What is reason to keep antifreeze in system all winter?

[Deleted User]

I'm just curious..... after you add antifreeze to plumbing system, is it necessary to keep it in there the whole winter? Why not run it through good and drain it out soon after? 

Denny16

Putting the RV antifreeze in and then pumping it back out is not going to gain much, except flush out any water.  Those thst use antifreeze put it in and leave it there to keep lines and valves from freezing in cold climates.  

Your other option is to drain and blow out the water lines, and just add a bit of antifreeze to get into the tank drain valves, which are the most problematic freeze damage areas.  I live in a temperate climate, so we just drain out everything, and call it good.  

Cheers 

bergger

It certainly is an interesting question.  But I agree with Denny16.  In a moderate climate it may be fine to use it to push water out then drain it.  But it does not hurt to keep it in and can only help if you get an unexpected really cold snap.  However in my case it is definitely needed.  It is rare over the winter that we get a night above 20 degrees, mostly low teens and single digits and negative ones not uncommon.  Normal RV antifreeze, like Camco -50, is fine in most cases but I actually use Prestone -100 here.   I have a bottle of Camco and Super Tech outside under the trailer not being used.  The Super Tech freezes every night and if it gets close to -10 it freezes solid.  The Camco is a little better but not much.  The Prestone has much better freeze/burst protection.  This is the first winter I've had the T@b here over a full winter.  I hope it survives the winter ok and everything is good come spring time!  

[Deleted User]

I guess I'm thinking though that once you flush the system with antifreeze then there is nothing left in the camper to freeze up even if you drained out all the AF. Of course, once it's in there why not leave it. I agree.  I was just wanting to get the AF out of the Alde right away. I think i can do that though by opening up the yellow flapper valves. I'm annoyed my dealer put it in there but I found out why they do it....convenience! They have a winterizing machine that hooks up to the city water connection and blows it out first and then fills with AF.  There is no way to bypass the Alde doing it that way.  I found clear water in the filter cup on the water pump and I called to ask why it wasn't pink and that's when he explained they run the pump until stops pumping and the blow out passes over that cup without getting the water out of it. 

I ended up getting an antifreeze shower too! I was moving the mattresses into the shower temporarily so I could get under the bed and I hit the shower lever and AF sprayed everywhere!  Thank God the mattresses were still covered in plastic!!!! 

Dutch061

It is amazing to what length people will go to not do things the correct way. They would rather spend more in materials than do it right. This unfortunately is a typical attitude of "not mine" or "it doesn't cost me anything" thoughts that a lot of employees have in today's workplace.

On the other hand, this task might be performed by an entry level person and rather than try to educate them (which would be the correct thing to do), they are provided a blanket set of instructions on doing it knowing that material costs would be higher but there is less risk of damage by freezing.

Brad

[Deleted User]

yes, I think in the case of my dealer its the training issue and the need for a set procedure for all their models.  They still drop the ball though because they could have the salesman or the the shop guy just say hey, don't run the Alde until you can flush out the AF.  I guess though that would trigger more questions from the owner about why didn't they bypass the Alde in the first place....like I did!  Guy gave me a deer in the headlights look when I said you're not supposed to run the Alde with AF in it.  Sad though because new owners are not going to know this is a big no no.  I have a friend picking up a 400 next week from them and he was planning to dry camp near the dealer for couple nights to make sure everything was ok before he heads back to North Carolina.  I had to tell him they put AF in the Alde and he can't use it and the heat pump is only good to about 40.  Its way colder than that in PA right now.   I did suggest he could ask them to drain it, flush it, and then re-winterize using the Nautilus. 

CamperQue

I am scheduled to pick up the Tab 400 next week and I asked the salesman to relay to the service technician not to run the Alde if there is AF in the Alde however I am concerned that they may start up the Alde before I can get there, hope not. I had planned to stop and camp a night or two to check out everything but without draining, flushing and re winterizing it may prevent it. By chance if they do start up the Alde with AF in the system are there any suggestions to help eliminate potential issues or I am just being overly concerned.
Thanks for the help
 

Michigan_Mike

Your best bet is to call the dealership and ask to speak to the service technician and discuss it with him.  I know it’s frustrating for people on some of these issues and unfortunately many forum members are better versed than some employees because people stay tuned in on forum discussions, etc.  But discussing an issue and conveying your concerns and knowledge is beneficial for everyone involved.  I’ve had similar encounters with tire techs who were not made aware that it is unacceptable to place a floor Jack under a trailer axle as it can cause damage to the axle.  

I’ve never used RV antifreeze in my water system (other than the gray and black tanks and traps) as I’ve found that it’s easier to use a small compressor to remove water from my lines. But on the flip side I think people should perform this task in a tried and true manner that works best for them, whether it be RV antifreeze, Vodka or an air compressor.  I have to chuckle as I’ve heard some small trailer owners claim they have pumped vodka up through their water tank to treat their lines, while enjoying it in the spring.  😂👍🏻 

CamperQue

thanks- I will call and see if can speak with the service technician, it is just frustrating.