Why the large discrepancy in rv antifreeze prices?

[steelhunter]

I've seen prices as low as $2.50/gallon to as high as $15.00/gallon or more.

Is there this much difference in performance?

[ItsyRV]

steelhunter wrote:
I've seen prices as low as $2.50/gallon to as high as $15.00/gallon or more.

Is there this much difference in performance?

The price comparison you're using isn't valid as far as comparing performance of RV antifreeze. The item being sold on Amazon is through a single vendor (Not Sold by Amazon) who simply jacked up the price in hopes some sucker comes along and buys it. So using the average prices of that product sold elsewhere through vendors and major chains, it would only be about $8 on the high and I think Home Depot sells the same thing for $4.50.

The brand product probably just has more R&D behind the product and may be standing behind their claim. The off brand can make claims but what are you going to do if it fails? There may be more QC in the manufacturing process of the brand name while the off brand product could be a bulk mixed product packaged on a line where whoever is the next seller gets their label slapped on the container. There be minor differences like lingering tasre, staining, a more deeper smell, etc.

[time2roll]

Buy this in the spring at half price.

[Lwiddis]

Buy a manufacturer’s approved product.

[steelhunter]

MDKMDK wrote:

steelhunter wrote:

rk911 wrote:
some replies are about automotive AF, some about the pink stuff.

Odd, since I put rv in the header and provided two links to rv antifreeze.

Not really, as there is RV *plumbing* AF (aka "the pink stuff"), and RV *engine* anti-freeze (varies in color, depending on chassis requirements).

And, you didn't use the "clickable link" tool to add your links. Some folks aren't as computer savvy as you, I guess, and didn't recognize the Walmart cheap stuff, and don't know how to open text links in a new window/tab when they're embedded in the body of your post.
Might explain some of the confusion. :h

You pay more for the name brand stuff, and you don't for the Walmart stuff.

Some of us country folk might call that a whopper.

[MDKMDK]

steelhunter wrote:

rk911 wrote:
some replies are about automotive AF, some about the pink stuff.

Odd, since I put rv in the header and provided two links to rv antifreeze.

Not really, as there is RV *plumbing* AF (aka "the pink stuff"), and RV *engine* anti-freeze (varies in color, depending on chassis requirements).

And, you didn't use the "clickable link" tool to add your links. Some folks aren't as computer savvy as you, I guess, and didn't recognize the Walmart cheap stuff, and don't know how to open text links in a new window/tab when they're embedded in the body of your post.
Might explain some of the confusion. :h

You pay more for the name brand stuff, and you don't for the Walmart stuff.

[Boon_Docker]

Reading comprehension 1.01 :B

[rk911]

ok...so we're talking about the pink stuff which is, IIRC, vegetable based. why the price discrepancy? no mystery. amazon apparently thinks they can sell it at that price. it's all the same. i buy it retail and can get it for ~ $3-$4 per gallon. menards, home depot, etc.

[steelhunter]

rk911 wrote:
some replies are about automotive AF, some about the pink stuff.

Odd, since I put rv in the header and provided two links to rv antifreeze.

[MDKMDK]

rk911 wrote:

steelhunter wrote:
I've seen prices as low as $2.50/gallon to as high as $15.00/gallon or more.

Is there this much difference in performance?

are you referring to automotive anti-freeze or the pink stuff for potable water systems?

Good question, as they aren't interchangeable.

[rk911]

some replies are about automotive AF, some about the pink stuff.

[red31]

steelhunter wrote:
I've seen prices as low as $2.50/gallon to as high as $15.00/gallon or more.

I wonder if both were bottle at the same facility?

[DutchmenSport]

I dunno? I get mine at WalMart or Lowe's Home Depot. They are usually a few cents of each other. Right now I have 10 gallons of the stuff at home from last winter. Got the new 5er and first winter winterizing it wanted to make sure I had plenty. Hah! it only took 3/4 of a gallon for the whole trailer! I had lots left over. I won't be buying any more this year, or next year, or the year after that!

[Bend]

The cheap(est) stuff will be tasted throughout the camping season.:( The more expensive will not be tasted after 1 or 2 flushes.:W

[12th_Man_Fan]

The low price is probably pre mixed or half and half.

[BB_TX]

Some RV antifreeze are ethanol (alcohol) based, some are propylene glycol based, some are a mix of the two. Ethanol is cheapest and propylene glycol is highest, normally.
And some stores just charge more.
Some people have concerns about alcohol and rubber seals.