Do I really need RV antifreeze?
Many people believe that blowing out the RV water lines vs adding antifreeze to the plumbing lines is an either/or thing. However, whatever method you use to winterize your RV, you’ll still need to use antifreeze. Before you attempt to winterize your RV, refer to the owner’s manual for the exact steps for your RV.
What is the best antifreeze for RV?
Product Review
- Camco RV Winter Readiness Kit. The Camco RV Winter Readiness Kit is the best overall RV antifreeze according to our research. ...
- Star Brite Non-Toxic Antifreeze. The Star Brite Sea Safe antifreeze is made of a non-toxic substance that is safe for even aluminum. ...
- RecPro RV antifreeze. ...
- Camco Easy Going RV and Marine Antifreeze. ...
- SPLASH RV & Marine Antifreeze. ...
Will RV antifreeze harm a septic system?
Yes, RV antifreeze is completely safe for septic systems, since it’s a non-toxic substance. What’s more, it’s even biodegradable. 1. With a hand pump kit 2. With a water pump converter kit First, you need to attach your RV’s city water inlet to the outlet hose of the pump. The pump intake hose then needs to go into your container of antifreeze.
Will RV antifreeze hurt animals?
RV antifreeze “straight from the bottle” could definitely be harmful to animals; it’s either made from alcohol or propylene glycol, both of which can be toxic in larger amounts. Cats are particularly sensitive to propylene glycol.
What happens if you consume RV antifreeze?
You can safely ingest small amounts of RV antifreeze, especially if the bottle is labeled as safe, non-toxic, and/or non-hazardous. Generally, propylene glycol-based antifreeze is non-toxic and safe to ingest in small amounts. Because it's non-toxic and safe to ingest, you can run it through your freshwater system.
Can I dump RV antifreeze on the ground?
No, you shouldn't dump RV antifreeze on the ground, even if it says it's non-toxic and biodegradable. Because it is a still chemical material, dumping RV antifreeze on the ground will be harmful to the environment on many levels. Often, materials used in RV antifreeze are flammable too.
Will RV antifreeze make you sick?
Make sure you purchase RV antifreeze and not the green junk that goes in your car's radiator. For the most part,m RV antifreeze is pink, the green stuff is highly toxic to animals and humans. If you put that gunk in your RV's water lines, even if you rinse it, it'll cause kidney failure. You'd get very sick.
Which RV antifreeze is non-toxic?
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.
How do I get rid of RV antifreeze?
The easiest method is to flush the RV antifreeze out by running fresh water through the water system, either through the city water inlet or the fresh water holding tank, using the water pump.
Can you flush RV antifreeze down the toilet?
You may pour the used rv antifreeze down any toilet or sewer as long as it's the pink stuff. Yes If it the pink stuff it can just go down the drain.
Can you drink water with RV antifreeze?
When used as directed, RV antifreeze is NOT toxic to humans and is not a risk to an RV plumbing system, including the fresh water tank and system that delivers water to your drinking glass.
Will RV antifreeze hurt your skin?
Skin exposure to ethylene glycol can cause skin irritation but is otherwise not especially dangerous. In case of skin exposure to EG, remove wet clothing with EG on it, then wash the affected skin with soap and water.
Is it safe to put RV antifreeze in freshwater tank?
Automotive antifreeze is blue and highly toxic. 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.
Can I use RV antifreeze in my home?
RV antifreeze has either ethanol or propylene glycol as the active ingredient, which is safe for your septic system and will not cause any damage when used in appropriate quantities. You must use the right antifreeze in your vehicle and for your home.
Will RV antifreeze hurt the hot water heater?
Yes, you can put RV Antifreeze in the hot water system. The antifreeze won't hurt the tank, but don't forget to flush it out before firing it up next spring.
What is the main ingredient in RV antifreeze?
The primary components are either ethanol or propylene glycol. You may remember from your high school chemistry class that ethanol is the “kick” in Kickapoo Joy Juice—grain alcohol. Yes, ethanol is a good antifreeze (not in your bloodstream) because it raises the freezing point of water.
