Using Toilet in Winter?

[tdeloughry]

Hi,

Each winter with our old Class B Pleasureway Sprinter, I would first dump the tanks, bypass the heater, and winterize all the lines.

But I would continue to use the toilet all winter by flushing it with windshield wiper fluid. It was cheaper than the pink stuff used for fresh water systems, and would keep the black water from freezing.

We're just beginning our first winter with a new Thor Four Winds 22 E (We love it!). But before using windshield wiper fluid to flush our toilet, I wanted to check in with all of you to see if there might be some problem I'm not aware of. ...Or if others had another system to use the toilet all winter.

Thanks!!

Tom

[Tom-NC]

Hi,

When we owned our 87 Minnie Winie I used to use windshield washer to flush the toilet all winter as we used RV to go skiing. It worked great and if the tank froze we put in water softener salt to thaw it out so we could dump it. Didn't have any water in the lines or tanks.

Now in our 04 coach the compartments where the lines and tanks are are heated which is nice.

Enjoy your Winter camping!

[Poptop]

I used the windshield fluid stuff (-20 degrees) for several years in my first MH but eventually the toilet needed a new seal to keep the fluid in the bowel. The guy that replaced the seal said the alcohol? in the fluid was hard on the seal. Since then I use the pink stuff (-50 degree) diluted 50% with water. That cuts the cost in half and is freeze resistant enough to do the job. Works for me anyway. Enjoy

[JesseJ1826]

Keep in mind that when it comes time to dump your tanks and you are in a campground that uses a septic system, the alcohol in windshield washer antifreeze will degrade the action of the system. Let's be responsible RV'ers and have some consideration for campground owners.

[Bug512]

Might want to watch the windshield washer fluid as it is flammable.

MSDS Sheet

["007"]

Use the pink stuff less of a problem with freezing and affecting your tank valves plumbing and always leave pink stuff in bowel to protect your toilet seal whether using the toilet or not.
What you think you may save may cost you more in long run, don't light a cigarette while using toilet.

[BobGed]

RV anti freeze at Walmart in my area is <$3.00/gal. At a 50% dilution rate that's <$1.50/gal. Pretty inexpensive in my book.

[Bruce C]

Originally Posted by BobGed

RV anti freeze at Walmart in my area is <$3.00/gal. At a 50% dilution rate that's <$1.50/gal. Pretty inexpensive in my book.

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