With dropping temperatures, your RV needs some extra precautions for protection from cold. Freezing temperatures can cause water to expand which can eventually result in leaks or burst pipes in the RV’s water system. Winterizing your RV is necessary to protect it during winter months. Flushing water from lines and swapping it for antifreeze is one of the main points in winterizing.
This specialised solution will stay in liquid form even at the lowest of temperatures providing high protection for your RV piping. If you're not sure about the type of RV antifreeze to use or how to apply it, you should get guidance to ensure your RV is well-winterized. So, read on to discover the truth.
What is RV Antifreeze?
Some RV enthusiasts call it the pink stuff but we should remember that RV coolant comes in different colors. Regardless of its hue, this liquid serves a crucial purpose: its freezing point is significantly lower than that of water. Through the process of removing the water from your RV's plumbing lines and replacing it with antifreeze, you protect your system from the adverse effects caused by freezing temperatures which would have led to expansion and bursting.
Typically, RV antifreeze solutions come in two main varieties: ethanol or propylene glycol based. While both effectively lower the freezing point of the solution, propylene glycol offers an additional benefit: it also increases the solution’s boiling point. The RV antifreeze types typically used at Camping World Service Centers have an outstanding freezing point of -50℉ ensuring excellent cold protection.
Choosing RV Antifreeze
When it comes to RV antifreeze, there are three main types: ethanol, propylene glycol, or a blend of both. Ethanol and propylene glycol lower any remaining water’s freezing point in your tank. For best results, drain out the water as much as you can before pouring in RV antifreeze, especially in areas that experience frequent cold snaps. The type and brand of antifreeze have a big influence on its actual result for your particular case.
In milder climates, cheaper ethanol RV antifreeze might be enough. Anyway, more often are the propylene glycol-based types preferred due to several reasons. They are non-flammable hence much safer compared to ethanol-based counterparts and they also give lubrication needed for maintaining your plumbing system's seals. Further, the propylene glycol antifreeze leaves little trace of taste or odor compared to the ethanol based ones which tend to linger longer. Foremost, propylene glycol not being toxic to humans when used properly makes it suitable even for the freshwater aquariums.
A word of caution: stay away from propylene glycol products made from recycled chemicals, as they are likely to include unwanted contaminants from airport antifreeze, rendering them dangerous to consume. Trusted brands offering pure, virgin propylene glycol RV antifreeze are Walmart's Super Tech RV, Walmart's Marine Antifreeze, and Camco's Easy Going 50.
Another option is to do away with the traditional antifreeze by ensuring to completely purge water from the whole plumbing system by using high air pressure. Take an antifreeze for the lubrication purpose and to thaw the remaining liquids in plumbing p-traps.
Use Of RV Antifreeze
Utilisation of RV antifreeze is prime in safeguarding your RV plumbing system from freezing during cold weather. Here's how to use it effectively:
Clearing Pipes
Pipe draining should be done before addition of antifreeze. This is achieved by employing gravitational or compressed air force which evacuates the remaining water.
Adding Antifreeze
RV antifreeze can be put directly in the plumbing lines either on its own or mixed with the remaining water. This prevents your system from freezing and any damage it chances to sustain.
P-Traps
Add antifreeze into the p-traps of sinks and showers so as to avoid them to freeze completely and thereby suffer damages.
Grey and Black Tanks
Putting antifreeze in the grey and black tanks prevents the waste from freezing, hence you can dump it even in winter.
De-winterizing
Once it’s time for another use of your RV, it’s time for de-winterizing. This is achieved by flushing the freshwater tank and the entire system with freshwater to get rid of the antifreeze.
Proper Disposal
Make sure when draining antifreeze it goes into a designated dump station, sewer hole, or septic tank. Avoid pouring it onto the ground, because it is toxic even if marked as nontoxic.
Following these steps, you can successfully use RV antifreeze to protect your plumbing system from cold, allowing it to warm up smoothly.
Is RV Antifreeze Toxic?
The toxicity of RV antifreeze differs depending on the type you choose.
RV antifreeze based on propylene glycol is generally considered non-toxic and safe in RV plumbing systems and holding tanks. Nevertheless, make sure that your RV's freshwater system is completely flushed out and disinfected so you can eliminate all the leftover anti-freeze before de-winterizing.
Never pour RV antifreeze onto the ground when eliminating it. Proper disposal is a must to stop harm to plants and animals should they be eaten. Rather than that, follow the given disposal guidelines so that it is disposed of safely and in an environmentally friendly manner. Through these measures you can safely use RV antifreeze without risking the environment or the wildlife.
