Community Forums

U-2 Pilot · 09-27-2013, 09:37 AM

Is it possible to blow the water lines out with air then fill them with rv antifreeze and then recover some of that same antifreeze by blowing it back out into containers next spring? Thus recycleing the antifreeze. I know this sounds like I'm a cheapskate but I would rather spend the money on a couple more gallons of fuel each year.

rhusak · 09-27-2013, 09:48 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by U-2 Pilot

Is it possible to blow the water lines out with air then fill them with rv antifreeze and then recover some of that same antifreeze by blowing it back out into containers next spring? Thus recycleing the antifreeze. I know this sounds like I'm a cheapskate but I would rather spend the money on a couple more gallons of fuel each year.

U-2 Pilot..
I just blow my lines out.. no antifreeze... Not had any issues using this system.. I do pour a bit into all sink, shower and any other traps to be sure they don't freeze..
Just Sayin
Ron
BTW Thanks for your service

Stealth01 · 09-27-2013, 10:48 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by rhusak

U-2 Pilot..
I just blow my lines out.. no antifreeze... Not had any issues using this system.. I do pour a bit into all sink, shower and any other traps to be sure they don't freeze..
Just Sayin
Ron
BTW Thanks for your service

I'd be careful promoting that idea... I tried that a few years back on a 2002 Beaver Patriot... Blew the lines with 60 PSI air pressure for 5 minutes... I thought all was well until next spring when I tried to put fresh water aboard. Seems there was enough residual water left in the hydro hot water tank area that it pooled into a low pex fitting and cracked it. It was a MAJOR pain to get into to repair... for me, pass the "pink" stuff please.

To specifically answer your question... you probably could capture the antifreeze... BUT, you're going to have to do it at every outlet in your rig... is that really worth the cost of 6 gallons of antifreeze?

Hikerdogs · 09-27-2013, 11:04 AM

Reusing RV/Marine antifreeze isn't the best idea. It provides the rated protection only when the solution is 100% antifreeze. It's meant to be used to replace the water in the lines not mix with it. In fact RV "antifreeze" will actually freeze or turn to a slush when the temperatures approach the -20* mark. The protection lies in the fact that it does not expand like water when it freezes. When mixed with water the water itself will still freeze and expand. At $1.99 a gallon, and the fact that it only takes 2 gallons per year to fully winterize our RV, I don't think I woulld risk reusing it.

Ray,IN · 09-27-2013, 05:49 PM

I catch the RV anti-freeze in the original container. I don't use compressed air, just plain water to de-winterize. I treat the fresh water tank with the proper bleach/water mixture then pump it through the lines. I catch the anti-freeze until it begins to weaken in color, then shut the faucet and go to the next one. RV anti-freeze here is only $2.99/G, but like Ben Franklin said: "watch your pennies and the dollars will watch themselves".
Since it says on the jug it may be diluted from the OEM -50* protection, I use it two years before discarding. Yes, it is environmentally safe to pour down the drain according to the MSDS. I normally use two gallons of RV anti-freeze to winterize, and recover about 1 1/4, the other 3/4 went into "P " traps and holding tanks.
I've never had a frozen water line this way. I did have a frozen line one year when I was persuaded to only use compressed air_lesson learned.
I don't know how winterizing our MH will turn out, this is our first winter for it and us.Might not have to winterize at all if we leave for Naval Air Station Key West after Thanksgiving.