I just came from an RV repair place and the owner warned me not to use RV antifreeze containing alcohol because it deteriorates the rubber seals. He then went into a sales pitch for his own rv antifreeze containing propylene glycol. He then said his rv antifreeze imparts a bad odor to the system, but he had another chemical treatment that reverses the odor. Now for years I have used the standard rv antifreeze (contains ethanol) and have never had a problem with rubber seals except now in the toilet and THAT IS AFTER 19 YEARS OF SERVICE!!!! I really can't argue with 19 years of trouble free toilet function. Soooo. Does anyone have some input on rv antifreeze - ethanol or propylene glycol? I am aware of the "combustion" possibility of ethanol. Others have said ethanol causes "bad taste." I never drink camper water only bottled water. What about bad odor that needs to be eliminated with something else? Is what he said all sales hype?Any thoughts and experience would be welcomed.PapaRomeo

Well, there's no doubt that ethanol is not good for rubber seals, but I consider there's not enough ethanol in contact with any rubber to cause much damage. I've been using it for 9 years with no issues. It sounds like the dealer has a vested interest in you buying his product. So maybe not the most unbiased source?

I buy the rv antifreeze with the propylene glycol. Flush it well in the spring and no bad taste.

i’ve used the pink stuff for 33-seasons now also with no issues.

I buy whatever is on sale, and really flush the system well come spring.. Been doing it this way since the first year, that was 30 years ago or so.. And SOME would say I am still normal..! :BI just picked up 5 bottles from True Value for $2.99 ea

long long time ago there was a bunch of hoop a laa about the alkey being combustible.At that time I went out to the barn and splashed some on the floor and stuck a propane torch to it.I could not get that stuff to burn. :h

RV Antifreeze | Good Sam Community

fj12ryder
Explorer III
Oct 25, 2019
Well, there's no doubt that ethanol is not good for rubber seals, but I consider there's not enough ethanol in contact with any rubber to cause much damage. I've been using it for 9 years with no issues.

It sounds like the dealer has a vested interest in you buying his product. So maybe not the most unbiased source?
jfkmk
Explorer
Oct 25, 2019
I buy the rv antifreeze with the propylene glycol. Flush it well in the spring and no bad taste.
rk911
Explorer
Oct 25, 2019
i’ve used the pink stuff for 33-seasons now also with no issues.
ford_truck_guy
Nomad
Oct 25, 2019
I buy whatever is on sale, and really flush the system well come spring.. Been doing it this way since the first year, that was 30 years ago or so.. And SOME would say I am still normal..! :B

I just picked up 5 bottles from True Value for $2.99 ea
Dave_H_M
Explorer II
Oct 25, 2019
long long time ago there was a bunch of hoop a laa about the alkey being combustible.

At that time I went out to the barn and splashed some on the floor and stuck a propane torch to it.

I could not get that stuff to burn. :h
AllegroD
Nomad
Oct 25, 2019
He got two things right. Alcohol is not good on rubber but as said above, there is not enough in it to do any real harm. Been using whatever pink was on sale for decades and systems still working fine.

Second thing he got right is that the pink does taste funny. Don't drink it straight, on the rocks or even with a lime twist. I flush with just fresh/tap water in the spring. Tastes fine after that.
Gdetrailer
Explorer III
Oct 25, 2019
jfkmk wrote:
I buy the rv antifreeze with the propylene glycol. Flush it well in the spring and no bad taste.

There TWO "versions".

BOTH will work fine as far as freeze prevention.

BOTH contain propylene glycol but one is mixed with alcohol+water and the other is just mixed with water.

The glycol/alcohol/water mix is much cheaper and will protect the lines but can be a bit harsh on rubber/vinyl seals.

I prefer glycol/water mix but lately it is impossible to find in stores lately.. Walmart in my area is exclusively selling their cheap house brand and it is glycol/alcohol/water mix..
Trackrig
Explorer II
Oct 25, 2019
Use the pink RV antifreeze. It's usually cheapest at Krogers or one of their subsidiaries like Fred Meyers. I flush things well and drink from my MH fresh water tank all of the time. We never use bottled water unless we're going to put it in the toad with us.

Bill
MDKMDK
Explorer
Oct 25, 2019
Walmart pink stuff. Poly-Prop based, works, inexpensive.
gbopp
Explorer
Oct 25, 2019
fj12ryder wrote:
It sounds like the dealer has a vested interest in you buying his product. So maybe not the most unbiased source?

X2. A Chevy dealer won't recommend that you buy a Ford, etc..