Is it OK to dump RV GREY water on the ground?
Generally, as long as your gray tank contains water that was used for washing, it's legal to dump it on the ground.
Does RV antifreeze hurt septic systems?
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.
Can you pour ethylene glycol down the drain?
The main ingredient in antifreeze is usually ethylene glycol, which also acts as a lubricant and anti-corrosive agent—a toxic chemical that cannot be poured down the drain, toilet, sewer, or thrown in the trash.
How do I de winterize my RV water system?
Simply sprinkle baking soda directly into each drain or dissolve it in water and pour it down the drains. Flush the system again until the water tastes clean. Instead of using your RV water pump to flush antifreeze from your camper's water system, you can also use a garden hose or city water supply.
When to use RV antifreeze?
RV antifreeze is used in conjunction with your RV’s plumbing system, and used solely when it comes time to store your RV for winter. This is also known as winterization, and is a very common task for RV owners to consider.
Why do you need antifreeze in RV?
RV antifreeze is necessary for those of you in cold climates, as it raises the temperature of water high enough to prevent freezing. Pouring antifreeze into your RV’s drains and plumbing system will assist with any water you may have remaining in your pipes come winter.
What Else Should I Consider When Winterizing My RV?
While winterizing your RV may seem like a chore every winter, it is an important and necessary piece of RV ownership . Winterizing your plumbing is possibly the most important piece of your winter puzzle, but here are some other good ideas should you be facing winterization for the first time!
What is the difference between antifreeze and antifreeze?
There are a few major differences between classic automotive antifreeze and RV antifreeze, and the main difference is their toxicity amounts. RV antifreeze is different from automotive antifreeze because certain types of RV antifreeze contain non-toxic materials. However, some varieties of RV antifreeze may still be very toxic ...
How to keep pests off rig?
Leaving a set of rope or string lights on beneath your rig is a great way to prevent pests, as the light discourages their presence. You may also consider checking on your rig every other week, or perhaps even once a month. Your movement will discourage pests too!
How to keep rodents out of a rig?
Your rig will be a warm and dry temptation for every critter out there! Discourage them by checking all of your rig, top to bottom, for holes and crevices. Having proper underbelly insulation is a great place to start and one of the most important changes you can make.
Is propylene glycol antifreeze toxic?
What is so good about propylene glycol based RV antifreeze? Well, the easiest difference you’ll notice is that this antifreeze is not toxic! If you’re looking for a product that won’t ruin your water quality come spring, and a product that’s overall better for your plumbing system, check out propylene glycol!
What is the best RV antifreeze?
The best RV antifreeze is SPLASH RV/Marine antifreeze. This antifreeze provides protection up to -50 degrees Fahrenheit.
How does RV antifreeze work?
RV antifreeze works by decreasing the freezing point of water. It gets added to freshwater RV systems and tanks to prevent any water present from freezing. While it prevents ice from forming, but it does not defrost, thaw, or melt ice.
Did I answer everything you wanted to know about whether RV antifreeze is toxic?
RV antifreeze is a liquid solution used to prevent RV plumbing systems from freezing due to very cold temperatures.
How to keep RV water from freezing?
If you are storing your RV, you can use pressurized air to blow the water out of your system. Then use a bit of this in your sink and tub drain traps to prevent the pipes from freezing.
Is ethanol based antifreeze safe for seals?
Ethanol-based or ethanol mixes can dry out your seals and are very toxic to animals. But propylene glycol-based antifreeze is non-toxic and safe to use in your freshwater system.
Is propylene glycol antifreeze toxic?
Generally, propylene glycol-based antifreeze is non-toxic and safe to ingest in small amounts. Because it’s non- toxic and safe to ingest, you can run it through your freshwater system.
What to do if my dog eats antifreeze?
If your pet consumes any amount of antifreeze, you should take them to your vet.
What to do if an animal ingests RV antifreeze?
