31 below zero, RV antifreeze failed?
I see the forum format has changed since I have posted last. I have a 2005 Bigfoot 9.6 truck camper. The camper is covered and is under a carport with an open front. I winterize it every year wi...
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I work for a marine supplier. Had one of the places say they wanted X type of AF as it supposedly only turned to slush. So it would not damage the boats motors! Much more expensive than waterlines in RV's. They put a cup of both the stuff they preferred, and one that we sell about 100 to one vs what they wanted. The one sold the most, was actually softer than the one they wanted, and a bit cheaper too.
At the end, both work well. Granted we only usually have temps in Puget Sound into the 20F relm, had a few pushing 5-10F around here in the last week.
Another buyer will only use -100 as they think it will protect them more from cracking motors.
Reality, if the AF freezes per say, but does not expand, it is not an issue for anyone, whether you put it into an engine cooling system, or the water lines.
Just make sure you use the types for waterlines that are not poisonous to you or other animals if you dump it on the ground after use, or in the case of a trailer able boat motor, when you turn on the system in the water, it will not hurt the water you are in.
Marty
I have only used RV antifreeze. I flush it out, fill the system and let it soak. Then run it to flush the leaching out. And repeat that at least two or three times before heading out camping with a fresh tank of water. I also have a very high quality 3M water filter under my sink with a dedicated touch flow faucet. As a back up only as I don't really drink out if it because I always bring a LOT of fresh well water from home in SS jugs. I used to work at Intel in Oregon in water purification (wafer fab water seeks what it lacks and becomes a solvent) and acid waste neutralization. I can say with accuracy that I am a water snob. I avoid tap water in cities unless it is filtered. I have full knowledge what they do to it to give it back to the population. I also don't want to ever ingest left over residual propylene glycol from RV antifreeze because despite saying it is safe, that is a bunch of hooey. I am very conscious of clean real food and clean water. And if there was a quick way to winterize my camper without the antifreeze, I would do it. But there is not and the extensive repeated flushing in the spring I think helps get rid of it. I can't smell much anymore thanks to covid x3 and I really want to make sure I am bathing in clean water. Honestly that is about all I use it for. I am sure ready for summer and sitting by a river. Or a nice camp fire. That would sure do right about now. Thank you for your post. It was interesting and informative. I did not know they made -100 stuff.. wow , Thank you Marty, Cheers, Al