How Much RV Antifreeze Do You Need?
Making sure that you have enough antifreeze is important when winterizing your RV as it is imperative to keep everything safe from damage during the harsh winter months. The amount of RV antifreeze depends on the size and layout of your motorhome plumbing layout. Typically, antifreeze will be roughly around 2 to 3 gallons to properly winterize your RV. However, in most cases you should refer to your owner's manual or consult a professional on how much exactly you will need for your specific RV. On the contrary it is preferable to have a bit of surplus even at the beginning than in the middle of the process to run out of stock. Please do not forget that when you winterize your RV properly you can save yourself a lot of headaches and money later on so it is worth taking the time to do it right!
How Long RV Antifreeze Last?
Did you know that RV antifreeze can last for 1 to 4 years when opened? That's quite a range! But how can you tell if it is still usable? anyway, if there is no expiry date on your bottle, you have nothing to worry about. Simply give it a tinkle. If you see bubbles then you should say goodbye to the antifreeze – it’s expired.
To make sure your RV antifreeze stays potent for as long as possible, here are some tips: The original sentence sounds wordy. In the rewritten sentence the unnecessary words have been removed and the topic sentence has been clearly identified.
1. Don't open those bottles till you're ready to winterize them. Keep them busy, don't let them idle around long enough.
2. Store your antifreeze in a cool, dry place out of direct sunlight. Consider dark places like in a garage.
3. Look out the thermometer. If the temperature exceeds 50℉, then bring those bottles inside. Sunlight and heat are more harmful to your antifreeze than you'd assume.
How Portable Power Stations Power Your Winter Trip?
Take on winter, adventurer! It is necessary to consider devices to power up in case of emergency and convenience. The power stations fitted with the portable power solution provide you with a robust solution to your stay powered up challenge at any place you choose to roam. Let's dive in on how BLUETTI products could be your source of power on your winter trip and ensure you are connected even in the coldest of weather conditions.
BLUETTI AC180
The BLUETT AC180 inverter is multi-purpose, offering convenience both for at-home and away-from-home power supply. Its rugged build and consistent output are characteristic features of this unit. The technology generates up to 1,800W constant power and supports Power Lifting Mode under 2,700W output, which is ideal for winter travel because it has enough to heat spaces using high-energy devices like space heaters and electric blankets. That comes with quite a number of outputs including AC, USB, DC, and wireless charging, it is very convenient in situations such as off-grid living or on the road adventures. Besides, with batteries like B80, B230, and B300 you have an uninterruptible power supply and can go on with your outdoor adventures even if needed for antifreeze modes. The high charging rate and Super Charger feature mean it's quick to recharge, so no matter where you are, you will always have available power whether at home or in the wild.
BLUETTI AC70
BLUETTI AC70 portable power station has 1,000W continuous power that can handle such loads as hairdryers, kettles and heaters. The important thing is that its Power Lifting Mode can be used to handle up to 2,000W. Providing up to 500W solar input, It takes 2 hours to be fully-charged but charges at different rates due to the impossible variable conditions With its influential turbocharging at 950W, it can provide you with power before going on the road, and it’s even compatible with a car-charger. Comes with the safe LiFePO₄; it still retains 80% capacity after 3000+ cycles backed by an intelligent BMS and a 5-year warranty for the excellent and stress-free ride. Useful for any journey during the winter, it gives you enough electrical power wherever you go using heaters and other important equipment without worrying about running out of this energy.
BLUETTI AC60
The BLUETTI AC60 power station can generate up to 1,200W, which is enough to charge high-wattage devices such as hair dryers and thus ideal for winter getaways. 7 outlets covering come to life allowing users to plug in fridges, blankets, phones and laptops for convenience. IP65 rating for water and dust resistance, quiet operation (<45dB), and the capacity can be expanded. It is manufactured using aluminum alloy, a material that is strong and can last for up to 10 years. Its Smart Technology including Intelligent BMS, MPPT controller, and Power increase for maximum performance. Also, Turbo Charging with a boost in AC power after 1 hour, guarantees you're ready when you are for your winter camping escape, leaving you alone with all the reliable power even in the cold season.
Final Thoughts
By adding antifreeze you make sure that your RV is protected against harsh winter conditions. With these recommendations and steps, your RV's plumbing is to avoid blockage and breakdowns, thereby saving you more bucks and subsequent plumbing issues. Watch out for the type and the quantity of antifreeze that you should use, make sure your RV is properly seasoned, and have it checked every now and then for any frost leaks or issues. Caveats it – correct humanization: By following due care and regular maintenance, you will be able to have trouble-free travels in your RV this season.