If you think an animal has ingested any amount of RV antifreeze then report it to your vet and they will be able to advise you further. They will also be able to analyze the bloods and issue fluids to try and flush the RV antifreeze out of your pet’s system.
What to do with RV antifreeze?
Recycle. There are a growing number of companies that will recycle your RV antifreeze, have a look on your local waste management website for more information.
Is RV Antifreeze Safe to drink?
Although RV antifreeze is non-toxic to humans, that’s only in very small quantities. RV antifreeze is not safe to drink, and should not be swallowed directly from the bottle or in large quantities. Why would you want to drink RV antifreeze anyway?
How Do You Dispose Of RV Antifreeze?
RV antifreeze should never be dumped on the ground in large quantities, even though it is non-toxic it does contain chemicals that are harmful to the environment.
Can you winterize a cat's RV?
If you are a cat owner or go RVing with your cat then it’s probably best to stay away from any kind of antifreeze and winterize your RV by flushing out the water from the system completely.
Can you use RV antifreeze on water systems?
If you do use RV antifreeze to winterize your water system , make sure to rinse it out thoroughly before you use it again. Because it’s non-toxic you don’t have to worry about ingesting small quantities.
Can you put antifreeze down a RV drain?
It’s also not recommended to throw RV antifreeze down the drain, as this can end up coming out of storm drains where animals can have access.
What is the temperature of RV antifreeze?
A common rating is -50 degrees Fahrenheit, although some provide protection up to -100 degrees Fahrenheit. This is the point at which your pipes are at risk for damage.
How Do I Put Antifreeze in an RV?
The best way to add antifreeze to your RV's plumbing is to use your water pump to push the antifreeze into the lines. Many RVs are equipped with a siphon hose connected to the pump just for this purpose (check your owner's manual if you're not sure if you have a siphon hose or don't know where it is). If you don't have a built-in siphon, you can easily, affordably install a siphon hose kit yourself. Once your hose is inside your antifreeze bottle, your siphon valve is open, and your fresh water valve is closed, turn on your water pump to pull the antifreeze into your RV. As an alternative, you can also use a hand pump kit to pump antifreeze directly into your city water inlet. The downside here is that pumping antifreeze into your plumbing by hand requires a bit more effort than simply using your water pump and a siphon hose.
How Much Antifreeze Do I Need to Winterize My RV?
Most RVs require about 2-3 gallons if you fill the pipes and pour the recommended 2 pints (on average) down the drains afterward. However, the exact amount of antifreeze needed depends upon your specific rig. As a general guide, estimate about 2 bottles for rigs under 18' long, 3 bottles for those 18-30' long, and 4 bottles for units over 30' long. NOTE: It's important to bypass your water heater tank when pumping antifreeze into the RV. If you don't, you'll end up wasting gallons of antifreeze filling the tank.
How Do I Dispose of RV Antifreeze?
(Some even dump it right onto the ground, but dumping an entire tank full of this stuff onto your grass can kill it, so we don't recommend it.) The best option is properly disposing of your antifreeze at an RV dump station after flushing it from your pipes and into your gray water tank.
Can you install a siphon hose in RV?
If you don't have a built-in siphon, you can easily, affordably install a siphon hose kit yourself . Once your hose is inside your antifreeze bottle, your siphon valve is open, and your fresh water valve is closed, turn on your water pump to pull the antifreeze into your RV.
Is antifreeze safe for pets?
Of course, what's safe for humans isn't always safe for our furry friends (this is why, much to my dog's disappointment, I never share my chocolate with her). So is RV antifreeze safe to use if you're bringing pets along? As long as you're very thorough in cleaning the antifreeze from your system (and you keep any open antifreeze containers away from Fido), you should be fine bringing pets along on next spring's camping trip. RV antifreeze is much less toxic than automotive antifreeze is to animals, and the taste is much less appealing to them, so they're less likely to try to drink it. However, in large amounts, propylene glycol (an ingredient in many RV antifreeze products) can cause illness in animals. Cats are particularly susceptible to the effects of propylene glycol. If you are bringing a pet along in your RV, be sure to thoroughly flush out your water lines before allowing your pets to drink from your fresh water system. If you're bringing a cat and you want to be particularly cautious, you can also consider blowing the air from your lines rather than using antifreeze to winterize your system. (Read more about how to do that here .)
