Winterizing your RV is one of the most crucial tasks at hand and must not be ignored if you want to avoid hefty repair bills. If you’re not gonna camp in winter or your RV will be parked for the whole season, it is ideal to have plenty of antifreeze at your disposal.
Well, the actual amount of antifreeze depends on the length of the stay and the size of your RV tanks, there are some ground rules about it.
If you’re also going to winterize your RV and are concerned about how much RV antifreeze do you need? You are at the right place.
What is RV Antifreeze and Why Do I Need it?
As the name pretty much gives it away, antifreeze is a solution that keeps the water in your RV’s tanks and pipes from freezing. It is a non-toxic formula that is pink or green in color and is added to the water tanks before embarking on a winter camping trip or storing it for the season.
Antifreeze is the most crucial step in winterizing an RV as it prevents the water from freezing which could burst the plumbing and pipes in the RV. Not using antifreeze at all could also damage the valves and expensive water heating system on your RV. It also prevents the buildup of rust and other corrosive elements. It keeps your RV prepared for the next season and prevents the agony of repairs and rebuilds.
How Much Antifreeze Do I Need?
The question that keeps the majority of RV owners eluded is “How much antifreeze do I need?” Well, there’s no straight answer to it but you have to consider some important things beforehand.
First of all, check the size of the water tanks on your RV, including grey and black water tanks. As a general rule, 2-3 gallons of antifreeze is ideal for 40 gallons of water, whereas 3-4 gallons of antifreeze usually suffices a 60-gallon water storage.
Then you consider the temperature in your area, whether you’re parking it or taking it for a long trip. Obviously, you’d need more antifreeze in Siberia than in Florida, and having said that, you should never leave your water tanks without it. The lower the temperature of the area, the more potent antifreeze is required and that too, in more quantity.
Remember, you would need a lot of water for washing, drinking, and sanitary purposes, so don’t cheap out on it and always pack a good amount of it.
Can I use Antifreeze in Fresh Water Tank?
In simple words, yes! it is safe to use antifreeze in the freshwater tank as most of these solutions are safe and non-toxic.
The freshwater tank is where your RV’s water lines actually start and if the water freezes there, it could wreak havoc on your motorhome.
Fill your freshwater tank with RV antifreeze to winterize your RV. After that, switch on the pump and let the antifreeze leak from every outlet in your RV. By doing this, you can make sure that your RV’s water systems are fully treated with antifreeze and won’t damage it while it’s parked.
Remember to drain and flush the system when your plan to use the RV as these fluids can become toxic after standing for a long time and unsafe for human consumption.
Should I Put RV Antifreeze in the Black Water Tank?
It is always a good idea to put antifreeze in all the tanks of your RV, especially when the black water tank is under consideration. It is where all the waste water s collected and toilet water is flushed.
If the black tank is not treated with antifreeze, it could choke the whole drainage system and render the toilets and flush system completely useless.
When adding antifreeze to the black water tank, repeatedly flush the toilet and sinks to ensure proper flow of the solution into all the important areas and valves of the system. Just like the fresh and grey water tanks, flush and drain the black tank before you reuse your RV for the next trip.
Different Types of RV Antifreeze
There are different types of RV antifreeze in the market and one should which one is ideal for them and which one to choose when shopping for RV winterization.
Propylene Glycol
It is one of the most common types of RV antifreeze available and is non-toxic in the formulation. Usually green in color, this antifreeze is ideal for storage purposes and acts as a lubricant as well, hence preventing any damage to the metal parts and valves.
Ethanol
These types of antifreeze solutions are more common than propylene glycol but are toxic in nature. Pink in color, these are the top choice of RV owners who like to camp in winter and want guaranteed protection. These are not safe for human consumption and should be carefully flushed after being used, especially if the kids are also on board.
Blend
These are the best RV antifreeze available and also the latest. Non-toxic and long-lasting, these can be used for both storage and active camping. Blend type of RV antifreeze is purple in color and becoming popular among RV owners quickly.
Can I Dilute an RV Antifreeze?
Although the best way of using an RV antifreeze is to add it 100% concentrated to the tanks but if you’re traveling in not-so-cold temperatures and planning to store it for a short while, you can dilute it.
The general formula for diluting an RV antifreeze is 60:40, with 60 parts being antifreeze and 40 parts being water. This keeps its ingredients active and reduces its toxic effects.
Verdict
Antifreeze for RVs is a crucial component in winterizing your RV. It’s essential to apply the proper RV antifreeze solution and to properly winterize your RV by following the directions. To winterize an RV like a pro, you’ll typically need 2 to 5 gallons of antifreeze treatment, and if you plan to live in your motorhome over the winter, you’ll need around 1 gallon of it every day.
Ever since I was a kid, I've been fascinated by travel. I inherited this passion from my parents. Since my college years and to this day, I have had a passion for traveling in a motorhome. I am here to share my experiences with you.
