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Old 08-14-2015, 06:03 PM   #1
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How much antifreeze in freshwater tank

Newbie here. Reading thru our SMB owner’s manual and one thing that is not clear: how many gallons of RV antifreeze is needed to winterize a Type B RV in a climate like Iowa?

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Old 08-14-2015, 08:03 PM   #2
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Re: How much antifreeze in freshwater tank

Does it have a low-point drain?

I don't put any anti-freeze in my fresh tank, and only a couple cups (using each drain) in each of the waste tanks since the waste lines can't be blown out like the fresh lines. My trailer has two kitchens and it takes about 1/2-gallon overall each time I winterize (again, blowing out the entire fresh water system).
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Old 08-14-2015, 09:15 PM   #3
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Re: How much antifreeze in freshwater tank

I've always tried to avoid that in my own boats (and RV's) and also the same at the boatyard. Reason is that even the pink, non-toxic anti-freeze leaves an aftertaste and foams *forever* when it comes time to use the tank again. And the tank itself shouldn't have a problem as there is tons of expansion space if it's been drained.

We'd usually blow out lines and drain the pump, then add a small amount of anti-freeze (or Vodka in not-very-cold climates) in case there is any water in low points. No anti-freeze in the tank.

Also, drain and bypass the water heater vs. putting any anti-freeze in it, if you have one.

That's what I'd do anyway.
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Old 08-14-2015, 09:46 PM   #4
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Re: How much antifreeze in freshwater tank

I wouldn't use antifreeze. Just use compressed air and blow the lines out and empty the tank. If you want to prevent growth in the tank, add some alcohol (>1%) to kill most anything that will grow in the dark.

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Old 08-17-2015, 03:06 PM   #5
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Re: How much antifreeze in freshwater tank

Compressed air, extra drain points and when necessary, vodka. Never use the RV antifreeze either. I'm sure I've got some posts about it, search vodka and my username.
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Old 08-17-2015, 03:08 PM   #6
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Re: How much antifreeze in freshwater tank

Move someplace warmer?
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Old 08-19-2015, 10:46 AM   #7
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Re: How much antifreeze in freshwater tank

Quote:
Originally Posted by jage
Compressed air, extra drain points and when necessary, vodka. Never use the RV antifreeze either. I'm sure I've got some posts about it, search vodka and my username.
+1

I put a little rv anti-freeze down the sink so the trap doesn't freeze up.

I also leave all faucets wide open after the compressed air. Works great, no issues.
Haven't used vodka, at least in the fresh tank
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