RV Antifreeze vs Generic Antifreeze (Towable)

[Hoopy Frood]

I always look at it like, relatively, cheap insurance.

But there always seems to be posts about leaks after a winter storage. Not just on this forum, but just about any RV forum. I just don't want to be one of those. I've been behind the Nautilus and don't want to go again...ever.

 

[Keebler]

I'm with you Rich. Over 25 years of not using antifreeze and never had an issue. And -30 to -40 degrees is common in the winter here. Pex and soft hose are very resistant to bursting from freezing anyway. Taps etc are all high points so water doesn't pool there, but I leave them open. Plastic fittings are more susceptible to breaking from freezing, but the pex always droops below them to the coroplast so any residual water pools in the pex.
Also A/F makes the water taste bad for about a month. Although I'm told it is cheap A/F that causes that. And I guess back in the '90's, the last time I used A/F I probably bought the cheap stuff....because you are literally pouring money down the drain. lol. (P-Traps)

Are you clearing lines with air?

 

[ajg617]

I always look at it like, relatively, cheap insurance.

But there always seems to be posts about leaks after a winter storage. Not just on this forum, but just about any RV forum. I just don't want to be one of those. I've been behind the Nautilus and don't want to go again...ever.

That's how I detected my blue valve leak - pink stuff on the floor under it - had to replace the valve. I have a drip tray with a sensor but drips just missed the tray. Dealer winterized it while in for repairs and I suspect their big pressure tank had too much pressure to get more rigs winterized (it was a contract company). And yes, that's twice now - blue valve and blank tank inlet split. It's not fun back there. But I have to put something in the p-traps and also run the washer cycle - it doesn't like air.

 

[dryfly]

I've always just used the generic pink and been fine - never an issue.

I've used the cheap stuff from Walmart for 5 years and have had no issues. I can't tell that it affects the taste of the water in any way.

 

[trailrydr]

I've used the cheap stuff from Walmart for 5 years and have had no issues. I can't tell that it affects the taste of the water in any way.

Also agree...... cheap insurance, quick and easy for winterization/de-wintinterization, and never had an issue with taste/smell after purged with fresh water from plumbing system.

 

[Scott'n'Wendy]

Are you clearing lines with air?

Yes I am using air

 

[Scott'n'Wendy]

and never had an issue with taste/smell after purged with fresh water from plumbing system.

Ya, my experience with A/F is pretty old since I realized I didn't need it. Formula has probably come a long way since 1995...lol

 

[Scott'n'Wendy]

I always look at it like, relatively, cheap insurance.

Either way done properly gives good results. Just as either way done improperly will lead to plumbing problems..lol
One caveat though...if you have an 'on demand' water heater, I don't know if it is possible to 'blow it out' with air.

 

[ajg617]

Either way done properly gives good results. Just as either way done improperly will lead to plumbing problems..lol
One caveat though...if you have an 'on demand' water heater, I don't know if it is possible to 'blow it out' with air.

What do you do with your p-traps?

 

[Scott'n'Wendy]

What do you do with your p-traps?

Pour a bit of A/F down them. I buy a gallon of A/F every 5 years or so

 

[Dragfam1127]

A guy I know says he only uses RV antifreeze sold at RV shops for winterizing his towable. He says the RV type contains additives for the water pump etc and is better than the generic stuff like "Winter Proof" antifreeze for pools, spas, RV, cottages etc.

I've always just used the generic pink and been fine - never an issue.

I'm wondering if there is any truth to what he is saying?

I have bought the pink rv antifreeze at Menards for several years and never had any issues.

 

[Mrmikek]

Propylene Glycol is extremely toxic to cats even in small quantities, less so to dogs. Just sayin.

What foods contain propylene glycol?
Foods That Contain Propylene Glycol
Seasoning blends.
Dried soups.
Salad dressings.
Baking mixes for cakes, muffins, biscuits, pancakes, etc.
Powdered drink mixes.
Flavored teas.
Soft drinks.
Alcoholic beverages.