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Last Updated on August 23, 2024 by Paul Clayton
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Can RV Antifreeze be Reused?
When maintaining your recreational vehicle, one common question is, “Can RV Antifreeze be Reused?” It’s a significant query considering the cost of RV antifreeze and its environmental implications. The following sections will delve deeper into these factors to provide a comprehensive answer.
- Reusability Considerations: Type-dependent, but practical challenges and contamination risks exist.
- Contamination Risks: Draining may introduce contaminants.
- Additive Degradation: Over time, protective additives may degrade.
- Recommendation for New Antifreeze: New antifreeze is generally advised despite technical reuse.
This question seems legitimate in areas where the temperature drops considerably during winter. It’s one of the basics to know while caring for your motorhome or RV during winter.
RV antifreeze is an essential accessory in an RV because it protects the plumbing and piping system and keeps the rig’s temperature below the freezing point.
So, can RV antifreeze be reused? It can be collected in a bucket and stored correctly in an airtight container. RV antifreeze has a shelf life of approximately four years and can be used multiple times, but only if stored safely.
Do You Need an RV Antifreeze?
This liquid pink solution prevents your trailer’s plumbing and piping system from breaking and freezing.
The motorhome’s water pipelines are thin and narrow; as the temperature decreases, the pipelines freeze and then expand.
Once the expansion begins, it results in water damage. Eventually, you have to replace the entire piping system. Furthermore, returning is not a straightforward process; therefore, it is not cheap.
The purpose of RV antifreeze is to maintain the engine’s temperature. When the antifreeze mixes with water, it decreases the freezing temperature and raises the water’s boiling point.
When the outside temperature fluctuates, the antifreeze stabilizes the temperature. Therefore, antifreeze is essential for the protection of pipes in cold regions.
Is RV Antifreeze Different From Normal Antifreeze?
It is one of the most crucial points every RV owner should know. Regular antifreeze for various automobiles is entirely different compared to RV antifreeze.
You can use automotive antifreeze only inside the vehicle’s engine, and it is toxic. However, RV antifreeze protects your plumbing system and is non-toxic.
This non-toxic liquid comes in pink and blue colors. These colors vary because they have multiple compositions. The various types of RV antifreeze are discussed below.
Various Types of RV Anti-Icing Solutions
There are usually three types of RV antifreeze, and they more or less cost about 6 to 8 dollars/gallon.
Each anti-freezing solution has pros and cons; therefore, you must consult an RV professional before using it to prevent harm to your piping system.
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Ethanol and Propylene Based
This product is safe and non-toxic for RV’s plumbing systems. Moreover, this blend helps in drying out the plumbing seals.
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Ethanol Based
It is available in several RV shops and hardware stores. This solution is highly flammable; hence, you should be cautious when using it.
This alcohol-based antifreeze can damage particular plumbing systems, so use it with Quest or Pex plumbing lines.
Also, the ethanol-based RV antifreeze produces foul smells, altering the water’s taste. Moreover, since it is alcohol-based, it quickly dries out the rubber seals in the faucets and toilets.
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Propylene Glycol Based
You will find this product at any local recreational vehicle shop. It is a safe and non-toxic product for winterizing RV pipelines.
This product has no fire safety cautions, and it is made as a lubricant that will extend your toilet and faucet seal’s life.
Now, let’s jump to our main topic!
Can You Reuse RV Antifreeze?
Yes, you can. You can reuse antifreeze a few times as long as it is clean. The anti-icing lubricant can work for 3 to 4 years but loses its lubricity afterward.
It does not lubricate, but the formula becomes less effective over time. You can reuse it for two to four winters, and then it is better to discard it.
Does Anti-Icing Lubricant Go Bad?
It is a widespread practice to use RV antifreeze lubricant and store the unused solution for the following year. So, can I reuse last winter’s RV antifreeze? Does this solution have a definite life?
Many people talk about how an old antifreeze works perfectly, but it relies on whether the pink solution is adequately sealed or kept open.
If the pink stuff is appropriately sealed and you haven’t opened it, it can remain on your shelf for 2 to 5 years. It is usually the shelf life of every RV antifreeze, but it is better to check the expiration date on the label.
If you have kept the pink solution open and did not seal it properly, you will probably need a new one for the following year.
An excellent tip for testing whether the antifreeze solution is suitable for reuse is to place it in a deep freezer. If the pink liquid does not turn into ice and remains slushy, it is good, and you can reuse it. However, if it does, you must toss it away.
How Much RV Antifreeze Do I Need to Winterize My RV?
Since the freezing weather is a few months away, you should be all set to get your RV winterized for the extreme and harsh season. It is an ideal way to keep your motorhome’s plumbing systems in mint condition.
But the question is, how much of the antifreeze do you need to winterize your RV?
It depends on your travel trailer’s length, layout, and size. RV’s length varies. They may be 45 ft long or less than 20 ft.
The bigger your RV, the larger the plumbing and piping system. Thus, you will require more of the RV antifreeze.
Considering the RV’s average size, you will need 2 to 3 gallons to protect your plumbing system during winter.
Should You Dilute Your RV Antifreeze?
I don’t know why anyone would want to dilute the solution, but it is the question RVers often ask. It would be best if you never did this.
Why? Because you don’t want to diminish your RV antifreeze’s strength. If you dilute the antifreeze, it won’t work as expected.
Many people have tried this, damaging their piping system and appliances such as water pumps. Thus, it is better not to dilute it and use the full-strength RV antifreeze.
Is It Possible To Winterize Your RV Without Using Antifreeze?
If the weather is not severe, and the temperature is not going way down, you can use the method of compressed air to expel water drops.
But why do you want to go without an antifreeze on a cold day? It is not costly, but your RV costs way more than that.
You might avoid it because it changes the water’s taste; however, it is not a big problem. In conclusion, you can winterize your RV without an antifreeze.
Please go with the solution because it is light on the pocket and not bad for your RV.
Can I Put RV Antifreeze In a Freshwater Tank?
No!
Don’t pour your antifreeze into a freshwater tank because you will require a lot of solutions, and it is not an efficient method.
Moreover, when you drain the tank, a few drops of fresh water will remain at the bottom. These water droplets will mix with the antifreeze and decrease the protection level.
What Antifreeze Should I Use in My RV?
It is highly recommended to use a propylene glycol-based RV/marine antifreeze. This antifreeze type is favored for its safety and efficiency in the freshwater plumbing system of your RV.
One of its significant advantages is that it does not leave a lingering aftertaste in your water system once you de-winterize.
Hence, propylene glycol-based antifreeze is the best choice for a safe, efficient, and taste-free solution to protect your RV’s plumbing system during the colder months.
Summary
The reusability of RV Antifreeze is a topic that often stirs debate, with the primary question being: Can RV Antifreeze be reused? The answer largely depends on the type of antifreeze and various practical considerations.
While technically, some types may be reused, significant challenges and risks must be considered. One of the primary risks associated with reusing antifreeze is the potential for contamination.
While draining old antifreeze, foreign substances can infiltrate the solution, compromising its effectiveness. Moreover, over time, the protective additives within antifreeze may degrade, reducing its ability to protect your vehicle’s engine from freezing or overheating.
This additive degradation is another factor that makes the reuse of antifreeze less than ideal. In light of these considerations, despite the theoretical possibility of reusing antifreeze, it is generally advised to use new antifreeze.
The contamination and additive degradation risks far outweigh the potential cost savings. Therefore, for optimal engine performance and longevity, new antifreeze is recommended.
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