Can antifreeze freeze?
Yes, but you don't really need to worry about antifreeze freezing. The real concern is the antifreeze's burst point, which occurs at a temperature much colder than the chemical's freezing point. Unlike water, antifreeze does not immediately expand and damage your plumbing when it freezes.
What is RV Antifreeze Made Of?
RV antifreeze Propylene Glycol based [affiliate link] is best for animals. It is by far the least non toxic RV antifreeze available currently.
Can a dog drink antifreeze?
Antifreeze poisoning in dogs and cats is extremely serious. Do not hesitate. Seek immediate assistance from a qualified veterinary surgery.
Is Propylene Glycol Safe for Animals?
As a pet safe antifreeze, ones containing Propylene Glycol are far safer than products using Ethylene Glycol.
Is Propylene Glycol Toxic to Cats?
However, now the FDA strictly prohibits the inclusion of Propylene Glycol in cat food for safety reasons.
Can you use antifreeze in RV?
For pet owners, it’s critically important to not use any RV antifreeze that is made using Ethylene Glycol. Even if consumed in exceedingly small amounts, it causes upset to your pet and worse.
Can cats eat ethylene glycol?
Indeed, Ethylene Glycol poisoning cats is not uncommon. It’s also possible to accidentally poison birds with antifreeze, so it shouldn’t be left out in the open or on surfaces.
Is ethylene glycol poisonous to cats?
Indeed, Ethylene Glycol poisoning cats is not uncommon.
What is RV antifreeze?
RV antifreeze is a liquid solution that is used to prevent rv plumbing systems from freezing and consequences due to very cold temperatures. The rv water pipes are narrow and thin, with temperature going down during winter, the pipes start to freeze. And then the pipes start to expand resulting in breaking them and water splashes.
What is the difference between RV antifreeze and normal antifreeze?
This is an important point every rver should know. Just remember one point, rv antifreeze is a complete different thing when you compare it with normal automobile antifreeze. Automotive antifreeze are toxic and can only be used inside the automobile engine.
How much does RV antifreeze cost?
Rv antifreeze can be of 3 different types, each of them can cost around $6-$8 per gallon. Each of them have their own pros and cons. You need to consult a rv professional before using them so that it doesn’t harm the plumbing system badly.
What is the most important element to protect in an RV?
One of the important elements to protect in rv, is the pipping and plumbing system. A temperature below freezing point, can freeze the pipes and break them, which will need replacements. And, believe me its not easy and not cheap as well.
How long is a class A motorhome?
A class A motorhome can be more than 45 feet, you also get fifth wheel of that length. Even class C rv tend to be of lengths more than 30 feets. Bigger the rv, larger will be the pipping and plumbing system and thus, more will be the need of rv antifreeze.
Can you use propylene glycol in RV antifreeze?
Well, it depends on what kind of rv antifreeze you use. One can use propylene glycol type that may not give the bad taste but it also depends on the process used to manufacture the antifreeze. A glycol type could be prepared from recycled one and that could be a bad thing for you.
Can freezing colds damage RV pipes?
Freezing colds can destroy the whole piping inside rv and you wont get a chance to repair it. The most important thing a rver needs to do in such regions, is to protect the rv as much as possible else you wouldn’t be able to get the rv running during the next season. 5. Can using rv antifreeze change the taste of water.
What is RV antifreeze?
RV antifreeze is a freeze-burst-protection lubricant that shields the pipes and waterlines of your motorhome from freezing in even the most severe winter weather . And since the plumbing system is vulnerable to freezing, all poorly insulated or exposed pipes are in big trouble.
How long does RV antifreeze last?
Wondering how long will RV antifreeze last? Well, you should know it takes up to 5years without turning bad – provided it is well sealed and stored properly.
How hot does antifreeze evaporate?
