Does anyone save RV antifreeze year to year

[ctcamper]

I was debating whether or not to save it for next year. At the very least I figure I can dump the used into the traps and tank and use a fresh batch for the pipes.
Does anyone do this?

[Gary RVRoamer]

I suppose you could. Or you could use a compressor and blow out the lines and not use antifreeze except for the traps.

[stephen44]

Originally Posted by Gary RVRoamer

I suppose you could. Or you could use a compressor and blow out the lines and not use antifreeze except for the traps.

i'm always worried about this - my pipes loop (i.e. have 'U' s in them- how do you ensure you don't get water left in the loop ?

Stephen

[ctcamper]

I use to blow out the lines on the last coach. My latest one is not as neatly plumbed and alot of it's buried where I can't get to it easily so I chose to fire some antifreeze in there instead. Plus I had to use antifreeze this year as I had to winterize on the road before coming home ( stop over in another state where I was subject to freezing temps before going home ) so it was the only way I could do it.

[Gary RVRoamer]

You need low pressure but high air volume to successfully blow out water lines. Move enough air and the water will go.

[TAZ]

I blow out the lines too. Have done it for 30 years. Only use antifreeze in the traps.

[Hikerdogs]

Originally Posted by ctcamper

I was debating whether or not to save it for next year. At the very least I figure I can dump the used into the traps and tank and use a fresh batch for the pipes.
Does anyone do this?

As cheap as the stuff is I wouldn't recommend reusing it. When you run it through the lines you supposedly push the water remaining in the pipes ahead of it and replace it with the antifreeze. Depending on how much water was in the system to start with there could some mixed with the antifreeze. The only difference between the water and the "antifreeze" is that the antifreeze doesn't expand when it freezes. It will turn to mush in below freezing temperatures and become almost solid at -20*.

Any water remaining in the mixture will also freeze, but unlike the antifreeze it will also expand. There likely won't be enough water mixed in the first time to cause any damage, but after reusing it a couple times you may dilute the mixture with enough water that it will expand when feeezing and cause damage.

If you read the bottle you'll notice that it's supposed to be installed full strength, not diluted like automobile antifreeze.

[Trudinator]

It's pretty cheap stuff; why would you want to take a chance on saving it from year to year? We blow out our lines too and just pour a bit in the traps. Worked like a charm.

[ctcamper]

Takes me about 12-16 dollars worth of antifreeze to do the coach I may save the old antifreeze then,to dump into the black tank, on the way back north , if I go out again for a month in the winter. Keep a couple of gallons in the bathroom for flushing purposes ... and flush it out after I get back. I have heard of rock salt being used for this purpose also.


This article brings up my biggest worry with air compressors even though I did it for years... any contaminants in the compressor air ( oil etc... ) will be blown into the system. We take so much care to use potable water hoses so as not to impart any off taste into our plastic pipe and tank systems.....



http://ezinearticles.com/?RV-Winteri...ow?&id=3353447

[wa8yxm]

Well. when I wintered in Michigan I saved RV-Antifreeze by using the dry method (Blow the lines out, with air,, Several times (Blow, pause, blow, pause....... many times) Use pink stuff in drains and toilets.

Now I save even more RV-antifreeze by winterizing with the S method (Drive SOUTH till freezing is not a problem.. The full method calls for strapping a snow blower on the front of the rig and when someone says "What the {deleted} is that thing?) you have found parking.)

This brings up a comment on an old thread "Can I use very expensive automotive antifreeze instead of very inexpensive (Relative) RV-Antifreeze.. NO You can not.

But note that at the time the question was ask, "Pink Stuff" was selling for 1-2 dollars a gallon, Automatovie, 8-12.

[ctcamper]

LOL I like the S method! however the four letter W gets in the way.... hehe

[TAZ]

When I retire I plan to us the S and SW method.

[Darrel]

Call me cheap but I do. I blow out the lines and I'me sure that would be safe. Buuuuttt after about a week I decide I'll sleep better if the pink stuff goes through the pipes.
However after the pipes and traps are "pinked" I drain the pipes using the low point drains and catch about a gallon for next year.

Have a nice day - Darrel

[Mr_D]

Originally Posted by stephen44

i'm always worried about this - my pipes loop (i.e. have 'U' s in them- how do you ensure you don't get water left in the loop ?

Stephen

You don't, that's why there are people that come here every year and say they blew the lines out but they still froze and broke.