2 Questions about the Pink Stuff

DrewE wrote:

Grit dog wrote:
I use windshield washer fluid. 1/2 the price of the cheap stuff and it works.
Boat ballast tanks/pumps and rv drains and tanks.
If you’re pumping it thru the water lines, I’d not use it there.

If you're putting it through the supply lines, definitely do not use winter washer fluid. The antifreeze ingredient in it is usually methanol (i.e. wood alcohol), which is quite toxic.

X2 winshield washer fluid is a very bad idea. Regular washer fluid will freeze and the stuff that is freeze proof is very bad for humans.

loggenrock wrote:
I avoid the alcohol stuff. I prefer NOT to pump anything marked FLAMMABLE throughout the RV... Got enough other flammable stuff in there... ST

I guess you missed my post a while back where i tried to ignite the stuff using a hand held propane torch to no avail. :h

I think you are over thinking this.

I drain the water using the low point drains, then pump pink through all the faucets and toilet, then drain the low point drains back into the jug, and then I dump it in all the drains. Working together, we can do the whole camper with 1 gallon.

I am pretty sure your temperatures don't get any colder than ours. ;)

Oh yeah, I just use the cheap stuff when the store display reminds me I need some.

Dave H M wrote:
Mortimer, so if that stuff is silicone based why can't a person just smear some plumbers grease on it. Is what I do. :h

You definitely can use plumber’s grease. It’s personal preference. I like opening a bottle and dumping a little of the conditioner in the bowl. Easy and no mess.

Grit dog wrote:
I use windshield washer fluid. 1/2 the price of the cheap stuff and it works.
Boat ballast tanks/pumps and rv drains and tanks.
If you’re pumping it thru the water lines, I’d not use it there.

If you're putting it through the supply lines, definitely do not use winter washer fluid. The antifreeze ingredient in it is usually methanol (i.e. wood alcohol), which is quite toxic.

The pink stuff is just cherry juice. I guess it all depends on what you mix it with. If you use Vodka Id use orange juice. If you use Crown Royal, drink it straight. Who ever heard of building a fire and putting it out ???

Been using Wal*Mart brand for years. Never a problem that I'm aware of.

I use windshield washer fluid. 1/2 the price of the cheap stuff and it works.
Boat ballast tanks/pumps and rv drains and tanks.
If you’re pumping it thru the water lines, I’d not use it there.

StephJohn2010 wrote:
I know this stuff shouldn't be hard, but for some reason this is one of those things that I'm having trouble with:

1) I heard somewhere (once) that you shouldn't use the pink stuff with alcohol in it ... is that true? Of coarse, I can only find stuff that has "ethyl alcohol" in it.

2) What brand do you use?

IMO there is a lot of things to be concerned about with an Rv, antifreeze is not one of them. Have used alcohol based antifreeze on the same fifth wheel now for 11 years, the seal in the toilet is still sealing as it did 11 years ago, have no idea on any other seals, but have had no issues with my water system.

To answer your question on what brand, which ever is the best price, this year the best price I found was two gallons for $5.00 at Ace hardware. I have seen it since for 1.99 at Homedepot, but too late :) I'll stock up on some for next year

IMO you are over thinking this antifreeze thing, not sure all the concern. As some has pointed out if worried, blow the lines out ,and be done. As far as seals, well I have to guess some have had an issue, as said my experience differs.

I used to worry about what kind of RV antifreeze to use too. I got mine from Atwoods or Orschelns usually. Don't remember the brand but it did not contain alcohol. The last 8 or 10 years I have been blowing the system out with air and not worrying about anti freeze. Works good and is less messy and doesn't cost anything if you have a sizeable air compressor.


I don't mean we need to get rid of the stupid people. Just remove all the warning labels and let everything sort itself out.