Is there a special antifreeze for RVs?

June 2023 · 5 minute read

PROPYLENE GLYCOL – This type of antifreeze is only available in RV shops. It is non-toxic and the safest for all types of RV plumbing. This antifreeze is non-flammable and does not taint water systems. Propylene glycol is a lubricant and will actually work to extend the life of the seals in your toilets and faucets.

What is the difference between RV antifreeze and marine antifreeze?

RV antifreeze is designed to be pumped into the plumbing system of an RV and is therefore non-toxic, like marine antifreeze. In contrast, auto antifreeze is toxic and should not be used in your boat engine. This is something to bear in mind when choosing RV antifreeze for use in your boat.

What is different about RV antifreeze?

RV antifreeze can be ethanol-based, propylene glycol-based, or, less commonly, a blend of both ethanol and propylene glycol. Propylene glycol-based antifreeze is the safest antifreeze for all aspects of an RV plumbing system. Unlike ethanol-based antifreeze, propylene glycol-based antifreeze is non-flammable.

Can I use regular antifreeze to winterize my camper?

The answer is, yes, especially if you are winterizing your RV. Antifreeze will help stop any residual water from freezing in your lines and tanks while it’s sitting idle through the winter, but you can also use it while camping in colder climates when the outside temperatures may dip to below freezing.

Is plumbing antifreeze the same as RV antifreeze?

It’s important to note that RV antifreeze is not the same as antifreeze you use in your car. RV antifreeze is non-toxic and designed for use in the plumbing systems of your RV, whereas automotive antifreeze is often toxic and can only be used in the engine cooling system of your car.

How many gallons of RV antifreeze do I need?

You’ll need at least 2 to 3 gallons of RV antifreeze depending on the size of your rig. b) Use your RV’s internal water pump. If you use the water pump, you’ll need to install a pump bypass kit if it’s not already equipped since it draws from the RV’s fresh water tank and you don’t want antifreeze in there.

Which RV antifreeze is best?

Best RV Antifreeze Reviews & Recommendations 2021
Best Overall. Camco RV Antifreeze Concentrate. Best Value. Splash RV and Marine Antifreeze. Best Multi-Pack. Star Brite Non-Toxic Antifreeze. Premium Pick. Camco RV Winter Kit. Most Versatile. Peak RV and Marine Antifreeze. Honorable Mention. RecPro RV Antifreeze. Honorable Mention.

How do I get the antifreeze taste out of my camper?

After flushing your water system for several minutes, your water should taste clean and fresh, but if it still has a residual antifreeze taste, you can add baking soda to help remove this unpleasant flavor. Simply sprinkle baking soda directly into each drain or dissolve it in water and pour it down the drains.

Can you use windshield washer fluid as RV antifreeze?

If you really want to save the cost of RV antifreeze, dump some salt in the drains. DO NOT use windshield washer fluid in the potable water tank or water lines! You can winterize your entire rig with 2 gallons or less of the regular RV antifreeze.

Can I put RV antifreeze in my freshwater tank?

The RV Doctor’s Orders

It can be easier to pump it backwards through a faucet spout using a backflow kit with a hand pump, but it is totally acceptable to pour the antifreeze directly into the fresh tank and use the RV’s water pump to pump it throughout the system as well.

Is it safe to drink RV antifreeze?

RV antifreeze is used in the plumbing systems of your RV while automotive antifreeze is used in your car’s coolant system. RV antifreeze is always less toxic, as automotive antifreeze completely and totally poisonous and should never be consumed.

At what temperature does RV antifreeze freeze?

There are two options for RV antifreeze: minus 50 F or minus 100 F freeze burst protection. The minus 50 degrees F antifreeze has an ice point of +12°F. However, it can freeze at full strength at +12°F, but freezes at minus 50°F.

Will RV holding tanks freeze?

When exposed to prolonged temperatures below freezing, RV holding tanks will freeze. Some RVs can handle the frigid winter elements, whereas others will freeze more quickly. Four-season RVs typically have heated underbellies and tank heaters to help prevent tank freezing, though those things can fail.

Can RV black tanks freeze?

Tanks that are exposed to outside temperatures need some kind of insulation to keep them from freezing. Prolonged temperatures below freezing will eventually freeze a tank, either preventing you from dumping or preventing you from getting the fresh water you need.

How do you put RV antifreeze in a camper?

Connect a piece of clear tubing to the inlet side of the pump and put the other end into a one gallon container of non-toxic RV antifreeze. Turn the water pump on and pressurize the system. Starting with the closest faucet, slowly open the hot and then cold valves until antifreeze appears.

Does antifreeze hurt RV water heater?

The antifreeze won’t hurt the tank, but don’t forget to flush it out before firing it up next spring.

Can RV antifreeze go down the drain?

So, can RV Antifreeze go down the drain? RV Antifreeze used on your RV water lines can be safely dumped down the drain, its nontoxic, and is in fact used in many cosmetics. Automotive antifreeze (Ethylene Glycol) is toxic and should be disposed of safely.

Is RV antifreeze septic safe?

The propylene glycol or ethanol used in RV antifreeze, however, are both safe for your septic system and won’t cause any damage when used in appropriate quantities. You never want to do this with automotive antifreeze, but ethanol and propylene glycol are safe enough in small quantities that you won’t do any damage.

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