:16 Episode Preview 01:42 Welcome Back Updates 03:28 Library Parking Debate 18:24 Sponsor Break 19:51 Diesel Additives Interview 37:51 Tank Check 38:16 Winnebago Plant Closures 41:57 Soldier Field Tailgate RVs 45:53 Shipping Delivery Frustrations 53:43 Listener Survey Thanks 56:19 Episode Wrap

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