Understanding the Different Types of RV Antifreeze

RV antifreeze is a liquid that is used to prevent the holding tanks in RVs from freezing during the colder months. It works by lowering the freezing point of water, which helps to keep the tanks from freezing. There are two main types of RV antifreeze: propylene glycol and ethylene glycol.

• Propylene glycol is a clear, odorless liquid that is used as a safe and non-toxic alternative to ethylene glycol. It is commonly used in food, pharmaceuticals, and cosmetics as well as in antifreeze. It is considered safe for use in RVs as it is non-toxic and will not harm humans, pets or the environment if ingested.
• Ethylene glycol, on the other hand, is a clear, syrupy liquid that is commonly used as a coolant in automobiles and as an ingredient in de-icing solutions. Although it is more effective at preventing freezing than propylene glycol, it is considered toxic and can be harmful if ingested. It should only be used in well-ventilated areas and handled with care.

When choosing the type of antifreeze for your RV, it is important to consider the safety of the product and the intended use of the RV. Propylene glycol is generally considered the safer option for RVs that will be used for camping or other activities that involve people and pets, whereas ethylene glycol may be more appropriate for RVs that will be used primarily for storage.

It is also important to note that some RV antifreeze products may contain a combination of propylene glycol and ethylene glycol. Always check the label and follow the manufacturer's instructions when using any type of RV antifreeze.

Determining the Appropriate Amount of Antifreeze for Your Holding Tanks

The appropriate amount of antifreeze to use in your holding tanks depends on several factors, including the type of antifreeze, the temperature at which you will be storing your RV, and the size of your holding tanks.

• Type of Antifreeze: The type of antifreeze you use will affect the amount needed. For example, propylene glycol has a higher freezing point than ethylene glycol, so you will need less propylene glycol to achieve the same level of protection.

• Temperature: The lower the temperature at which you will be storing your RV, the more antifreeze you will need. This is because colder temperatures will cause the antifreeze to freeze, which can damage the holding tanks.

• Holding Tank Size: The size of your holding tanks will also affect the amount of antifreeze needed. The larger the holding tanks, the more antifreeze will be required to fill them and provide adequate protection.

A general rule of thumb is to use one gallon of antifreeze for every 15 gallons of holding tank capacity. This means that if you have two 40-gallon holding tanks, you will need about 2.67 gallons of antifreeze (80 gallons / 15 gallons = 5.33 gallons; 5.33 gallons x .5 = 2.67 gallons).

How to Dispose of RV Antifreeze

Proper disposal of RV antifreeze is important for protecting the environment and preventing contamination of water sources. The two main types of RV antifreeze, propylene glycol and ethylene glycol, are considered hazardous waste due to their toxicity. Therefore, it is important to take the necessary precautions when disposing of RV antifreeze.

• First, check with your local government or waste management facility to determine if they have specific regulations for disposing of RV antifreeze. Some areas may have hazardous waste collection events or designated drop-off locations for such materials.
• If your local government does not have specific regulations for disposing of RV antifreeze, the best way to dispose of it is by taking it to a hazardous waste disposal facility. These facilities are equipped to handle and dispose of hazardous materials in a safe and environmentally friendly manner. Be sure to call ahead to check if the facility accepts RV antifreeze before making the trip.
• When transporting RV antifreeze to a disposal facility, it is important to store it in a safe and secure container to prevent leaks or spills. It is also important to label the container as "Hazardous Waste: RV Antifreeze" to ensure that it is handled properly by the disposal facility.

Steps for adding antifreeze

Steps for Adding Antifreeze	Description
Clean and sanitize the tanks	Ensure the tanks are free from debris or bacteria
Use a funnel to pour the antifreeze	Pour the antifreeze into the toilet or dump valves, allowing it to flow into the holding tanks
Use a measuring cup or jug	To ensure you use the appropriate amount of antifreeze

How to Flush Out the Antifreeze

After the winter season, it is important to flush out the antifreeze from the holding tanks before using your RV again. This process is essential to ensure that the tanks are clean and ready for use, and that any remaining antifreeze does not cause any damage to the system.

