Question on how long RV Antifreeze is effective in lines

[dpgllg]

I winterized my 5th wheel last fall by blowing out the lines and using RV Antifreeze. Due to various issues I was not able to take it out at all this year.

My question is should I replace the antifreeze with fresh or will it be good for the winter as is. I live about 20 miles south of Pittsburgh so it does get pretty cold here. Was 41 degrees when I got up this morning so the real cold stuff is not to far away.

Thanks!

Dave

[FlatBroke]

I blow out, pull filter on pump and line on accumulator and drain it. Gallon of a freeze every couple of years for traps. No problems.

[dsurette]

If you just blow out the lines, how do you get antifreeze through the water pump? I also do both blow out and pull in antifreeze with the pump. Doesn't cost that much and the peace of mind is worth the extra labor. And no, I don't use suspenders and a belt.

[mlts22]

Even with blowing lines out, there are low points that might still have water in them. Since I live in a warmer climate, I just run vodka through the lines, then blow them out. Any water is then mixed with alcohol which doesn't bring the freezing point down that much... but enough for Texas winters.

[Campinfan]

dpgllg wrote:

wa8yxm wrote:
You blew out the lines AND used pink stuff? DO you also hold your pants up with both belt AND suspenders?

Seriously, blow it out and leave it full of air, I mean if the air ever freezes..... You will not be worried about the RV.

I see nothing wrong with doing both. I had the compressor and the plug costs a couple bucks. The antifreeze I purchase from Tractor Supply every year as they have the best price around here. It takes me 5 minutes to blow out the lines and maybe 10 minutes more to pump fluid through. Total time 15 minutes and $5 to $6 bucks max. I would only save 5 to 10 minutes at most. For me I know my lines pump etc. will not freeze. Not a chance of enough water left to freeze and do any damage. So yes I guess I do use a belt and suspenders when it comes to protecting my investment.

Me too for all the above reasons. I would rather be safe than sorry. With the cold winter we had last year and are expected to have this year, I will do both.

[dpgllg]

wa8yxm wrote:
You blew out the lines AND used pink stuff? DO you also hold your pants up with both belt AND suspenders?

Seriously, blow it out and leave it full of air, I mean if the air ever freezes..... You will not be worried about the RV.

I see nothing wrong with doing both. I had the compressor and the plug costs a couple bucks. The antifreeze I purchase from Tractor Supply every year as they have the best price around here. It takes me 5 minutes to blow out the lines and maybe 10 minutes more to pump fluid through. Total time 15 minutes and $5 to $6 bucks max. I would only save 5 to 10 minutes at most. For me I know my lines pump etc. will not freeze. Not a chance of enough water left to freeze and do any damage. So yes I guess I do use a belt and suspenders when it comes to protecting my investment.

[wa8yxm]

You blew out the lines AND used pink stuff? DO you also hold your pants up with both belt AND suspenders?

Seriously, blow it out and leave it full of air, I mean if the air ever freezes..... You will not be worried about the RV.

[dpgllg]

popeyemth wrote:
Don't forget to add more to the sink/shower traps and the toilet as it does evaporate in the summer,and if it's gone you get tank smells in the camper that can be hard to get out of fabrics.
Good Luck, Mike

Yes I keep a bottle on the counter to add a little to each when I inspect it during storage.

Thanks to everyone who responded!

Dave

[rondeb]

We winterized a trailer and then didn't use it for 5 years. Even if everything dried (which I am sure it did,) the first winterization removed any water that would freeze in the years following.

[rseymour21]

popeyemth wrote:
Don't forget to add more to the sink/shower traps and the toilet as it does evaporate in the summer,and if it's gone you get tank smells in the camper that can be hard to get out of fabrics.
Good Luck, Mike

This is a good idea. I check mine thru the summer months to add water to the bowl and traps.

[beemerphile1]

No need to do anything. If the antifreeze does dry up eventually it leaves air and air won't freeze.

[popeyemth]

Don't forget to add more to the sink/shower traps and the toilet as it does evaporate in the summer,and if it's gone you get tank smells in the camper that can be hard to get out of fabrics.
Good Luck, Mike

[DutchmenSport]

Agree with both posts above. Nothing to worry about. Sorry you could not use your camper this year. That's just sad.

[ReadyToGo]

2 points. It shouldn't go bad but if you are worried, (2nd point) just get a couple more gallons and rewinterize it. Only costs a few dollars.

[Chris_Bryant]

It doesn't go bad, it just gets diluted, so if you haven't drained/flushed the system, you should be good to go.