Last Updated on September 10, 2022 by Douglas
How do you flush antifreeze out of a camper?
The easiest method is to flush the RV antifreeze out by running fresh water through the water system, either through the city water inlet or the fresh water holding tank, using the water pump. Open all of the faucets (hot and cold) and run fresh water through the system until it flows clear.[1]
How do I Dewinterize my RV?
Simply sprinkle baking soda directly into each drain or dissolve it in water and pour it down the drains. Flush the system again until the water tastes clean. Instead of using your RV water pump to flush antifreeze from your camper’s water system, you can also use a garden hose or city water supply.[2]
What happens if you get RV antifreeze in your water heater?
It is not going to hurt anything. Next spring, just fill and then drain the WH. If there is still a little bit in there, you will just notice a small bit of “foaming” in the hot water but it will not last long and with a couple tanks of use, will be gone.[3]
How many gallons of antifreeze do I need to winterize my camper?
You’ll need at least 2 to 3 gallons of RV antifreeze depending on the size of your rig. b) Use your RV’s internal water pump. If you use the water pump, you’ll need to install a pump bypass kit if it’s not already equipped since it draws from the RV’s fresh water tank and you don’t want antifreeze in there.[4]
Should I put RV antifreeze in freshwater tank?
Do not pour antifreeze into your fresh water tank to run it through the pump into your water system. This will take a lot of antifreeze and is not very efficient. Even when the tank is drained there remains some water in the bottom of the tank which mixes with the antifreeze and lessens its protection level.[5]
When should you Dewinterize a travel trailer?
Once temperatures get above freezing, anti-freeze is no longer necessary, so you’ll need to de-winterize your RV plumbing. Beyond removing antifreeze from your RV’s plumbing, the de-winterizing process should include checks and inspections of several exterior and interior systems.[6]
Can RV antifreeze be dumped on the ground?
No, you shouldn’t dump RV antifreeze on the ground, even if it says it’s non-toxic and biodegradable. Because it is a still chemical material, dumping RV antifreeze on the ground will be harmful to the environment on many levels. Often, materials used in RV antifreeze are flammable too.[7]
Can I use my camper after I winterize it?
And yes, you can still use your RV while it’s winterized! If you’re boondocking or camping in very cold places, you can winterize your RV and still go camping. You won’t be able to fill your fresh water tank or water heater, so you’ll need to rely on careful use of water jugs and antifreeze.[8]
How long does it take to de winterize a camper?
This process may take a few hours, or up to a few days, depending on the size or your batteries. If your RV has more than four batteries, allow an overnight charge just to be on the safe side. Charging your batteries is an important step in dewinterizing an RV.[9]
Can I put antifreeze in my black tank?
While in use – when using antifreeze while the RV is in use, you should only add antifreeze to the black and gray tanks (never add it to the freshwater tank while in use) and you’ll likely need to keep adding antifreeze to maintain effectiveness.[10]
Is it safe to drink RV antifreeze?
RV antifreeze is used in the plumbing systems of your RV while automotive antifreeze is used in your car’s coolant system. RV antifreeze is always less toxic, as automotive antifreeze completely and totally poisonous and should never be consumed.[11]
Is RV antifreeze necessary?
Most Sure-Fire Way to Protect Plumbing From Freezing in Cold Climates. No matter how you slice it, the most sure-fire way to protect your rig’s plumbing system from freezing is to use RV antifreeze. This is especially true if you’ll be storing (or using) your rig in (extended) sub-freezing temperatures for the winter.[12]