However, antifreeze can only evaporate in two conditions: if the temperature rises above 223 degrees Fahrenheit, and is mixed with water in a 50/50 ratio.
What is the freeze point of antifreeze?
However, the antifreeze at minus 50 degrees F has a freeze point of +12 degrees F . This implies at maximum power, it will start to freeze or get slushy at +12 degrees F, but the freeze burst point is minus 50 degrees F.
Is Propylene glycol safe for RV plumbing?
If you’re looking for a non-flammable RV antifreeze, Propylene glycol is your best option. It is every camper’s choice because it is environmentally safe for all types of RV plumbing systems, due to its biodegradable components.
Is propylene glycol a good antifreeze?
Fortunately, there is a preferable alternative that is non-toxic or at least less toxic to pets and wildlife: Propylene glycol-based. Propylene glycol-based is a pet-friendly antifreeze and is now available at local stores. 6.
Does propylene glycol kill soya beans?
But certain scientific experiments prove that propylene glycol vapor is toxic to corn and soya beans. The vaporous gas results in chlorosis, which kills the leaves green color and causes cellular death. Bottom line: propylene glycol antifreeze will not instantly kill the surrounding plants, like most will.
What temperature should RV antifreeze be?
Most RV antifreeze have a temperature rating, or otherwise known as burst protection, of -50 degrees Fahrenheit. This is good enough for most locations that experience a frigid climate. But if possible, you can choose an antifreeze with a higher temperature rating of up to -100 degrees Fahrenheit to ensure your plumbing lines won’t freeze no matter how terrible the weather gets.
How many gallons of antifreeze for engine?
Six 1-gallon bottles of this ready-to-use antifreeze provide up to -50 degrees of cold weather and anti-corrosion protection for your engine and plumbing system.
What is in a Camco RV winter kit?
It’s a 10-piece kit that comes with three, 32-ounce Premium Ban Frost Antifreeze Concentrate bottles, a mini dehumidifier, a fridge door stay, a hand pump kit, a hanging dehumidifier, a refillable dehumidifier, a moisture absorber, a blowout plug, and a 5- gallon bucket. You will need the blow-out plug to clear out the water lines before using the hand pump kit to add the antifreeze. You also get a manual with a step-by-step guide on how to use each of the products in the kit. The antifreeze is a non-toxic, propylene glycol concentrate that includes corrosion inhibitors, and protectors that will keep your water lines from freezing even in the harshest winter.
How to protect RV pipes from freezing?
Protect your RV’s piping system from freezing and bursting with the Camco RV Antifreeze concentrate. For a reasonable price, you get two, 36-ounce bottles and each bottle can make up to a gallon of diluted antifreeze, which is enough to protect your RV’s entire plumbing setup. The concentrate comes in an easy-to-measure bottle that lets you dilute the mixture with water in the right proportions. The red fluid provides up to -50 degrees of burst protection, and it can also be used in swimming pools, boats, or at home to keep the pipes from freezing. It’s also a biodegradable and non-toxic formula that’s safe for pets.
What is the best antifreeze for water pipes?
Ethanol-Based. Also known as alcohol-based antifreeze, this type of antifreeze is the most affordable option available. It works by raising the freezing point of water to help keep your pipes from bursting. However, there are many downsides to using alcohol in your water system.
How to de-winterize RV?
When the cold season is over, you can de-winterize your RV by running fresh water in the plumbing system. You can either connect a water pump from a nearby freshwater tank or use the city’s water inlet. You can also check out how to dispose of your vehicle antifreeze here .
What is splash antifreeze?
Recommended for RVs, motorcycles, ATVs, and speed boats, the Splash RV and Marine Antifreeze helps to keep the fluids in your engine and plumbing system from freezing. The formulation is effective, reliable, and safe for your water lines despite being budget-priced. It provides up to -50 degrees of burst protection and doesn’t need to be diluted. It’s packaged in an ergonomic one-gallon bottle, and the mixture is pink to help you easily detect if there are any leaks in the system.