• The first step in flushing out the antifreeze is to open all of the valves in your RV, including the faucets, showerheads, and toilet valves. This will allow the antifreeze to flow out of the holding tanks and through the entire system.
• Next, fill the holding tanks with fresh water. This can be done by connecting a hose to the RV's city water inlet or by using a portable water tank. Be sure to use enough water to completely fill the holding tanks. This can take several minutes to an hour depending on the size of your holding tanks.
• Once the tanks are filled with water, it is important to run the water through the system by turning on the faucets, showerheads, and toilet valves. This will allow the antifreeze to flow out of the system and be replaced with fresh water. Be sure to run the water for several minutes to ensure that all of the antifreeze is flushed out.
• After the antifreeze has been flushed out, it is important to check the water for any discoloration or debris. If the water appears cloudy or dirty, it may be necessary to flush the system again.

Tips for Properly Storing Your RV with Antifreeze in the Holding Tanks

1. Ensure that the holding tanks are completely filled with antifreeze: This is important because any air pockets in the tanks can cause them to freeze. Before adding the antifreeze, it is important to check that all of the valves are closed and that the tanks are empty. Once the antifreeze is added, it is important to check for any leaks or drips, as these can cause air pockets to form.
2. Avoid using any water in the holding tanks after adding the antifreeze: Once the antifreeze is added, it is important to avoid using any water in the holding tanks. This is because using water can dilute the antifreeze and decrease its effectiveness. If it is necessary to use water in the holding tanks, it is important to add more antifreeze to ensure that the tanks are still protected from freezing.
3. Check the holding tanks regularly to ensure that the antifreeze levels are still adequate: It is important to check the holding tanks regularly to ensure that the antifreeze levels are still adequate. This can be done by visually inspecting the tanks or by using a hydrometer. If the antifreeze levels are low, it is important to add more antifreeze to ensure that the tanks are still protected from freezing.
4. Store your RV in a protected area: If possible, it is best to store your RV in a protected area, such as a garage or covered storage facility. This will help to keep the holding tanks from freezing, even in extremely cold temperatures.
5. Check the temperature of the storage area: It is important to check the temperature of the storage area to ensure that it will not drop below freezing. If the temperature is expected to drop below freezing, it is important to add more antifreeze to the holding tanks to ensure that they are still protected.

Preparing Your RV for Winter Storage

Before adding the antifreeze to your holding tanks, it is important to thoroughly clean and sanitize the tanks to ensure that they are free from any debris or bacteria. This step is crucial as it will prevent any build-up of bacteria or other unwanted substances that may cause unpleasant odors or clogs.

• Cleaning the Holding Tanks: The first step in cleaning the holding tanks is to empty them completely by using the RV's dump valves. Once the tanks are empty, it is recommended to use a holding tank cleaner to clean the tanks. These cleaners are specially formulated to remove any buildup of waste, toilet paper, and other debris that may be present in the tanks. It is important to follow the manufacturer's instructions for the holding tank cleaner and to rinse the tanks thoroughly with water.
• Sanitizing the Holding Tanks: After cleaning the holding tanks, it is important to sanitize them to ensure that they are free from bacteria and other microorganisms. This can be done by using a holding tank sanitizer, which is a specialized product that is designed to kill bacteria and other microorganisms. It is important to follow the manufacturer's instructions for the sanitizer and to rinse the tanks thoroughly with water after using the sanitizer.
• Checking for leaks: Before adding the antifreeze, it is also important to check the holding tanks and the pipes for leaks. This can be done by visually inspecting the tanks and pipes for any signs of leaks or drips. If you suspect that there is a leak, it is important to repair it before adding the antifreeze, as leaks can cause air pockets in the tanks and decrease the effectiveness of the antifreeze.

Tips for storing antifreeze

Tips for Properly Storing Your RV with Antifreeze in the Holding Tanks	Description
Ensure that the holding tanks are completely filled with antifreeze	Air pockets can cause the tanks to freeze
Avoid using any water in the holding tanks after adding the antifreeze	Using water can dilute the antifreeze and decrease its effectiveness
Check the holding tanks regularly to ensure that the antifreeze levels are still adequate	Hydrometer or visual inspection
Store your RV in a protected area	Covered storage facility or garage
Check the temperature of the storage area	Ensure it will not drop below freezing