Winterizing without antifreeze, again

[stevescrook]

Thanks Glenn, good to know!

[gordon2]

Originally Posted by barisad

I was told another reason to use antifreeze is that it keeps your seals lubricated. Especially the seal in the toilet.

As I understand it, there are two versions of products used as RV antifreeze.. Ethanol (alcohol) based, and Propylene Glycol based. The latter does provide some lubrication and protection for the seals, but the former will actually degrade the seals. Now to add confusion, my Walmart SuperTech branded AF lists these ingredients:

Water, Ethyl Alcohol, Propylene Glycol, dye and Dipotassium Phosphate.

IIRC ingredient listings are supposed to be in order from most to least, so the SuperTech AF is mostly water, then mostly Ethyl Alcohol, then Propylene Glycol, etc.. But in what percentage I do not know, so how good (or bad) it is for the plumbing I also dont know. Some shops claim to use only Propylene Glycol. But my spectrum analyzer is broken so I would not be able to verify that claim on my trailer.

[David Prast]

Since nearly all compressors are equipped with a regulator, all you really need is a connection between the air line and the water line. I use a short piece of old garden hose and a male air fitting secured with a hose clamp. I drain the trap at sink, suck out the water in the shower trap and blow out the water lines. I believe the antifreeze has an unpleasant odor that permeates the trailer during storage. I plug the shower drain since it is so close to the grey water tank to prevent odor from the tank infiltrating the trailer. The roof vent will draw the odors from the grey water tank to atmosphere. It is not right or correct but it works for me.

[Chris Z]

Here is a thought for the frugal. I put AF and pump it thru the lines then I blow it out but catch it into a pan and reuse next year. Put some into the drains. Never had a problem.