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

46 Replies

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.
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
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
rk911
Explorer
Oct 25, 2019
i’ve used the pink stuff for 33-seasons now also with no issues.
jfkmk
Explorer
Oct 25, 2019
I buy the rv antifreeze with the propylene glycol. Flush it well in the spring and no bad taste.
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?

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RV Antifreeze

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