After many years of just blowing out my lines in my previous trailers, I decided that I should use anti freeze in my new fifth wheel because the plumbing was a little more extensive. After installing my new winterizing kit I began to pump anti freeze through the pipes. Worked like a charm except I seemed to use a lot of anti freeze. After going through the first three gallons I purchased three more, a different brand, from a closer store. I did discover that I had left the outside valve on and half my anti freeze had spilled to the ground. However, I noticed this second brand had a strong odor. So all this leads to the question brought on by my ineptitude: is there a preferred brand of rv anti freeze that leaves less of a lingering taste when drained out in spring?

I only use it for my drain traps. I do know folks that collect and reuse for a few years.

I use whatever I can find for the cheapest price. And I only need 1 gallon to do the job, including the traps. Water heater is bypassed. And after flushing in the spring we have never had a smell or taste problem.

I use Prestone because I prefer propylene glycol type antifreeze without alcohol. Never a taste problem. A dollar more per gallon than the alcohol mix type at Walmart.

We buy the stuff at Ace Hardware or Walmart. Never had an odor problem.

I will see if there is a taste problem next spring. However, the one brand had a strong odor. At least I may know what brand not to buy.

Anti freeze preference | Good Sam Community

rockhillmanor
Explorer
Nov 04, 2015
I've used the Camco brand for years with no problems.

Then while in Florida Walmart was sold out because of a deep freeze predicted and all the Snowbirds bought them out! So I was forced to go to the parts store and bought their brand of RV antifreeze.

Dang stuff sets off my propane detector!!!:E

Wonder how safe THAT stuff is.
3oaks
Explorer
Nov 04, 2015
coolbreeze01 wrote:
Cheaper is better. I can't smell a difference.
Works for me. I have no compelling reason to buy the more expensive brand.
MFL
Nomad II
Nov 04, 2015
BB_TX wrote:
I use Prestone because I prefer propylene glycol type antifreeze without alcohol. Never a taste problem. A dollar more per gallon than the alcohol mix type at Walmart.

This is what I use too. At my Walmart, it is about $4 a gal. I buy 3 gallons. I blow the water lines out first, then run the Prestone through. This way I have a mostly pure anti-freeze that I leave in my tanks. I try to have at least a gallon or more in the black tank. I drain the low points after as well, to get more for the tanks.

The Prestone really lubes the valves, my reason for doing this, besides keeping the black tank wet.

OP, I did the same thing you did, left the low points open, turned pump on, wasted 2 gallons. Older may be wiser, but also more forgetful.

Jerry
coolbreeze01
Explorer
Nov 03, 2015
Cheaper is better. I can't smell a difference.
csamayfield55x
Explorer
Nov 03, 2015
been using the Walmart brand for years. Never had an issue. I did have an issue a few years ago. I forgot to flush the low point drains of the AF after the winter. After a few months of camping the smell and taste of the water system was AWFUL!! had to re sanitize and that was when I found the pink in the low point drains. After that I never left the caps on the lines after winterizing.

Chris
d3500ram
Explorer III
Nov 03, 2015
... is there a preferred brand of rv anti freeze that leaves less of a lingering taste when drained out in spring?

I use the least expensive RVAF, no brand preference, and just flush it out until it runs clear... drinking and cooking water is from home filtered water in potable jerry cans. I use less than a gallon of RVAF, but it is a TC with less plumbing lines than most RV's.

I use windshield washer fluid in my cassette toilet because it costs less than RVAF.
Us_out_West
Explorer
Nov 03, 2015
When we do winterize, did 2 days ago because of freezing temps here in Reno, Walmart is fine.

We use bottle water so no taste problem. :D
deweysmith5
Explorer
Nov 03, 2015
I will see if there is a taste problem next spring. However, the one brand had a strong odor. At least I may know what brand not to buy.
Dick_B
Explorer
Nov 03, 2015
We buy the stuff at Ace Hardware or Walmart. Never had an odor problem.
BB_TX
Nomad
Nov 03, 2015
I use Prestone because I prefer propylene glycol type antifreeze without alcohol. Never a taste problem. A dollar more per gallon than the alcohol mix type at Walmart.